Little Dirt Lane

GIVEAWAY RESULTS - plus a little curve ball of my crazy life! PIC Heavy...

2011-04-09T22:47:00.000-04:00

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

Moriah Betterly of MLB Studios! Congrats - you are Delia's new mum! I wish I could make a Delia for everyone - but I hope to do giveaways more often. Thank you so much everyone for your sweet comments - I appreciate each and everyone of you!

So - let's chat. I need some help everyone. I am having an issue with juggling. By juggling I mean - chickens, photography, dolls, blogging, ACOL, and CDA Prim Studio. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day. One option I won't be taking is getting rid of any of the things above because I love them all so dearly. Any suggestions? I do have this fancy iPhone that I could use to do something - the stinkin' thing does everything but wash the dishes. Can you even imagine my dishes with all of the things that I have to do??? I miss my friends too. I love to chat and talk with everyone and one of my favorite things to do is to pop over to your blogs and see what you are doing. I have not had a spare moment and I sincerely apologize from the bottom of my heart - I truly do miss all of you!!!

I went on vacation. Yes - me - I did it. I have never been on vacation before - so this was supposed to be a very fun thing, but it turned into a bittersweet experience. Where Paul and I had a wonderful time together - I missed my darling little ones...they were safe with Nama (well, spoiled rotten with Nama) but I still found myself thinking about them the whole time. Paul and I went to Atlanta, Georgia to see the WWE Hall of Fame and Wrestmania 27 - it was a blast! Here are some pictures of us. Paul was thrilled that I put on makeup and dressed in something other than my very comfy hot pink fluffy robe - lol...he said I was the "hot gf" on vacation. I wonder what he calls me when I am in the robe with no makeup and a hair-do like a rooster???

Paul and I

I am going to get my @$$ kicked for sure - but here is my beautiful Nama - isn't she so pretty?!

I have 20 baby chicks in the brooder box...and we still have an incubator jam packed full of eggs...the most soothing sound in the world to me is the sound of baby chicks peeping away!

I have a photo shoot tomorrow. Gosh I love photo shoots! This one is for a 6-month old baby boy...I am going to dig around the house and try to find some good props to use. Any suggestions?? I see chef hat and bowl of flour! I took some pics of Chasie this weekend - I gave him a new haircut - he wanted to look like "The Miz" - he has been walking around the house saying that he is "AWESOME" - I love teaching him these things - haha...

Look how big Mr. Heely is getting...I swear - he is a pain in the butt - but isn't he the cutest!?

My pal Jasper the Chinese Crested Powderpuff has to find a new home. I have been fostering him now for almost 2 years. He deserves a quiet home where he can be the center of attention. He is a sweet heart - he had a very hard start at life. He was a puppy mill boy who was abused. He is still a bit afraid of men, but I think that he has overcome almost all of his battles now. Now he just needs a warm cozy lap and someone to love forever. He is for adoption - do you know anyone who would want to cuddle with Mr. Jasper Jones?

Nice chatting this evening - I miss you guys - help motivate me...I am a pitiful soul!

XOXO Jess

Where have I been you ask? Heck if I know!

2011-03-30T17:50:00.000-04:00

Well - here I am - have you missed me? Shoot - I have missed myself! I have been a bit under the weather and I got 3 whole weeks of relaxation. Yeah right - I am totally lying. Me? Relax? That will never happen! The kiddos have been sicky - I have been nurse Jess...chickens have hatched, Paulie got a flock of chickens (I guess he figured if you can't beat 'em, join 'em! We have been super busy and now it is time for my dolls to come back to life!

I am extending the giveaway until April 5th - I have some business on the 1st and I wasn't even thinking (as usual) so if you haven't entered the giveaway you have a bit more time :)

I wanted to share with you something really cool that I did...also I wanted to show off my pal Annie's beautiful creations! Have you visited Upstairs at Annie's yet? Well she just got a new blog design - by me - and you have to see how pretty her blog is!!! If anyone needs a blog design just give me a shout...

Here is her site:

http://upstairsatannies.blogspot.com

Look at what I just listed on Etsy...do you love her? I am just plain smitten!

Click here to see more pictures and learn more about her.

I am just beat and now after looking at Annie's blog I realized that her's is prettier than mine! Haha...I need to update...so - so long for now....I will be back sooner than later! One more thing...Check out this kid that hatched - it has a special demeanor huh?

XOXO Jess

Let the sunshine in! Open the windows and bask! Dance in the rain if it is raining - happy happy!

What sound does a bunny make???

2011-03-07T22:36:00.000-05:00

I was trying to announce this post with a sound - but really - what the heck kind of sound does a bunny make?? Yeah - me either...

I have to be quick - I am on a bunny roll here...sewing, stuffing, wrestling...well - watching wrestling...

I made a new girl today!

Her name is Clara Bell Bunny - She is 12" tall made of osnaburg that has been stained, baked and sanded. She is wearing a gorgeous dress decorated in whimsical birds and pantaloons to match by Nama. Her face is hand-painted and shaded - her ears are wired and hand-embroidered. The pattern is a new Little Dirt Lane Original!

She is on Etsy...click here to see her page.

Kaeli did a photoshoot - It was a "Mom Shoot". My hair is finally growing! Paulie likes my hair to be "feathered" - isn't that what we used to do in the 80's???

So - Paulie came home with a cat...no preparation - but the poor guy was headed off to death row - so he was saved. He is a Maine Coon - isn't he gorgeous. We named him Jeffrey. Nama thinks Jeffrey is a terrible name for a cat. I think it is distinguished...and boy is he that!

Anyway - off to the room to stuff away my blues...

Have fun!

XOXO Jess

FINALLY - I stopped procrastinating...bunny finished and online...whew!

2011-03-05T16:33:00.000-05:00

Well today has been very eventful...I bought a new plant...yes - I will kill it now. That is what I always do - but I start out with good intentions :)

Do you want to meet Clover? You do? Ok - here she is...she is my very first piece created with osnaburg. I really liked working with it!

Clover is 11" and has been stained with coffee and vanilla and then baked and sanded....lots of work went into this girl! Her little ears have been overlayed with stained muslin and embroidered around the edges, then they were distressed with ink. Her dress is another Nama FABULOUSO piece - love the little flower on the corner! Of course she has on pantaloons trimmed in cotton lace...Nama says they all need panties! Clover's face is painted with acrylics and shaded with pencils - she is my original design!

Here is her Etsy Page...she would love for you to visit her!

Have fun guys - I have to vacuum now...my hand cracked open earlier...just like a spring egg...I need to slow down a bit...my hands are so sore!

XOXO Jess

I am dead stinkin' tired...

2011-03-05T00:13:00.001-05:00

WOW - it has been a rough 48-hours...website work galore. I finished the new and improved and very fabulous Little Dirt Lane website...You guys know me - I am into a million things at once, so I needed a home for all of it...I was exhausted running from one place to another, so I built Little Dirt Lane's home sweet home.

http://littledirtlane.com

I LOVE IT!

I also built ACOL a home sweet home...it is still in progress and I think it will forever be in progress...but it is the thought that counts right? LOL.

http://artisanscreating.com

Today was Dr. Seuss day at school for Kaeli...look at how cute she is! Plus she got a super cute little haircut and is jumping and jiving now. She is excited not to have tangles...very excited.

I am working on a prim piece guys...I will need your feedback on this one...it is a bunny...she is lying faceless on the table with a gorgeous dress on...awww...well one day I will show her to you when she can see you back!

Ree is having a giveaway - you know Reezy - the really amazingly gorgeous lady that likes her tea...Tipsy Tea...Tipsy Teacup Creations....ok you get the point.

http://reepeas.blogspot.com/

Click above to enter her giveaway....my gracious they are cute!

Guess what my fabulous bf bought me for Ash Wednesday...hahaha...we had to come up with a good excuse for it...

Brendi Doll's (click to go to her blog) Adorable Spring Bunny...lord have mercy help me - I am going to sleep with this thing...

I think that's all for the night...exhausted...swollen fingers and toes...I just want peace....

XOXO Jess

Another Doll - Another Day - Sunbathing Chicks- and a GIVEAWAY!

2011-03-01T14:18:00.000-05:00

How do you like my rhyming skills? I know - I know - I can do it all...lol.

I decided to share a few things with ya this morning. My inspiration and motivation is at it's peak. Why you ask? Well it is because life is fabulous...(I have never been able to say that before).

So in celebration of my fabulous life - I am hosting a giveaway! Yay!

I have decided that Delia will be traveling to meet her new mum on April 1st -

Here is Delia...

If you would like to be Delia's mum this is what you have to do...

You have to be a follower...that's all!

I will give you and extra chance at winning Delia if you post this button on your blog and link it to the giveaway.

I will give you another chance at winning if you post my giveaway on facebook or twitter.

Just leave comments below for each thing that you do for your chance!

I will be drawing names on April 1st - one month from now - hopefully we will have 300-followers!

Ok - HAD to show you this...sunbathing chicks...how freakin' cute are they...look at the one with his leg stretched out!

One more thing...I have been out of control creating. I have a box of unfinished doll parts and lately I have been scavenging through the box and finishing things up...this is what I put together last night...isn't she cute!?

She is on Etsy...click here to visit her page.

I wanted to share a picture of Evelyn and Horace too...she is lonely - she is wondering when she will get to go home....She has her friend Horace...but she was hoping for a mummy...

Visit Evelyn here on Etsy.

Have fun today guys! I have chickens hatching an itsy bitsy on the sewing machine to stitch up and a VERY filthy house...uggghhh. I didn't clean for 2 days...so you know what that means. Total destruction. I have to pick one - cleaning or dolls...both is impossible!

Have fun!

XOXO Jess

Today is challenge day for me - I finished them all!! Go Jessi-poo!

2011-02-28T10:49:00.000-05:00

ACOL had a 40's challenge...here is what Nama and I created...

Meet Jessie! Jessie was made for a 40's challenge. Her dress was made by the fabulous Nama to replicate a lovely 40's style dress. Under that cute skirt are a tiny pair of short linen pantaloons!

Jessie was made from tea-stained muslin and her face is hand-painted and shaded with artist pencils. Her little shoes are painted red to replicate Dorothy's ruby slippers. She is holding a matching pinwheel (a toy that was popular in the 40's). Jessie is 11" tall and her cute little short pigtails are made from hand-spun and dyed wool.

She was created using a fantastic little pattern by Maureen of Sweet Meadows Farm.

SHE IS FOR SALE - CLICK HERE.

Next is my challenge for CDA -Rag Doll Pastel Challenge...

Meet Easter Lily - she is something else isn't she? All dressed in her special little pastel dress with TONS of different prints on it! She is wearing the cutest little pantaloons trimmed in lace under that special dress. Her face has been shaded and hand-painted and she is all ready for a special egg hunt!

Lily is 10" tall and is made from muslin that has been stained with coffee and vanilla and then baked. She is wearing the cutest little felt hat with a flower on the front!

Lily's pigtails are made of handspun and dyed wool and are pink to match the "pastelness" of her dress - oh Lily you are all ready for Easter!

Lily is made from a Little Dirt Lane pattern and is signed and dated.

SHE IS FOR SALE, CLICK HERE.

Here I made a new Tiny Dancer Doll - This is Ella - Bella's sister...lol...

This is a new Little Dirt Lane design. Little Ella is made of muslin that has been stained with coffee and vanilla, then baked and sanded lightly. Bella's face has been hand-painted and shaded with artist pencils. Bella's body suit has been painted on in a lovely bright red color and she is wearing a full red and white tutu with matching ties in her hair. Ella's hair is made of wool roving and has been needle felted to her head. Her shoes are so cute! She is wearing little red ballerina slippers! These have been painted on. Little Ella stands 6" tall and she comes equipped with a red string that she hangs from.

SHE IS FOR SALE, CLICK HERE.

Now for the family life...big, fun things happening here...do you wanna know???

Well - first off - the silkies are laying me eggs! I have 10 eggs in the incubator - yay!

Second...I got the bf an early birthday present...you wanna see?

We named him "Heel Heat". We call him "Heely". Those of you who know wrestling (which is the bf's favorite), there are heels and babyfaces...the heels are the bad guys, baby faces good guys...the dog is a aussie, blue heeler cross, and when they herd they go after the "heel" of the animal...so it was only appropriate to name him Heel...I love him. He is a smart boy!

That's all for now guys...I hope your day is filled with sunshine and smiles...I feel back to normal now...I wonder how long this motivation will last? Hopefully FOREVER!

xoxo JESS

Wow - What a week! Lots of pics to share with my pals!

2011-02-23T20:20:00.000-05:00

Well - this week has been super duper chaotic...but you guys know me - the more chaotic, the more "normal" I feel. So - I went to the fabulous Books-A-Million this week and looked at thousands of very overpriced books. I am super frugal - so I took notes in my phone on what I wanted. I found a book - it was one of those things where it jumped out and said "HELLO - ARE YOU SEEING ME?" So I picked it up and the title is "Refuse to Choose - Use all of your interests, passions, and hobbies to create the life and career of your dreams". Am I thrilled - um I would say YES! I started reading this book thinking there was something terribly wrong with me. I started crafting back in 2005 - I made dog collars and I produced hand-made dog shampoos and perfume sprays that were safe for the pups. The going got tough and I got interested in something else, so I quit and started something else. Let me give you a description of my past job history, you will love this...

-sandwich artist

-bank teller

-receptionist

-administrative assistant

-administrative assistant of special projects

-executive assistant

-loan processor

-mastercard approval manager

-account manager

-time share salesman

-cosmetologist at 4 different salons

-Drive thru lady (not fun...this was short lived)

I am sure I am forgetting some...I mean it...this is serious guys. I am 29 years old. I am starting school soon, I am running a chicken farm, I am a doll maker and designer, I am the Prim Doll Studio Coordinator for CDA, I am the founder and member of ACOL, I am a mother, and a domestic house lady too...soooooooo....do you think I am crazy?

Well - I sure did for a long time. I would start something because it sounded good, when I got good at it I got bored and moved on to the next thing...thank God I am not bored being a mother!!! Haha...

This book says I am not crazy. It says there are lots of people in the world just like me and we all think that we are crazy until we read this book. I now have a definition. Jess is what they call a "Scanner". Let me tell you what that is. Barbara Sher (the author of Refuse to Choose) states that a Scanner loves to read and write, to fix and invent things, to design projects and businesses, to cook and sing, and to create the perfect dinner party. Barbara doesn't use the word "or" because Scanners don't love to do one thing or another, they like to do all of these things simultaneously. To Scanners the world is like a big candy store full of fascinating opportunities and all they want is to reach out and stuff their pockets. The problem is Scanners are starving in the candy store because the believe that they are only allowed to pursue one path. That is what society has shown them. This book is going to help me organize all of my crazy tangents and simplify my life all the while doing the things I love. Now I am stoked guys...I am also happy that not everyone thinks the Jess is completely off her rocker!!!

Ok - let me tell you what I have been up to. I had a vision of a tiny angel doll with wings. I wanted to coffee stain her and I knew what she looked like in my head. But when I made her - she was a ballerina. Go figure. These things always happen to me. The dolls really create themselves!

Here she is - Little Bella Tiny Dancer. She has already been adopted, but I did something special for you....

I created a PATTERN! Go here to Etsy to purchase it. She is only 6" tall. Here is the fun part. She is 1 piece! No sewing arms, legs and head to the body...you just sew it up and stuff her...sounds great huh!?

I also finished this little itsy bitsy girl and sent her to her new home...

Now - Chicken time...

Look what hatched down the little dirt lane...

A new baby...

I went out to the chicken coop last night...this is what I said to those lazy silkie girls. "Look ladies...I feed you, clean your pen, make sure you have fresh water, give you steak and baked potatoes as snacks, and what do you do for me? Well, NOTHING...I want to see some eggs in here girls..."

This morning, I went to let them out and there was a teeny little silkie egg in the corner. It was one of my new girls and it was their very first egg...It is in the incubator. I will let you know in 21 days if we have a new chickie friend with an afro!

Ok - I am babbling today...I have LOTS of dolls to make. I think I am going to sew up a bunch of ballerina bodies and watch Merlin on the couch...

OHHHHHHHHHHHHH - how could I forget. Guess who I met today...I don't know if you know him or not...Kurt Angle! He is an olympic gold medalist and a HUGE Wrestling Superstar! Look at the pics! Paulie, Kaeli, Chase and I all got autographed pictures. We also met Crimson. He is a new TNA wrestler...he is smoking...shhhhh don't tell Paul I said that - haha - even standing next to the hottie with the body my sweet Paulie is still the sun in my sky! Awwwww - I gagged a little - that was corny...haha.

Love you guys - I am off to do some serious stuffin'

XOXO Jessie Wessie

Here Come the Bride...not me guys...the doll - what on Earth are you thinking??? Haha.

2011-02-15T16:36:00.000-05:00

New dollie today...boy this one was fun and Nama freakin' ROCKS - look at the dress! She made the dress, veil, lace panties and the pretty bouquet of flowers. She is fabulous!

So...let me tell you a bit about the doll...

Meet Elizabeth. Today is her wedding day. Isn't she stunning?

Elizabeth is made of tea-stained muslin. She stands 11" tall and stands well on her own with a bit of propping. Elizabeth's face is hand-painted and shaded with artist colored pencils. Her shoes are too, they are ivory ballet flats with a thin strap and are dusted with diamond glitter.

Elizabeth has tons of surprises, but let's talk about her beautiful gown. It is made of lace with a lovely satin lining inside. She has a delicate flower adorning the bodice of the dress. Her veil also has matching mini flowers along the top. Underneath her gorgeous lace gown she has on matching lace pantaloons and a little tiny white garderbelt with pearls.

Did you see Elizabeth's hands? She has a lovely little gold ring on her finger and she is holding her pretty bouquet of flowers tied with a golden ribbon.

Elizabeth's rich red hair is completely needle-felted and is made of hand-dyed wool roving. She has pin curls surrounding the front of her head and a large bun in the back.

Elizabeth was made from an original Little Dirt Lane pattern. I love My Raggedy Dolls eye's so I added a touch of My Raggedy Dolls to this pattern.

Elizabeth is on Etsy.

Click here to visit her.

Have a great day guys - I am going to clean, clean, clean - or at least that is what I am planning to do, but I am Miss Procrastination...so who knows what I will do instead!

XOXO Jess

Yawn....what a week. There were traumatic events down the Little Dirt Lane.

2011-02-10T00:02:00.001-05:00

I will keep this short - because I am drooling a bit and my eyes keep rolling back in my head - lol.

This week was not very much fun. I haven't touched a doll in days - I have hardly logged in on the computer. It has been rough. I came outside a couple mornings in a row to find my chickens slaughtered. Now you all know how much I love my chickens...it was a serious ordeal. We had to hold funeral services. So - I have spent the past 3 days rebuilding my chicken coop and reinforcing my fencing. I am not kidding you when I say that my hands are bleeding. It actually hurts to type...OUCH - see?

Finally I am almost finished with the pen - I just have to add electricity and everything will be A-OK again. Thank God for my bf...he has made life SOOOOOOOOO much better...at least I can laugh with him while I am getting skinned up.

Here are some updated pics of the chickens. I know you guys desperately miss seeing them, I bet many of you lose sleep because you don't see enough of them. Well now - everyone can rest a little easier - look below - your hearts desire - lmbo.

Woops...this is not a chicken - but it is my trustworthy old Aussie Maya...best dog in the world...I ♥ her.

I just finally finished up a doll that I have been working on for a week too - shame it took a week - she is so cute! She is a custom order and boy is she going to have a great home.

Good Night All...oh - here are a couple more pics...This is pic of the day...don't you wish you could skip like this?? Remember the days and embrace the memories :)

One more thing...look at my new pic...I believe I may be pretty close to fabulous - haha - but you already knew that!!!! LMBO.

XOXO Jess

I am such a lucky girl! You wanna see my new stuff???

2011-02-03T22:31:00.000-05:00

Gosh I am so excited!!!

I have been wanting to go to photography school. I can't yet. I have to have a SLR camera. They are WAAAAAAAAY expensive. So I have had to put my little dream on hold for a bit.

Today - I went on a little shopping trip. Nothing special - just general to do's...I went with my Chasie and my fab BF...I left the store with a DIVINE Nikon D80...knock me down and slap me silly...Oh it takes glorious pictures...look - see my Chase...

Oh - here I am...it is really cool - it even captured the real color of my eyes!

Look guys...here it is - The Little Dirt Lane...

My BF bought it as my birthday gift...that is one heck of a birthday surprise! See people - there are perks to edging towards 30...I don't care about the numbers - they don't mean squat to me...I am just here for all of the fun and that is exactly what I have been doing lately. Having fun!!!!

I designed a new doll - I just love her and her friend Horace...what do you think? I think I will make it a series, but not always with the bunny. Any suggestions on the series name?? I am stumped on this one.

Visit her on Etsy - she loves visitors!

Well - I am going to bed early...I have a special doll that I am finishing up in the morning and a college lady to chat with - OH YES!

XOXO Jess

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

Never frown because you never know when someone is falling in love with your smile.

Kaeli is my little artist...and a giveaway soon!

2011-01-29T18:57:00.000-05:00

Hola!

Just finished up dinner. We had hamburger steaks and homeade snap beans and potatoes tonight...I got an applause at the dinner table - haha...My BF and the kids were very impressed with my cooking - lol.

Kaeli finished up a new painting today - I swear, I wish I had the energy of this child. She has done about 20 drawings this week and now she is working on Valentine's Day Cards...here is her painting...it is on Etsy.

You can purchase a KaeliMarae Original for $12.00 + travel fare - she is so precious - lol.

Here is the link - give her some hearts - it makes her feel special, and every 6-year-old should feel special.

I am going to have a giveaway soon...we are approaching 300 followers - I think I may give away a cloth and wood sculpture...we'll see - only time will tell...well I have to clean up the dishes and finish up a doll...I have been slow on dolls the past couple of days. I got my car stuck at the end of the driveway. It has been raining and raining here and the ground was so soft. Well - (smarty pants me) decided to push the car out of the rut...yes, the me with rhematoid arthritis...I nearly killed myself and was in bed for an entire day with my back screaming at me...so the dolls have been on hold until I started to feel better. Well, I don't feel much better, but Mr. Jack Daniels is helping me cope - haha...sometimes we all need a little bit of help.

Have you ever googled "art doll"? Well - I did today and looked at the images...I have found so many wonderful blogs this way today...GORGEOUS work - it was fun for a bit.

I am getting my house back in order after the "move-out" and we have decided that the extra bedroom was to be the "animal room". You should see the spoiled rotten animals with their trees and HUGE kennels - toys and such laying all around... I should have made that room my office - it is much bigger!!!

I am finishing up my Mardi Gras piece for my challenge blog tonight too...my goodness...anyone want to lend me a pair of hands...? I could certainly use them!!

Well - have a wonderful evening all - I am off on my way to fun, fun, fun!

XOXO Jess

So tired...so tired...but I feel free!

2011-01-26T18:05:00.000-05:00

I am one of those people that I will help out a complete stranger even if I don't have the means to do it. That is exactly what I did. About 6 months ago I welcomed an older lady and her 5 dogs and 4 cats into my home to stay until she could get on her feet. I wasn't expecting that it would last 6 months - but hey, what can you do?

Today - she moved out - with ALL of those animals - and will be starting a new life. Which means...so will I! I feel like a free bird.

I wanted to show you my newest creation. I worked on this creation for days - sanding and painting, staining and baking, stuffing and sewing...and finally it has been created.

I was really proud of this piece because I made it not only a piece of art - but it is functional as well. It is a jewelry box - the purchaser also has the option of having their name put on the heart. I love the face on this doll...this was fun and I loved finding little things to decorate it with along the way. This piece is almost 12" tall and 6" wide.

Here is the Etsy Listing - check here for more pictures.

I really want to go to bed - but I have tons of cleaning to do - TONS - and laundry - oh how I despise laundry...

XOXO jess

Finally...oh finally - I am finished...To God Be the Glory...TUTORIAL

2011-01-25T17:00:00.000-05:00

It was raining. I could hear the little drips and drops all morning and it was peaceful. And it was quiet. So I decided to sit down and do something that required concentration. And I did it, and did it well.

Now - I will share with you...

Do you know how I create these fabulous banners and buttons? With PowerPoint 2007. Yep - I'm serious.

I don't even own Adobe Photoshop - but everyone asks me what version I use, lol.

There are tips and tricks that you can use to create banners and buttons just as nice as a professional designer using Photoshop.

These are the things that I make with PowerPoint.

-Blog Banners

-Blog Buttons (contact me, mailing list, etc.)

-Blog Giveaway Buttons

-Etsy Banners

-Book Covers

and TONS of other things.

I don't know what I would do without my PowerPoint!!!

I have created a tutorial for you - it is VERY detailed and easily explained with TONS of screenshots.

It will teach you how to make banners exactly like I do! I even have a section that tells you where to get your fonts and graphics.

This is available in my Etsy Shop - click here - the tutorial is $7.50 just like my patterns.

Here are some of the things I have made in the past...

I have worked so hard on this today - I hope you guys enjoy it! I wanted to share!!

XOXO Jess

I'm freezing...but I am hot on dolls!!!

2011-01-25T00:20:00.000-05:00

Hey, Hey!!! I have to be quick - my foot is asleep - my hand is freezing from being on the stupid mouse all night and the pinched nerve in my shoulder has me looking like the hunchback....someone call a doctor - lol.

I wanted to show you two little girls...

I am so proud of this one. I wanted to create a "pretty" folk art doll. I think I did it.

This is Tasha - oh I adore her. She is sitting on my bookshelf now with her little feet crossed hanging over the ledge...just peering at me...the pictures don't do her justice - I know - I am bragging...

Here is her Etsy page.

This is Coraline. I love her. Little black haired girl. LOVE the dress Nama put on her. The flower just makes it fab doesn't it?

Here is her Etsy page.

God Bless America I am whooped tonight. Oh dear. It is 12:16 - Nama is going to have my hide!!

Good Night - I mean morning...oops...I should have stopped working on my new sculpture hours ago!

XOXO Jess

Hey, Hey, What do you say?!

2011-01-21T23:24:00.000-05:00

I say yuck to this wine I am drinking...never again - this is yucky stuff...I love wine - but I don't know where they got the grapes from for this stuff! One more thing - what the heck is up with blogger's banners and pictures...everything is blurry...frustrating...

Just a quick post...

I have had some requests to start a weekly challenge blog. If you ever sit around unmotivated and procrastinate - then this is the blog for you. I have named the blog "We Are Challenged".

http://we-are-challenged.blogspot.com

We will do weekly challenges. This is not just for doll makers - this is for ANYONE who is creative in any way.

Challenges start this Sunday. They will just be fun things to do to keep your creative muse fed and happy :)

Here is our shareable button - please spread the word quickly - I would love to have at least a handful of people to play with next week...poor Jess is lonely!

XOXO Jess

Let's go shopping, let's go shopping...

2011-01-20T17:37:00.001-05:00

That is what I did today! Saks 5th Avenue? No...Gucci? No...Nordstrom's no?

Yeah right.

I went to a much more fabulous place. The thrift store. Oh yeah baby!

Forget about designer everything - things with history have much more appeal to me. I like a hankerchief with history...lol...lots of nose blows. I like a picture frame that has been hung for 50 years and a chair that has been sat on and the sun has faded it's velvet trim...I LOVE these things.

Today I went downtown. But now remember when I say downtown, I am not talking about in the city. I went downtown in the country...see - here is my downtown.

I went in the thrift shop and found some lovely things. Buttons, picture frames, an old antique velvet chair in pink - oh yes, I said pink. I found some fabrics and buttons and pearls and little odds and ends...I am a happy camper. I got 20 items for $20.47 - and remember - one of them is an antique chair...lol...I think I know how to shop! Fun day guys - lots of smiles and sunshine here! How was your day??

Let me share also my new doll...

Sunflower Annie - she is primitive...not my usual whimsy girl - but I love her! She is holding a sunflower that my Stephie of Little Mama's Primitives made! I love her! Both - the doll and the fab Stephie!

Here is her Etsy Page - just click here!

I am thinking about starting a challenge blog - where I will do weekly challenges, things that are fun and motivating and require us to use our creative energy. Shannon from Cinnamon Stitched Primitives thought this would be fun and keep everyone motivated and inspired. This would be for ACOL members and non members? What do you think guys...I need feedback before I can begin...

Have fun - smile a bunch!

XOXO Jess

First we'll talk positive and then.....well....

2011-01-19T22:25:00.000-05:00

I have been completely totally inspired lately. Working through the night to complete dolls and loving every minute of it...although my pajama pants say otherwise...they are the only thing getting worn lately...my jeans miss me terribly!

I finished two creations today...one cloth and wood sculpture that has already been sold, and one more owl...

Here is the sculpture...I called it "Sweet Love"...gosh I love making these! I get to use my creative energy and scavenge around the house to find little things to add to my little sculptures!

Here is my Valentine Owl - I love making these too - they feel so mixed media and whimsical...he makes me smile!

Here is his Etsy page...http://www.etsy.com/listing/66281985/valentine-owl-whimsical-little-hoot

In life when we are faced with a challenge, we strive to get through whatever it is that we are challenged with. Me - I create art. If I am presented with a challenge, I create. Creating releases my tension. Using the other side of my brain gives the challenged side a break for a while. I am challenged everyone. I won't tell you why - because drama is for facebook. But I am challenged. This could possibly be the motive behind my outrageous creations lately.

Have you ever wanted to jump into someone's brain just to see what the Hell is going on in there? Have you ever wanted to run someone over with your car? Have you ever hit that point in your frustration level that running someone over in your car was a suitable reaction?

Well - I am there! Hello world - Jess is out of control. We all get here. I have a very bad temper, but I also have a VERY long fuse, so people can push my buttons for a very long time before I blow up. But when I blow up - watch out...there will be an epidemic!

But this time it will be poles apart for me. I have learned just recently, the paramount way to deal with a major issue is to do it silently. Take all of that irritation and act on it. But act on it silently. I have learned - NEVER tell anyone anything. This world is a big coffee shop with a million people sitting around gossiping about everyone else. If you leak one single word - the neighbor knows - the butcher knows - the school bus driver knows. (Apparently these three do some talking). So don't advise - just take action...I have also learned this. Don't ask for guidance for your challenge. No one else will justly understand, and many times will lead you in the wrong direction. Don't be influenced by others. You are clever. Sit down by yourself in the quiet and think. Take notes, relax and it will come to you. Be inventive with your challenge. We are all artists in different ways - anyone who can be creative is an artist in my eyes. Find a creative resolution to your challenge. Most importantly - believe that you can defeat the challenge. Whatever it may be - believe in yourself.

See - I am now going to take my own advice...and I feel much better. Thanks guys.

XOXO Challenged Jess - lol.

Whoops...I did it again....not like Britney Spears...

2011-01-17T19:11:00.000-05:00

Well - I posted a new doll on Etsy for all to see last night again...my plans were to share her with you guys this morning...but - she was adopted yesterday...but I will show pictures anyway :)

I am having a ball today. The weather, blah, my dinner, blah (forgot all of the ingredients but made the crap anyway), my spirits...well - YAY! I feel like making a hundred dolls! But I will settle for a few...

But first...the secret...I promised I would tell you - but I had to wait until it was ok...

I have been asked to be the coordinator for the Prim Doll Studio on CDA (Cloth Doll Artistry). It was very exciting! I accepted ( I have no idea how I am going to juggle it all, but by God, I am going to do it!) and have already begun making little bitsy changes here and there. I have been doing pretty well so far with the transition...just a lot of typing!

Anyway, here is the doll you missed yesterday...Eloise is her name :)

And here is a new one that I finished this afternoon - her name is Clementine....isn't she sweet?

Here is her Etsy page - (While I was typing this...little Clementine was adopted..)

I wanted to share a couple more things with you...

ACOL Challenges

ACOL is doing 2 challenges...I need more people, so if you want to join in just look on my sidebar and have at it!

Valentine Treasure Hunt Challenge - with this challenge we are making valentines and leaving them random public places....of course we are taking pictures and attaching little tags to each one that tells the lucky finder to send us pictures and emails letting us know where our special valentine has floated off to! Sounds fun, huh?

Here is the address to join in: http://artisanscreating.ning.com/events/valentines-treasure-hunt

Roaring Forties Challenge - we are also doing a 1940's challenge. This is certainly up my alley. We can make anything from dolls, bears, aprons, art pies...yummmy...This will be a blast too!

Here is the address to join in: http://artisanscreating.ning.com/events/roaring-forties-mini-challenge

Now in the Prim Studio at CDA we are having a Rag Doll Challenge...if any of this sounds like your cup of tea, come join us!!

Here is the address to join in - http://clothdolls.ning.com/group/primdollstudio

I am going to be teaching classes soon...I am sooooooo super thrilled...I don't know what I am going to teach yet, but I assure you I will put my all into it and make it none other than fabulous!

Well I hope you have a good night...I have some little birdies to talk to...they are chirping now...I better get busy!

XOXO Jess

Too little too late...

2011-01-15T18:47:00.001-05:00

Well - I was going to show you my two newest creations...but I waited and now they have already been adopted...I am still showing you...

My favorite piece I have ever made...yes - that is what I said...this is my fave!

I have been very "off the wall" this week and I created this little one who I have named "Wrapped Up In Love". She is already adopted and will be traveling to Singapore. I will definitely be making similar pieces - I just adore this and I want one for every room in my house! Crazy me.....

I also finished another piece today and listed her - again, she has been adopted already, but I am showing you anyway. This piece is called "A Little Birdy Told Me", the raggedy doll is a myraggedydolls pattern and the bird is of course a little dirt lane signature. I love her too...

One more thing...I have decided to start offering along with designing, photo editing. If you take pictures of your products for Etsy and want to jazz them up a bit and add a nice watermark - just email me - You can click on the tab at the top "design" and look below at the photo editing section.

Have fun guys - I am super tired tonight...no jokes, I don't have the stinkin' energy!

XOXO Jess

The Birds the Word and some little extras...

2011-01-14T21:49:00.000-05:00

I don't know what in the heck has gotten into me lately...maybe it is the fact that bills are due, (blah), but I have been creating like crazy. Not just normal creating - but new, unique and exciting creating. I cannot wait to show you what I have made...it is (imo) the best piece I have EVER made...I finished it up just a few minutes ago...too dark to take pictures, so I will have to show you tomorrow...you are going to love it I know - I am so excited!!!

But in the meantime...I have another little whimsical creature to share with you...I love making these...do you think this reflects "my style"? I have been trying for almost 3 years to figure out my style...

Bird is the Word
Whimsical Bird on a stand, 7" tall, made of art fur, deco papers and antiqued rhinestones, he is two-sided and just plain wonderful, I love him!

Click here to be redirected to Etsy to see more pictures.

Bird is the Word can be purchased for $35.00 + travel fare.

One more thing...Do you know Grace? Little Black Crow Studio?

Today she is a featured artist on ACOL!

Click below to read her interview and see her WONDERFUL pictures...she is such an inspiration!

http://artisanscreating.blogspot.com/2011/01/normal-0-false-false-false-en-au-x-none.html

Well that is all for tonight...whew - I have worked hard today...the damn cat pooped in my curtains...that was a day's work all on it's own...is it legal to beat your cat??? LOL.

XOXO Jess

I have a secret...

2011-01-13T22:46:00.000-05:00

Are you kidding me? You want me to tell you? NOT TELLING...cause then it wouldn't be a secret. But I will tell you tomorrow...promise. That is of course unless I am abducted by aliens...you know anything can happen.

I don't know what has gotten into me lately. But I am a little ball of fire. Mind you - my body feels like it is on fire - but at least I am ignoring that and creating like wild animal. Speaking of wild animals...maybe I should show you my new dirty little creatures??? You wanna see...

Oh....I guess you don't...

Oh you do? You're going to what??? Comment? No - not you...haha. Just kidding guys...but you are making me feel lonely - I need love.

I'll show you...

Here they are.

This is Meili - my dirty little dog...gosh I love her.

Here is her Etsy listing, click here.

This is Chen- my dirty little cat...yes - I do adore you Chen...

Here is her Etsy listing, click here.

Which one do you like the best?? I think I like Meili...I don't know - it is so hard. It is like saying that you love one of your kids more than the other - you just can't do that!

Anyway, back to this secret. I won't tell you unless you comment. I mean it. If I wake up sad because I think no one cares about poor Jessie-Wessie I am not sharing...not doing it...LOL.

I am off to bed with my crazy self...the bus arrives earlier than I would like it to...errrrr - Kaeli always seems to have the worst tangles on the weekdays...on the weekends not a knot to be found...of course.

XOXO Poor Jess

Whoooooooooooooooooo is newwwwwwwwwwwwwww???

2011-01-12T15:19:00.000-05:00

He is....

I have had the best time creating today. You know some days I wake up and I just want to do anything other than be creative. But today was not one of those days. Today I woke up - made breakfast, swept the whole house, vacuumed the whole house, dusted, scrubbed the kitchen, and then I created. I should have waited to post this, because I have several other little creations lurking in the distance - but I couldn't wait to show you Mr. Owl.

You can see more pictures of Mr. Owl by clicking here.

You can take him home with you for $35.00 + his travel fare.

I finally have a daily routine. I got out of my routine for a while, but I am back and I am being ME - I love the new look of Little Dirt Lane, it feels like Jess...I love feeling like Jess.

Well - have fun today. Share the warmth of your smile with others. Sometimes a smile can be the most important thing in the world. I am smiling now - I hope it is contagious!

XOXO Jess

Two hours of sleep and I am still going like the Energizer Bunny...speaking of bunnies...

2011-01-08T10:28:00.001-05:00

Well hello!

Nice to see you this glorious Saturday morning...a little too happy you say? Well that is because I am "slap happy" due to lack of proper rest. When will I change you ask? Never. I will be complaining all day long about how tired I am and then tonight - I will stay up playing with dolls anyway.

So at 4:30 this morning I thought that a bunny needed to be introduced into the Little Dirt Lane pack. So here she is. Her name is Ning Ning - I named her this because I have listened to "The Wonder Pets" theme song ten-million times this past week. Chase has decided that he has a new favorite program. I had so much fun making her that I have decided to start a new series which will be the new look and feel of The Lane that is Dirty that I live on (a.k.a. Little Dirt Lane)...lol...Dirty Little Creatures.

Click here to purchase Ning-Ning for $45.00 + Travel Fare

Ning-Ning is 9" tall - she is entirely painted, sanded and shaded and I had a stinkin' blast making her...I wanted to make a cat too - but I didn't feel like sewing anymore, so I decided to paint the cat...so today we have Ning Ning and an original mixed media painting. I guess procrastination city is over - THANK HEAVENS!

Click here to purchase "Dirty Little Cat Painting" for $50.00 + Travel Fare

Well, short and sweet today - (now I shall complain) - I am exhausted...I will spare you today...but remember - there is always tomorrow...

XOXO Jess

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE....with the sound of the cat scratching in the litterbox...yep.

2011-01-04T17:02:00.000-05:00

No birds chirping today. Only cats playing the piano. Lots of them. I have scooped the litterbox 3 times today...now I wonder if those felines have been sneaking in Mexican Takeout when I wasn't looking???

I am at my best today...as usual. Today I have cleaned the house, washed curtains, redesigned my blog (looks fab, huh?), and started working on a few little hoots. I can't wait to show you the bird ornies I designed. They are as whimsical as whimsical gets...I am IN LOVE with them! Give me a couple more days of procrastination and I will show you.

So the new news on the Jest. I have decided that since I have 100,000 college credits that maybe it is time to get a degree. Sounds rational huh? I have been to school for everything under the sun EXCEPT for something that I actually enjoy. So this time ladies and gentlemen it is going to be Photography. Yep - SO excited and that wasn't one of my sarcastic remarks. I am only missing one thing and that is a camera...so I must add a "BUY JESS A NEW CAMERA WITH A REMOVABLE LENS" jar to the kitchen counter. I think I can probably just dump out the 12 cents that is in the "BUY JESS A NEW CAR" jar into the new camera jar - lol. Once I have the camera I can begin class...

I want to share one of my old photos for you to see...this is my Kaeli - in the flower girl dress that I wore when I was 5 - it never went out of style!

Have fun guys - new dolls and whimsical characters will be arriving soon...

XOXO Jess

Oh how I DON'T love Christmas...you didn't see that one coming did you??

2010-12-29T12:25:00.000-05:00

The smell in the air - the birds hiding among the snow covered branches, the hustle and bustle, the family greetings, the lovely, lovely, Christmas season.

Well, Bah-freakin'-humbug. That's what I say. How many of you are happy that Christmas is over? How many of you are happy that your relatives have finished annoying the crap out of you and went home? (Not talking about you Nama). How many of you are sick of leftovers and have ordered Domino's tonight (that's what we did)?

Well - I for one have had a GRAND time. I was supposed to come and have fun with my precious Nama. Nama and I have had SOOOOOOOOOOOOO not much fun. Nama has worked her guts out and needs to be put in a retirement facility or some sort of institution. I - YES ME - was supposed to be taking a small little vacation with my very handsome BF...but the BF is stuck elsewhere snowed in - so no flight back to the Jest...I knew it was too good to be true.

But all will go on - I have been so inspired, I was hoping to go home and get a bit of sewing done. But maybe Nama and I can be creative here together...I am hanging out with her all week. She is probably ready to give my "very positive" butt the boot. Haha.

Well - I wanted to share a little group of the Christmas gifts that I made this year.

Owls and more owls. I have this slight obsession with owls lately, I don't know where that came from.

I'll keep you updated on my positivity level. So far cloudy with a chance of a huge monsoon.

I hope you guys had a beautiful Christmas and have nothing to complain about - lol.

XOXO Jess

P.S. At least I look like I have the Christmas spirit - lol

Rants and Raves...by me of course...

2010-12-17T14:17:00.000-05:00

Oh me, oh my! Where shall I start today. Oh I know.

Wal-Mart...

Imagine the atmosphere....you walk in and smell the fried chicken from the deli - the greeter says, "Hi - Welcome to Walmart." You are rushing towards the electronic section like a bat out of Hell to get that PS3 that is in the weekly special...and low and behold THIS grabs the last one...and you don't complain, why? Because you are a tad bit frightened....

Now - I am no stranger to funny text - but on the VERY LARGE back of your pants? Come on people. I can see - I LOVE your boyfriend on the shirt - or I'm on the Naughty list this year on the back of a jacket - but HOT BUNS on cottage cheese...geesh...am I qualified to give fashion advice?

That was just scenario #1 - what do you do when you see a mother do this?

Do you chuckle? Do you sneer? Do you call the authorities?

Number one - if you have to put your kid on a leash then maybe you should lock that same kid in a crate and take it to the vet...not the Wal-Mart.

If this wasn't enough for you, I thought I would share a couple more that would make the dentures fall out of an old person's mouth in line...

Yes - these are real pictures...this is really what we see when we go to Wal-Mart...I just try to remember that this is God's way of providing us with comedy.

SO - now that I have opened your eyes to the Wal-Mart conspiracy - let's move on.

Now you all know that I am a doll-maker. Well - that is true. I am also a single mother, cook, house-cleaner, veterinarian, chicken farmer, girlfriend, daughter, grand-daughter (sorry Nama), an ex (boy that stinks), writer...the list could go on forever - so I thought from now on - I am just going to be ME. From this day forward, you are going to see the REAL Jess - (I know you are thrilled). I will not only blog about my doll adventures - but I will blog about everything in between. Today - well, today was Wal-Mart - because apparently Wal-Mart is a VERY important part of our lives...where would we get our pork rinds if it were not for Wal-Mart???

I am going to share a new Christmas doll with you too - don't worry...

Here is Miss Lydia...remember my witch doll for Halloween - well she was transformed into pure fabulousness...

Lydia is in my Etsy Shop just hanging out until she gets a home for Christmas...I hope it is not too late for her!

Chase and I have been hanging out all day...we are making some Christmas presents...everyone wants a handmade by Chase ornament...I know that is on everyone's Christmas List...so that is what we are up to - I will share some pictures on Sunday on the ACOL blog...what to do on a rainy day with LDL...

Well have fun - stay away from Wal-Mart if you forgot to wear your pants...if not you could be featured in next weeks rant!

XOXO The Jest

I got rhythm - I got music - I got my...hey - where the heck are my friends???

2010-12-10T20:10:00.000-05:00

Where are you guys? Putting up the Christmas tree? Making snow angels? Running people down in the stores over the last Loliloopsythingy doll??? That is probably where you are...

News.

ACOL is doing treasure boxes...yep...that's what I said. A large group of our artists got together and donated little goodies...they are all in a box and up for bidding on E-bay...the bidding starts @ $24.99 and the stuff inside is PRICELESS...

Here are the links:

ACOL Treasure Box I - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300502827354&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

ACOL Treasure Box II - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300502841330&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Look at some of the things inside the boxes...

Beautiful Baby Boys by: Mother Goose Dolls

Bird Ornament by Dragonfly Treasures

Christmas Holly Kitty by Marmmies, Mammy's & More

Crosses by Mother Goose Dolls

Christmas Elf by Mother Goose Dolls

Gingerbread Girl by Brendi Dolls

Santa Pin by Designs by Guka

Lotus Scarf by Designs by Guka

Me sportin' the Lotus Scarf - lol

Handsome Snowman by The Rusty Thimble

Ok - now for Little Dirt Lane. Here's what I made. Both created with MyRaggedyDolls patterns (LOVE THEM). Gretchen and Emily are their names...you can find them on Etsy...

http://littledirtlane.etsy.com/

It was 70 degrees today. I am outraged. I want snow and I want it now. (Do I sound like Veruca Salt?)

Oh - I quit smoking. I have been a smoker for well over 10 years - and I quit. Anyone proud?

Hmmmm...what else can I tell you. Oh - I still haven't found my Christmas ornaments - so I am going to use Shannon's (Shannon of Cinnamon Stitched Primitives) recipe for salt dough ornies and make some ginger people for my tree...it is a lonely tree...

Goodnight all - I am so beat - but cookie time still has to come...I told the kids they could help...

XOXO Jess

Grabbable Blog Button...here is a little tutorial for YOU!

2010-12-05T10:34:00.001-05:00

Well hello there - today is another day of my tutorials...aren't you sooooooooooo excited???

So - I thought I would teach you about making handmade ornaments to hang on your lovely Christmas tree. I had some wonderful and creative ideas for you...

But then I decided that I hated that wretched Christmas tree, stomped it after I couldn't get the wire off of it, pitched a temper tantrum and then went into the house.

(I had to make sure you were aware - so the pictures are evidence.)

So - today I am going to teach you how to make a GRABBABLE BUTTON for your blog - yay - you are on the edge of your seat aren't you???

Here it goes...

So - here is a picture of Kaeli's sidebar (just in case you are wondering - Kaeli is my daughter and this is her button to her blog...6-year-old with a blog - what the heck?)

This is her little button that I made for her - it is done in HTML code so that it can be grabbed by others and shared on their blogs...

I know you are dying to have one - so here is how you do it.

*For some reason blogger is not allowing Little Dirt Lane to insert the code on my own blog - so you will have to travel to ACOL to get the code...just click here and you can see what is missing on MY OWN stinkin' blog...seriously? - come on Blogger!!!!

NOW - if you don't have a button and need one - just email me...I am happy to design you one, why? Because I am not only Jess - but I am THE JEST. Yep, that's me.

Have a fun Sunday...I am going to put my bandanna on now and stop pouting...I don't feel

like THE JEST without the bandanna...

XOXO Jess

A New Dawn - yeah right - and what's up with Kaeli Marae??? - and WRINKLE CREAM....

2010-12-02T09:27:00.000-05:00

As I sit here this morning - (after I have fixed fried eggs, waffles, toast and bacon for breakfast and still haven't eaten anything) - I am thinking about the things that I need to get accomplished today. I do this every morning you know...

By the end of the day - I sit in this same seat and think - what the heck have I done? Nothing. Not one thing of importance. So today I say - A NEW DAWN. I will make a list and complete it.

But then I know at 9pm I will still be sitting in this chair thinking - Ummmm...what happened???

Anyone else have this problem? I know I do things...because I am busy all day and EXHAUSTED at night - but what were they? Do I have severe memory loss? Am I challenged mentally? What is wrong with me???

Apparently even my 6-year-old daughter does more than I do...

She now has opened up her very own Etsy Shop.

http://kaelimaraeart.etsy.com

She has decided that she wants to make stuffies and do paintings. She made 2 stuffies...She named the first one "Fewtrul McNatty" (What the heck kind of name is that?). Here he is...

He has already been adopted...her things sell better than mine - lol...

Here is "Donna McNatty". Kaeli says that she is Fewtrul's girlfriend. She looks a bit like Tammy Fay Baker...lol - Kaeli went extra heavy on the mascara - lol...

She is still available - click here to see her...

I am so proud of my girl! We have been sitting together at night just working and having a blast. It is nice when you have company in your insane times - lol...

Oh - now let's talk about "WRINKLE CREAM". So you all know that I am 28-years-old...young right??? What the heck are all of these stupid wrinkles coming from??? Stress...men....kids...yep. So I went out and bought a healthy supply of creams to conceal the large WTFW that is on my forehead...what is a WTFW you ask? Well - you know what WTF is and it is not very PG...just add wrinkle to the end. Everytime I say WTF? That wrinkle gets a bit bigger...I am getting wrinkles because of stupid people. Yes, I said it. That is where they are all coming from...AND MY WRINKLE IS REALLLLLLLY BIG THIS MORNING, due to a touch of frustration...holidays...will it ever get easier??? Each year I say I won't stress and here I am again...beating my head against the wall - although this year I am beating my head against the wall trying to make this stupid wrinkle disappear!!!!!

Have a wonderful day all...I hope you are smiling at my trials and tribulations...this is what I am here for...haha.

XOXO Jess

(This is me and Potato Salad...he is the perfect man he doesn't complain or talk back...I am in love - lol...)

Jingle Bells - Jingle Bells - Jingle all the way - oh shoot - it is Thanksgiving....

2010-11-25T18:21:00.000-05:00

I get ahead of myself...Happy Turkey Day everyone! It has been a very eventful day here at my house....I cooked - A LOT of food...here is the menu...

Turkey (of course)

Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Broccoli Casserole

Corn Casserole

Homemade Rolls

Italian Green Beans

and last but not least - Pumpkin Pie

I guess I didn't go too overboard - but I feel like I am forgetting something....I'm sure it will come to me later...

Let me show you what I did the other day...I got so excited looking at everyone else's gingerbread kids that I had to make a couple of my own...

Here is the first...

You can see more on Etsy...

Here is the second....

Her special Etsy link...

I hope you guys are having a blast today - we rolled around outside in the front yard for pictures....as usual - I can't get the kids to sit still...Chase always does this weird goofy smile...(he thinks he is a comedian like me) and Kaeli, well, she thinks she is posing for the cover of Vanity Fair...the kid has dreams - lol...

Here we are...

Happy Turkey Day - I hope you don't have too many leftovers!

ACOL is having a giveaway and....Etsy has given us coupon codes!!!!!

2010-11-23T00:43:00.001-05:00

ACOL is having a fabulous giveaway - it is an E-Giveaway - with patterns and classes - oh so fabulous!!!

Click the picture below to enter to win and vote on some really fantastic Christmas Ornaments!

Also...

Etsy is offering COUPON CODES now!

So - in celebration of their new fantastic little feature....

I am offering 20% off of EVERYTHING in my shop!!!

Here is the code: fabulous1

Here is a link to my shop: http://www.littledirtlane.etsy.com/

Yep - you knew it had to be something with my famous word in it!!!

It is past midnight - I am exhausted...late nights are definitely for the owls and not for me. Do you remember when you were in high school and could stay up all night??? What the heck happened!?

I am a professor - a professor of vast knowledge.

2010-11-22T08:49:00.000-05:00

Yes that is I, the fabulous Little Dirt Lane. Doer of all things...

Hahaha....

So yesterday bright and early - I sat in my office daydreaming about what to do for "Things to do on a rainy day with Little Dirt Lane". Now - I do this every Sunday - and it is supposed to be done every Sunday...so I know the world was waiting for me as I piddled around...what is it called everyone? It is called DODDLING. I am also a professional DODDLER. I will begin my task and meticulously start 15 others at the same time...yes this is what I did yesterday. Sunday laundry, breakfast, lunch, dinner, chickens, and LOTS more...in addition to my rainy day project...

I finished it at 9:45pm - my computer was in use - Sunday night wrestling....So while waiting for the computer - I decided to stuff dolls, to yet add another thing to my list of accomplishments for the day....well - at 10:00pm - I was passed out and drooling....never let a mother sit on the bed to do ANYTHING...I have learned that if I keep moving all day I don't even need to sleep - I could be an insomniac and still hum show tunes in the morning....but if I let my rear end hit the couch, bed or even the floor....GOODNIGHT JESS. So, needless to say - I did not get my Sunday post published...BUT - I did it first thing this morning...so....without further adieu.....

Things to do on a rainy day: Create a Mixed Media Painting with Little Dirt Lane

Click here to learn all about it!

Have a great day everyone - hopefully you will get more done than I have this week - sheesh!

Baby Jess's everywhere!

2010-11-16T13:59:00.000-05:00

Hi! I hope all is well with the world today - as always - dramaful day - but honestly I think if I didn't have these kind of days my life would be boring!!!

There is a chick hatching in the closet - it rained...I forgot to roll up my window...the kids colored on the couch. Kaeli made a whole collage of faces on the wallpaper in her room...geesh. When will the insanity end. I was talking to my grandfather the other night and he told me that he would pray for me, lol...I asked for him to pray for my sanity - as long as I have that the world will go on!

I wanted to share some pictures. I have been selling my E-Pattern for my Itsy Bitsy Dolls...

Here is one...

I have pictures from some of my friends that have been making them.

First, Shannon of Cinnamon Stitched Primitives. Isn't she cute?!

Grace of Little Black Crow Studios...Love them!

Last but not least - a NC local - Elizabeth Delong.

I was so excited to see all of these girls hanging around!

I have an idea for pinecones next...I have been working on a BUNCH of new dolls - fingers hurt - brain is spinning - time is running out - but I am still moving along!

Have fun guys - if you get a chance, check out the treasury...leave comments if you can! :)

CLICK HERE TO SEE :)

XOXO Jess

Meow....clearing throat

2010-11-14T12:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday everyone!

Anyone have kitty-cats??? Are they bored?

I brought back the old cat toy tutorial for rainy day's with Little Dirt Lane- if you want to make a super easy and very quick cat toy - head over

HERE

and you will find my article!

Have fun - I hope to chat more next week...lots of stuff up my sleeve!

XOXO Jess

I got the right stuff...baby....

2010-11-12T17:22:00.000-05:00

I have the New Kids on the Block playing in my head...yes - I have a serious problem.

I just thought I would share that with you today.

I wanted to tell you what is going on....I am slammed - anyone have any coffee?? I wouldn't mind a lovely caramel macchiatto right about now?? Iced....Ice, Ice, Baby...haha - that took you back huh?

This is what has been going on - bodies. Bodies are piling up - most are stained, some have partial faces, some are begging for some love - attention - PAINT. I am also begging for attention and some makeup. You should see me right now. I look like I got run over by a Mac Truck - and a REALLY big one at that. I was told by a VERY handsome guy today that I looked terrible - just awful...those were exact words...haha...yeah guys - it is getting serious. (Nama please don't fuss - I will put lipstick on....)

So I finished this little one...she is Sunflower Annie - she was created using a pattern by myraggedydolls - LOVE her patterns...Little Sunflower Annie is holding a prim sunflower made by the one - the only - Stephie of Lil' Mama's Primitives...LOVE her too - thanks for lending me the sunflower Steph - you are a gem!

I transformed the once blonde good witch to a little Cotton Candy Christmas Kid...love her - this is also a MyRaggedyDolls pattern...I think she is fab - look at her shoes...I can't brag enough about them! I wish I had a pair like this...especially in pink.

You can purchase Joy - Cotton Candy Christmas by clicking here :)

And now! I forgot to show you what I made Kaeli for her birthday!!! I worked for weeks on this design. I just love how the doll turned out - a bit like that Holly Hobby I have been told...Kaeli named her Lisa and let me borrow her back for pictures...

I also created my VERY first sculpey piece! Yay! I LOVE clay - but it never seems to come out right - but I think I nailed it on the head this time!

She is called "I give my heart to you". I just love it - someone better buy her quick because if not I may change my mind and just put her on my tree!

You can purchase her on Etsy by clicking here :)

That's all for now - wow - I wish I had time to visit you guys more....I also wish I had time to visit my bathtub - I have been frequenting the shower...but no nice long soaks for me and that is something that I enjoy...

Miss you guys - I hope you are busy creating...think of me...I am pathetic...I will not send pictures...you don't want to see me....but I am going to the ball soon...I will send pictures then....I have to figure out what to do with grow-out hair...pin curls?? Finger waves?? I don't know....the dress I wanted is in Australia and can't get here in time and you cannot buy the type of dress that I want in a store, in the sticks of North Carolina...

BYE!

XOXO Jess (messy jessi) - that's my new name - I don't like it...we may have to make a slight adjustment.

Tutorial on ACOL Blog

2010-11-07T07:38:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Friends!

I just wanted to share a couple of little things with you this morning.

First - Check out my blog post on "How to make a Whimsical Tree" by clicking below and visiting the ACOL blog.

http://artisanscreating.blogspot.com/2010/11/things-to-do-on-rainy-day-with-little.html

Next....I was painting doll faces last night...do you ever have the problem of your paint bleeding??? ARRRGGHHH! That happened to me on both of my dolls last night - of course it was after they had been stuffed and meticulously sewn and stained, baked and sanded...I think it is the brush....driving me nuts!!! Ok - that was all - just a little quick vent of frustration. I am off to bury myself in blankets...it is COLD this morning...I'll talk to you guys later....check out the blog and learn how to make that fabulous tree and have a WONDERFUL Sunday - smile a bunch!!!

XOXO Jess

Somebody had a birthday and lots of little girls were born!

2010-11-05T20:28:00.000-04:00

It was a fun week. My little Kaeli bug turned 6 - yes - 6 - Happiness, sadness, all kinds of emotions for the big day...not for her - but her poor, pitiful Mom. LOL. We went to Chuckie Cheese...I did survive the trip. Usually I wonder...Chuckie Cheese is a place that you would like to have a nice shotgun handy for. Wow it is hectic and loud...I am not a fan of kids. I absolutely ADORE my own - but those undisciplined others give me quite the large migraine.

Here are some pictures....

My little dynamic duo....Kaeli thinks she is cool. I won't tell her that I have all of the cool points....

Kaeli's fabulous cupcakes....

Chase is quite the comedian...he looks like this all of the time now - I keep telling him that the ladies like a gentleman, but apparently he thinks a sense of humor is more important.

This is Kaeli and Chase on their way back from Chuckie Cheese - if you are wondering - at this point I am in the floor board of the truck asking God to please let me sleep or at least them.

Now here is the dumpster kitty....didn't she make herself right at home??? She is still nameless - apparently, she won't come to "Lady Gaga" so we must rename her....I should have a contest...lol...any suggestions???

Now onto serious business....DOLLS. Yes it is serious...look.

I had a BALL with these!!!!!

Anyway - back to work. I had a caramel mocha latte an hour ago - I should be good for the next 6 hours...lots of stuffing to do!!!

Love you guys - smile big - contagious you know....say something nice to the one you love today - they may need it :)

XOXO Jess

200 Posts - Some fabulous Witches and a very busy Jess!

2010-10-25T15:19:00.000-04:00

Hello - Hello - Hello!

My goodness. Have I really sat down and done this 200 times...I am a pro guys!

I have some things to tell you....and I have some things to show you today!

I have been bogged down. I now have 22 dolls to make. I have a waiting list on custom dolls. I am crazy busy over here. I like being busy - BUT - I miss reading everyone's blogs! I barely have time to even peek anymore!

I do want to tell you something else...have you ever woke up and said, "I am going to have a great day today?" Well, I have been waking up every morning like that! It is so wonderful to have a happy life. Sometimes you have to lose everything in order to gain what you really need. I am Jess. I now get to be Jess and figure out who "Jess" is. It is a wonderful thing and so much fun! Let me tell you about the hairstyle that is coming...oh I am thrilled! I am going to cut the sides really short and the back...and the top will be really long...why? So that I can put huge roll curls in the top...I am out of CONTROL!!!! Yay! But - you have to help me with the color...what do you think guys?? Platinum blonde or Black??? Just comment and let me know...lol...I have set up several makeovers for your approval...lol...

Just kidding....

Ok - to the dolls - today we have little witches!

Here they are...

Click here to visit my Etsy Shoppe to learn more about them!

Well - I am headed off to the next doll adventure...I am going to try something new today...I will show you when I am done...I have a new line of dolls coming out soon! Oh you are going to love them....

See ya later alligators!

XOXO Jess

I see clouds of blue....red roses too...

2010-10-22T18:28:00.000-04:00

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, it's a beautiful day. What are you up to today? I know many of you are pacing busy streets on your way to work, some are taking the subway, some are driving cars, some are gardening...our lives are so different, but we all have one thing in common. A creative mind.

I see art everywhere I go. In the trees, in the clouds, on a busy street corner, everywhere. I am visual. I spend most of my day with my head spinning. I think about what I will create next, and who my art will touch and inspire. Who do you inspire? If you are having a bad day - just look around you at all the beauty and your frown will turn upside down.

You all inspire me daily. Your words, your creations, your greetings, they are appreciated and inspiring.

I just wanted to say thank you - to all of the people in my life who appreciate art and each other. I want to say thank you to those who take the time out to write the extra XOXO at the end of their emails or the Squeeshies (you know who you are).

Today is an awakening, tomorrow is an experience, and our lives are a blank canvas that we get to design. We have the ability to fill our canvas with cheery colors or we can paint that canvas black or leave it blank. I choose to paint mine like the rainbow and live my life with dignity. What will you do? What color will you add to your palette today? I add yellow, bright like the sun, warm and inviting. I may have added yellow to my palette today - but I am purple. Feel free to post your color proudly on your blog :)

That is all for today - that was all my "deepness" you don't see that very often. I hope you are inspired and motivated and will create something wonderful today. Keep smiles on your faces, they are contagious!

Love you guys!

XOXO Jess

Just wait and see what I got!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-10-14T14:25:00.000-04:00

The mail lady brought me goodies!!!

Ina Smirnova was my partner for the My Favorite Annie Swap - LOOK!!!

Check out her blog here...

I ADORE HER! Now I have to redecorate my office to match her. The office looks like hurricane aftermath, the doll looks like nights in Paris...I must do some reorganizing...I do have a trashcan in my office - I just forgot how to use it...it is simple really - but somehow I always seem to accumulate trash in all four corners of the room, especially after a fun mixed media project....

Ina not only sent me a special Alice - but she sent Kaeli a beautiful necklace and Chase a sweet little bear button! The kids were thrilled....Kaeli asked if it was her birthday! So Kaeli has now drawn Ina a picture that we are going to have to send off soon!!

So I have been thinking a lot lately about New Kids On the Block - haha - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles...Candy Land....oh childhood memories - haha...just thought I would share...it makes you realize how ridiculous you were at one time in your life. You know what? I am STILL that ridiculous and am proud to say that I love New Kids On the Block - haha...what are some of the things that you think of about your childhood?? "this is therapy you know?!"...

Hugs!

Jess

My fingers hurt ya'll - what to do - what to do?

2010-10-08T13:28:00.001-04:00

Hi friends! :)

I have been working so hard lately! I finished 3 dolls yesterday (I will show you in a bit) - and they are so cute! You should see the ACOL site! Grace from Little Black Crow Studio has taken over and made the site so beautiful! Our website is coming together too! If you haven't seen the site, you should look, there are so many beautiful things!

So - I made those dolls yesterday...I used a some new patterns...(I love them by the way, Threadbare Primitives - they are awesome), but - I did prim. Now you know what is involved in the prim process...coffee & vanilla. I have found that the smell of coffee and vanilla do not go with the smell of chickens...yes people - I smell like...well a very alert chicken. It is not so good and now I am considering wearing a plastic suit to do all of this! LOL

Here is my first girl. Nama has done an OUTSTANDING job on these new dresses. Oh and by the way...I have designed a blog for Nama. It is official...Nama is a blogger. So head over and check out her site...she needs some more friends!

http://www.handmadebynama.blogspot.com

So....back to the doll. Her name is Maisy - she was made using a Threadbare Primitives Pattern...she is all primmed and primed and I love her - she just looks squishable...

You can learn more about Maisy by clicking here.

This is Nelly with the serious feet...I love her...I had the best time creating her skin color!

You can learn more about Nelly by clicking here.

Here is another little doll with the Holiday spirit....little Ramona and her cat Skat...look at those pantaloons...Nama - you are fab!

She is available in my Etsy shop - learn more by clicking here...

Whew - tired, tired...2 hours of sleep - I am still going...I cannot live without the coffee...but I have to find a way not to smell like it!!

Love you guys - have a wonderful day...I will write again when my brain isn't turning in circles. Keep making your quilts and dolls, little clay cuties and bears - keep a smile on your face, it is contagious - rainbows and sunshine to all of you!

I am taking a trip on a boat...I am going to float down my driveway...to the Little Dirt Lane...

2010-09-30T22:40:00.000-04:00

Well hello there! I know you have been wondering where in the heck I have been...well - first - going bananas...second...rained in.

I have been working, working, working...this single mom stuff is not easy - but guess what??? I am doing it! We have had so much rain, at first I thought, "It is raining, we need the rain." Three days later I said, "I am going to have to make little paper boats for the chickens, they are swimming out there!"...not fun. I have been tending to chickens all day long. I went out to help them out and lift their box higher and I was EATEN by fire ants. I have bites on my face, in my scalp, my legs, stomach, chest and my HANDS are covered in bites. These bites are not like little itchy flea bites. The ants actually inject a poison when they bite and then painful blisters form. My hands are covered in blisters...I am even having a hard time typing...this stinks.

Even with fire ants and 6 clothes changes (yes - I was soaked 6 times today), I managed to get these two lovelies finished...

She is on Etsy - see more of her here.

She is on Etsy, see more of her here.

I love the witch - little Jewel and her Ghoul - and then there is my SnowWOMAN (she made sure she was known and her gender was mentioned). Nama created the cutest little black dress for my witch, and look at Nama's hat - isn't it presh?

Well - other than my normal doll work - I have been working on the new ACOL website - check it out...we are getting there!

http://www.artisanscreating.com/

So - I have been moving non-stop! I miss my blogging...I have got to knock out one activity to blog - I was seriously having blog withdrawal here...

Guess what I just found out?? I won something...I never win anything and I WON something!!

Not only did I win "something" but it was Sandi from Bearly Sane's giveaway with the vintage cloths...oh my it is perfect for vintage old me!!! I am so thrilled!

Now back to my pitifulness...lol -

So I am going to do better, I promise...anyone who wants to volunteer to make boats for chickens, please let me know...haha...

Good Night - me and my blisters are going to bed...I will dream of the days gone by and I will pray for a new back or a strong man....I'll go with the second option...as long as he looks a bit like George Clooney...yes, that will be good.

XOXO Jess

I feel like cookin'......

2010-09-26T09:15:00.000-04:00

I feel like cookin' all because of my new doll Gloria!!

Check her out!

She is my latest creation. I knew exactly what I wanted her to look like before I began this adventure, and she has turned out perfectly! She is my new 11" creation - She is one of my "Just Add Love" girls...she goes beautifully with Nama's cookbook! This one's name is Gloria, she is made of cotton material and has on a little 50's dress of course, made by Nama. She is wearing ballet flats and my favorite of all...a head wrap - just like me :)

You can see her on Etsy - she is all set and ready for her new home - and she comes with a recipe for Nama's Cranberry Orange Nut Bread....mmmm!

Well - busy day for me today...I am going to try to cram everything into Sunday....the chickens are screaming, I have neglected to let them out this morning...poor kids.

So off I go - enjoy your day and smile a bunch!

XOXO Jess

It's SNOWING....

2010-09-23T21:21:00.000-04:00

Not really. But we can pretend can't we?

Today marks the first day of Fall - Oh beautiful fall, filled with pumpkins and gourds and all the trees turn to caramel...

Since this is the first day of Fall we all know what comes right after Fall - WINTER - and in winter there are what???

SNOWMEN

So to get everyone ready for those lovely winter craft fairs, I have put together a pattern of my snowmen ornaments :)

These are super easy - I mean easy-easy...

Here is one snowman that I respectfully call Wilbur -

You can purchase your E-Pattern for $5.00 on my Etsy site...yep just five-buckaroos

Click here to go -

I hope you guys had a wonderful day...I cut myself shaving...really bad...I almost lost the knee-cap. Oh the joys of being single...that is when you start shaving again - lol....and wearing make-up - haha...The children and I had a lovely day at the park - Kaeli missed school today - of course by 8:30 she felt much better...(little stinker). Now I think I am going to make some ornaments...I have some ideas...I am having a ball with these ornaments!!

Have a nice night, or day, wherever you are!!

XOXO Jess

I'm a hoot - and so is the new doll - they get it honest...

2010-09-22T15:53:00.000-04:00

So - I needed to get out of my "I'm a bit miserable and unmotivated" funk. So I decided to create something new. I love owls...LOVE them...so - I decided an owl ornie would be fun - but then I really wanted to do a messy mixed media painting, so I decided to combine it all. This poor owl is covered in paint. He is fine art - lol - I had the best time with him - I laughed, I talked to him like he was a human being...(please forgive me)...even though he is purple and pink - CLEARLY - this is a boy...

His name is Hoooodini...he is on Etsy - however, I love him and will cry when he leaves me, so I hope he has a good home, lol...

You can visit him here.

The group is going great! I can't wait for the party and the giveaways, swaps and everything else! I really want to do the ornament contest...Grace with Little Black Crow Studio had a FAB idea - An ornament with a hand-written poem - I think that is wonderful...I am going to work on that too - just as soon as I get the other 526 things done...lol.

Have a great day everyone and smile, smile, smile, you are all beautiful!

How's everything coming along guys??

2010-09-20T14:40:00.000-04:00

Hi Hi Hi!

I have been missing in action - AS USUAL -

I am working on the new website for ACOL - it is going to be fabulous! I have been working day and night on it, besides chickens and kids, dolls and cleaning...I did squeeze in Gone With the Wind yesterday...that was a wonderful break...LOVE that movie...I think my favorite part is when Scarlett (Vivien Leigh) raises that one eyebrow...I practiced in the mirror - mine doesn't look so good! Haha...

Anyway - here is a new doll - her name is Melanie - I think I got the name from the movie :)

She is on Etsy - just click here to visit her!

How is the swap going everyone? Please write me if there are any issues..we still have 10 days! I have been working on my swap doll - I can't wait to share her with Ina Smirnova!! Polka dot filled~!!

Well - have fun guys...I am going back to work - I have tons of ideas and not enough arms!!

Would you like to know what would be perfect for me?

-an extra arm or two

-a maid

-a chef

-more time in the day

-less sleep at night

-a millionaire husband

Yep - that'll do it - I would be happy with that...

Yep - I am off my rocker...wanna join me?

2010-09-16T11:33:00.000-04:00

I don't live in a mansion by the sea, I am Jess, this is me.

My hands aren't adorned with diamonds and gold.

But my gifts are true and my heart is bold.

My friends give me strength when I am down-

I never leave anyone with a frown.

I keep my secrets as you can see -

But now it is time for reality.

I don't live in a mansion by the sea -

I am Jess, this is me.

Here is a little GOOD MORNING FRIENDS - You didn't know I was a poet too, huh? LOL...

Just in case everyone thought I was absolutely fabulous and I am "swish-shwee" - I am not, (well inside I am). I am just your everyday, average person. But I love to make you smile. My goal every single time I post something is for you to leave my blog in a more positive state of mind with a giggle or two. So I apologize for my negativity and small bits of the dreaded drama in my last post. I NEVER do the drama thing - and never will again - but I felt the need to share what has brought me to THIS point.

I have now created something that I hope is going to be WONDERFUL. And it is just for you - and me.

To start, I have created a Ning Group. This is where we can share our ideas and encourage each other. If everyone participates and passes this wonderful opportunity on, we can really get our names out there and make some moolah!

My group is called "ARTISANS CREATING OUTSIDE THE LINES". I know when I create something - it comes from the heart. It is never perfect, because art can never be perfect or finished. When you begin a doll or a painting or bear, or whatever you may be creating you never finish it per say, you just stop when you feel you need to. This to me is outside the lines. Our imagination causes us to be unique, just like our creations.

If you would like to join "ARTISANS CREATING OUTSIDE THE LINES" click here.

Let's get this thing in motion...I know we can fight this big mess of an economy that we are dealing with.

EMBRACE EACH OTHER AND YOURSELVES.

Kaeli just learned in kindergarten how to pat herself on the back....we need to practice this too!

Here is a button...pass, pass, pass it on :)

Thank you so much for all of the comments and requests from everyone - I hope that we can help each other!

XOXO Jess

The Truth of the Matter is....don't you wanna know?

2010-09-14T18:16:00.000-04:00

Ok everyone - let's talk.

My life has been turned upside down. My husband and I have separated and he has moved to Virginia. Now - this is a problem. Not only because he is all I have known for the past 7 1/2 years - but, somehow these bills have to be paid and these two beautiful children need to be taken care of.

I have an idea.

And as always - I come up with these things to share with everyone else. This time - YOU are included.

I see all of these groups. Haven't you seen them? Doll Makers and Painters and all kinds of different groups. Us doll makers and painters are looking for one thing and one thing only. We want to sell our creations. IT IS NOT EASY TO DO THIS! I don't need a support group, or a chat with friends group right now (although I LOVE these groups). Right now I need a MAKE MONEY group. Anyone with me?

So - I have 257 followers (thank you so much!), I know many of you have many followers. If we all band together as a group, could you even imagine the possibilities? It would be amazing!

I don't know what I am doing yet...but I am going to get it together and it will be FABULOUS. I am thinking - a shop - just for us, with all of our things in it. I am thinking contests and giveaways, I am thinking live shows and meetings. My head is filled with ideas.

I NEED YOUR SUPPORT - and you can have mine and all of the others that follow our group. So - if you want to join the band wagon - just tell me...I want your ideas and suggestions...let's sell some dolls and ornies and paintings, bears, and everything in between! Let's use the best kind of advertising that exists - WORD OF MOUTH. PASS, PASS, PASS IT ON!

Click here to email me to join in the fight to save handmade -

I would love your input - I will start a list of people who want to join in and as I get all of these things swimming in my head in motion, I will let everyone know what is going on....we are gonna be famous :)

WE CAN DO IT! Here is a button for you :)

XOXO Jess

It's not all peaches and cream around here....

2010-09-11T15:41:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone - sorry I have been neglecting you - I am having an AWFUL week - the worst ever...so please excuse my non-humorous posting - ('cause I know that is what you expect when you travel down the little dirt lane...).

I do have a doll that I finished up yesterday...and she was adopted before I got a chance to show you...she is really cute...little Jamie...I love her dress. Nama is completely fabulous...

I am still working here...so don't think that I have jumped off of the doll bandwagon. As a matter of fact I have a cute one sitting behind me that needs to be finished up :)

I am going to have a sale that will last until Monday - 25% off - this includes EVERYTHING in my Etsy Shoppe...so if you have been contemplating an adoption - now is the time....

littledirtlane@gmail.com

Just email me privately and I will edit the listing for you.

I hope you guys are having a better day than I am - and I PROMISE I will be back to my old self soon - or maybe I will be a BRAND NEW PERSON (but still a make you laugh 'til you pee person).

Love you guys - Hugs and Kisses and Rainbow Wishes!

New dahling dolls and more of my Jess "ism's"...hmmmmm

2010-09-08T17:19:00.000-04:00

Well hello my fabulous audience. Today my friends, we will talk about wine...oh yes - I have been doing a bit of wine tasting today...(please excuse anything that I may type out of sorts...I did a little TOO much wine tasting, haha) Just one glass - but boy I am a lightweight! Nama is cussing me right now I am sure (yeah right, the woman has never cursed a day in her life!)....So - just to let you know, I am not making any dolls in this condition - God help them if I did...I have found that one glass of wine around 5pm - COMPLETES ME. The world, my problems and all stress disappears for a brief 15 minutes, and today, I am sharing that 15 minutes with you :) What is your favorite wine...do you like reds or whites? I love a wine with a buttery oak finish...yes, that is my favorite. What's yours...?

Now - I did finish a couple of dolls since we last chatted. Two girls to be exact and I was going to introduce them to you as adoptable, but just as I begun typing this post one of my girls was adopted :) But I will show her anyway, you will love her - she reminds me of me...even though I am a blonde and half bald...but the color red is in my soul...I was born with the wrong color hair, I am convinced!

Here is Miss Annette - she has been adopted by her new mother Danielle :)

Here is Cassie - isn't she sweet? Cassie is an orphan and needs a new home...

You can visit her here - at my Etsy Shoppe...

So - that is all for today - I have a headless doll..right now - in my hands...so that means....a new doll tomorrow! I am working on pumpkins...I want some little fall girls to have pumpkins...oh and witches are to come...gosh I can't wait...oh and what else? I AM NOT TELLING, IT IS A SURPRISE!!! New something coming soon...Nama is still creating, so it will be in a week or so...but my gosh - I am thrilled. I may do one of those half face pictures for you...everyone else does it, I might as well hop on the wagon!

Have fun everyone...drink a glass of wine...we owe it to ourselves...why? Because we are women. And we work HARD!

XOXO Jess

A new little girl to please the eyes...I love red heads...

2010-09-06T16:21:00.000-04:00

Good Day to you all - :)

I wanted to share with you my newest creation before I SCORCH you all with my lovely stories...don't you just love my little stories???

First and foremost - I'd like to thank the academy...haha...just kidding - here's the doll -

Amber Rose is her name. Isn't she divine - Nama sure did a stand-up job on this dress - oh I love buttercream yellows...I like colors that you can smell - does that make sense? Probably not - I am a bit eccentric when it comes to, well, everything - lol.

You can click here to visit Amber Rose in my Etsy Shoppe...

Now - for the stories...my husband. My absolutely brainless, dear husband, has decided that he is going to sleep on the couch from now on...not at night...because believe me - I would love to have that queen size bed to myself...but he has decided that now he is going to sleep on the couch during the day...not just sleep - but snore (very abnoxiously), and DROOL - I had to scrub drool off of my couch. That is repulsive. So the reason my dear friends, that I have been producing less and less dolls is because while my dear husband is asleep on our apparently, very comfy couch, I am taking care of kids, cooking, cleaning, taking care of the dogs and cats, taking care of 46 chickens, doing yard work and mechanical engineering (the lawnmower). So that leaves my dolls in the background....but I am taking a stand today...I am going to find a new husband...here is my personal ad...what do you think??

LOL - This is a pipe dream, just a pipe dream...does this man even exist???

Haha...

Have a wonderful day everyone - I hope you are all smiling! I am!

Ohhhhhhhhhhh looky what Nama has done...you are gonna love it!

2010-09-03T11:19:00.000-04:00

Good Morning - we survived the hurricane....we didn't even lose power - YAY!

But besides hurricanes - I have to tell you the news!

You all know Nama - well - about 6 years ago she started working on a cook book. In case you didn't know - my Nama is the most wonderful southern cook - she has been cooking since she was a small child...her greatest joy in life is cooking. Now me on the other hand...I like to smell it cooking...and then eat it, then go to bed, lol...but Nama truly loves preparing a dish and adding that one special ingredient that she never leaves out of ANYTHING...do you want to know what that is?

LOVE

When Nama is making a doll dress she always puts a touch of love in making it - a special hum and a sweet little pat...when she cooks - she never leaves out that main ingredient.

So - back to the cook book.....

Nama's final cook book had almost 900 recipes in it...yeah - wow, huh? She had it printed when she was finished with it...and just one book cost a pretty penny to print...even so, she had many people buying them from her because she is WELL KNOWN in her home town for her recipes...

So I have taken Nama's cook book, re-designed it, and I have separated it into volumes. There will be over 20 volumes in the book - but for now - I have finished the first which is called "Volume 1 - Appetizers".

Now, for the name of the cook book -

It is called "Just Add Love". Perfect, huh?

It is available in my Etsy Shoppe - for $5 per copy - it is in PDF format so I can email it to you easily. This volume has over 40 appetizer recipes to please a crowd :) I love Nama's recipes. I have one of the huge books and I constantly thumbing through - anything that you could imagine is in there. With the volumes, you can print them out and put them in a notebook for each volume.

Here is a small preview for everyone - one recipe today from the appetizer section, and this is one of my absolute favorites...

HOT CRAB DIP

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons milk

Pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon horseradish

2 tablespoons onion, minced

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 pound fresh crabmeat, carefully picked for shells

1/3 cup slivered almonds

Combine cream cheese, milk, pepper, horseradish, onion, salt and crabmeat. Top with almonds and bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite cracker.

So, there it is....one for the road....mmmmmmm it is yummy...

Just take a trip to my Etsy Shoppe to purchase the first volume....click here.

Now let me tell you about the cover of the book....isn't it cute? Yes, I know, I am fabulous....haha.

The graphics are by Raspberry Road Designs. She has the most AWESOME graphics and at affordable prices...my blog banner is also made from her graphics...I am addicted to graphics and always stop by her shop first! Click here to visit Susan to get some of your own graphics to use!

Well - I am off to change a dress on a doll, play with little Chase and give the chickies a snack...I bet they wish they had some Hot Crab Dip...haha...

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood - yeah right...

2010-09-02T09:20:00.000-04:00

Hello - Hola - Good Morning - Buenos Dias!

Hahahahaha - HURRICANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel like Dorothy this morning - although it isn't a twister...I will be running around the backyard collecting chickens later on today....this is going to be quite an experience...Hurricane Earl should hit us sometime today and then there are 3 other storms right behind Earl heading our way - Fiona, Gaston and a new storm that hasn't been named yet.

I have so much to get done today - my VERY (yeah right) concerned husband was sent to the store yesterday to buy water, snacks and batteries for the flashlights....he came back home empty handed because he said, "The line was too long". Please someone - if you see a murder on the news...don't turn me in....haha...

Men - you can't live with them - you can't shoot them, and you can't eat them, so what good are they??? LOL.

So yesterday I made this little lady...she is a little nurse doll all dressed in her scrubs....I love her face. Her name is Rhonda and she was a custom order...

OK - SWAP - I wrote everyone last night with their partners....if for some reason you have joined the swap and have not received an email from me, please let me know! I am not all together here...so it is very possible that I missed someone...

Well have fun - you know I will!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!hahahaha....

So the reality of it all is....

2010-08-31T10:57:00.000-04:00

I am exhausted - yes, completely, utterly, exhausted.

I am so sorry I have not posted, but I have had no time to do anything!

I am up to my ears in doll parts and dirty paint water...Tomorrow I will choose partners for our swap (Yay - very excited!). And today - well - I am making dolls.

Have you ever had the feeling that you just wanted to disappear - just for a bit? Completely vanish and then reappear fresh and relaxed and rejuvenated...that is what I want to do...I am working so hard here and it seems like I am getting nowhere - so if anyone has encouragement, I could always use a fresh batch of that...

I am going to try to dish out some new dolls this week in my Etsy Shoppe - and I may even make a special doll for Ebay...don't know yet - I haven't quite decided.

This is what I have accomplished so far...and there were a few others that I forgot to take pictures of...

Not to mention - my Kaeli Marae went to school...oh heavens I cried and thought to myself, "What the heck is wrong with me?" The tears flew down my face like Niagra Falls. I am so silly. But my baby is now a big Kindergardener...which means - I have a new wrinkle...I have seen it and it is not pretty...

Look at her go - she is jumping for joy...oh the misery....

Well, I am off - I have 1 more custom doll to finish and I will finally be all caught up...I am not offering custom dolls in my shop anymore - I just can't keep up sometimes and it makes me feel bad - but I am happy to take requests...

Anyway - have a lovely day everyone...I have to go do chickens...

Oh - look at this one - her name is Pot Roast...

Have a good day!!

It's a small world after all...itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot....

2010-08-18T08:54:00.000-04:00

Ok - everything I have to show you today has been shrunken - well, not really - but I got on a teeny kick...and 5 teenies later this is what I had...

All of these kids are dressed up for Halloween...so they are called HALLOWEENIES...

Little Squaw

Little Pirate

Little Sheriff

Aren't they cute???

Ok now more...

My pictures are not very good this time...I will end up re-taking them I think...

So I was making a new Itsy Bitsy doll and Kaeli has decided to name one - she named this one Itsy Bitsy Ree - lol - yes - Kaeli just adores our Tipsy Teacup Ree :)

Now here is Jeanie - she is another Itsy Bitsy...again - they are soooooo much cuter than that dumb picture...

So - head over to my shop to see more of the Halloweenies...or the Itsy Bitsies....

I have to go to the dentist today - yuck...

Adam started his job today - yay...

I guess you have to take the bad with the good!

Have a fabulous, marvelous, spectacular day!!!

Creative, yes - exhausted, yes - still going for the win? YES...I will not stop...

2010-08-15T11:26:00.000-04:00

Yes - I am BEAT - so tired today - but I have so much to get done...chickens, dolls...whew - I will not stop - I will carry on...lol.

Just wanted to show you some custom dolls that I finished up yesterday...they will be traveling to the UK...

Christina...

Brittany...

I did not create two pop stars...I have no idea why I named them that - but the little one with the brown hair looks like a little chipmunk (everything looks like animals to me...)...so I named her after the chipmunk from Alvin & the Chipmunks...why? Because I have 2 kids and all I can think about is cartoons...

Oh if anyone wants a custom doll like this they are $45.00 + Shipping - choose dress color and hair color and name ( the eye colors are all the same)...if you want one just email me here...

Today I am going to read a Mother Goose Fairytale book and I am going to pick out a story to create in cloth...sooooo excited about that...we should all do that...take a story that has been forgotten and bring it to life again - we are what keep these wonderful stories alive!

Well - I am off to build another chicken coop for my strange little chickens...then back to create...have fun today wherever you may be -

Good Morning World...who cares about problems...NOT ME!

2010-08-13T10:42:00.000-04:00

I am ignoring life...do you think that is allowed?

Well I am doing it anyway...

So...I made a little girl...well I made a lot of little girls last night...all at the same time...but I finished this one...

Her name is Augustine...she was born in August - but she has a shabby chic flair... :) 'Cause I'm feeling chic...lol...

You can see more of her here...Click to visit her Etsy listing...

So....I had a fun day yesterday...introduced a couple more chickens to our flock...

Here is Sugar...

Sprite....

Ambrosia...

Pepper...

Now here is all the fun we had...Chase is so silly...

In case you didn't know...I had a friend come to stay with me...and this is her dog...the almighty vicious Pit Bull "Ivy" - who really looks more like a roly-poly...lol...she looks like she needs a snack huh? Oh Kaeli just adores her...she is so cute...

I did a really funny thing...well...it was so hot that I shaved down all of my dogs...now - it was fine on my Chinese Cresteds...but I gave my Australian Shepherd the same haircut...poor girl...but she is cute anyway...and she is NOT hot anymore and is running around like a puppy...and she is an old lady...so there...I don't feel bad...not even for leaving the little poof on her tail - nope...nobody feels bad here...haha

Well, have fun...I am off to check for eggs and then get back to sewing...oh the joys of life...that I am ignoring...remember?

XOXO Jess

MIsery, sweet misery....sigh....

2010-08-12T17:21:00.000-04:00

Hello my dear, dear, lovely wonderful friends...

I am all doom and gloom today...I guess even the sunniest people have those days...

It is always a bill to make the clouds blanket a sunny sky...but it happens...anyway...

BACK TO DOLL LAND!

So I have had a lot of people ask me to make more Vampiress Dolls...muuuuaaahhhhhaaaahhh...*that was my attempt to be spooky* I stink, I know...

Anyway, I have decided to add them as a custom order item - but only to my blog buddies :)

So if you want a custom vampire, or witch - let me know :)

They will be $45.00 + Shipping...

Just click here and email me letting me know what type (witch or vampire) of cute spooky kid you would like and I will make her to suite you...now be thinking of a good spooky name for your girl....hmmmm...Elvira....

I have enough time to make about 3 dolls...

Oh - and look what I made this week - Isn't she cute? Her name is Lindsey - she is a custom order kid...

I have so much to tell you but just not enough time in the world...I am so sorry that I haven't been blogging...I am kind of going through a rough patch here...but I will get over soon I hope...on top of my rough patch I am having hot flashes...yes, I said hot flashes. I am 28 years old...what the heck is wrong with me...I am just plain miserable and have had a migraine headache now for 4 days...so - I got a lovely email from Ree...I made it through it Ree - just yesterday - I am having issues just looking at the screen...I want to go shopping for those vintage sundresses with you my twin....and Sue...oh my goodness - that is awful - there is one word for those kind of people...witch - but subtract the "w" and add a "b". I will get back with you soon!

Oh it is just grueling...woe is me...(I bet Nama is having fun with this email)....hahaha...

So now that everyone feels sorry for me...this is how I feel.....

Love you all...

XOXO Jess

I got lost....now I am found....did you miss me? Were you looking for me?

2010-08-07T18:48:00.000-04:00

I am sure you guys thought that I had disappeared...I did.

OH IT WAS WONDERFUL.

Although I did miss you...I went to Nama's house...

I would love to show you pictures, but I forgot my camera...I had to use Nama's, but that stinker won't email the pictures...I must remind her...Nama are you reminded? I know you are reading this...

So - I went to Nama's to fix her computer...well it didn't get fixed. But she is binged...do you know what bing is? If you don't you should check it out...get the bing tool bar...much cooler than google. Ok - enough technology talk...that stuff is boring...let's talk about dolls...

I have been working on A LOT of custom orders...but I did manage to squeeze a BRAND NEW SERIES in...oh I am just tickled pink with my new girl Delia...Nama has made the cutest dress for her...she is an art doll - and get this...she is made of cotton, not muslin...only out of desperation because nobody had any...but I LOVE THE COTTON! I got two different colors...I will do the next color next week I think....If I have time...that seems to slip away these days...she has chubby little legs...I could just squeeze them!

So, here is Delia...she is on Etsy, click here to check her out!

Now...I have missed everyone's postings, I only got to see one...Nama's computer was being wacky, but Christel has given me an award and she said the sweetest things about me...awwww Christel...she said I had a bit of scorch...haha...yes ma'am...but Nama won't let me vent on my blog...she is Julia Child reincarnated you know...haha...I have to be a lady at all times...(are you smiling Nama?) haha - I probably just p'ed her off...lol.

So....I am going to try to sneak a few things in this week...I am excited about Halloween...I have some big plans for some Halloween dolls if I can ever get motivated. For some reason, I have been waking up at 6am every morning...By 5pm I am toast...I just had some coffee...maybe I can get it together...

Well have a lovely day, I am getting some pretty rain here today....I love it when my flowers get watered and I don't have to do it! :)

Wow...it is a bit toasty my way...

2010-07-25T19:04:00.001-04:00

I am currently sitting in my lovely Parisian office...with my finest garments on (yeah right - and old camp t-shirt and shorts with holes, barefoot with stick-up hair, but I can pretend...) and there are little tiny beads of sweat formed in a perfect rectangle on my brow....It is hot. Even inside. It is like I am being cooked...I was hoping for chicken for dinner...but who knows...

I have been running in and out all day and I literally mean RUNNING. As soon as my foot hits the back porch and the stifling humid air hits the inside of my nostrils I sprint. I sprint to the chicken coop and back. I have done this at least 10 times today...but in between my dramatically narrated little day...

I made her.

Now her name is Babette - she was supposed to be Alice. But Alice made me angry and I erased her. She was supposed to be Alice in Wonderland because my Kaeli bug created another painting...

Oh - if you want to learn more about my fancy Babette dressed in pearls for Sunday - Click here.

After I read Reezy Peezy's post to Kaeli - she decided that Alice in Wonderland would be fun to paint...she even said...that is MY FAVORITE. Now Miss Kaeli has been getting all of your comments and she actually blushed a few times...she said, "Mom is it really THAT good" and the best little comment she made was "I think I might be famous when I'm a big kid"...lol - anyone over 7 is BIG to her, haha...she is a bit petite...now here is Kaeli's little Alice painting. She decided that she wanted to make this one Mixed Media. I had to help a bit this time...but keep in mind, Kaeli drew EVERYTHING and painted EVERYTHING...I am so proud of her...again - she says this painting is $10 - she is going down on her prices...lol...she said $2 first and I talked her out of that...lol - she said "Mom...it is MY painting and I can decide..." LOL....

Click here to see purchase this painting and to see Kaeli's special little page called "Kaeli Marae Art". I swear if she could type, she would be blogging!

Have a lovely day everyone...I guess I better think about dinner...it is dinner time after all!

Big Squeezes!

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine...

2010-07-22T09:09:00.001-04:00

You make me HAPPY....when skies are grey...

Good Morning!

I woke up this morning to the sounds of crowing in the backyard. My little silkie roosters are budding and starting to sing their morning songs. I thought I had three girls and one boy...turns out I have 4 boys, lol...so I have a lot of crowing...the littlest one that is learning sounds like he has a small razor blade in his throat...poor guy, lol...

I have quite a few things to show you this morning. First, I made a new doll for the Etsy shoppe...

Her name is Brooke and Nama has made her a beautiful dress full of daisies...

Click here to see more of Brooke...

Next, I had a custom doll order for a VAMPIRE...spooky...so here is my spooky vamp...Nama's dress once again is AMAZING...

Now let me tell you a bit about my Kaeli...My Kaeli is 5 years old, and she is a budding artist. She amazes me with her little talent. She loves to draw and paint and she does it well.

Yesterday she told me that she wanted to do a watercolor painting. So I sat her down to my desk and 2 hours later she came beaming with pride with her painting in hand. It was lovely...and for 5, I don't know where the attention span comes from...she certainly didn't get that trait from me, lol...

She told me that she wanted to go to Chuckie Cheese - so she was going to sell her painting...lol...so who am I to tell a 5-year-old that they can't sell their treasured art? So I am adding a page to my blog called "Kaeli's Art" and she is going to sell her paintings for Chuckie Cheese trips, lol...she is so excited for you all to see her painting. As you all know I have a dear friend Madame Samm. Well Kaeli talks about her often and her and Chase call her "Damn Samm"...lol - Kaeli said this morning, "Has Damn Samm seen my picture?" LOL...I thought I was going to lose it!

Here is her painting. She said it was "Twen-ty Dollars" - haha...
Kaeli's Painting Has SOLD - and she is dancing around like she has won the lottery - lol...

I will have another doll finished this afternoon...I designed a new pattern and I am going to show her off later. I decided that I wanted a chubby doll...I love the chubby dolls...

Have fun and talk to you soon!

Two days in a row...wow - maybe I am back!!!

2010-07-20T15:14:00.000-04:00

Hello, Hello!

This will be quick...but I wanted to share something with you :)

My Itsy Bitsy Betsy was on her way to Australia and one month later she was no where to be found...poor kid. So I made a replacement Itsy Bitsy Betsy, and was just about to send her off when the REAL Itsy Bitsy Betsy arrived without a scratch - (she better not have been injured!)

So I have renamed the replacement doll "Itsy Bitsy Addison" and she is up for grabs in my Etsy Shoppe :)

Just Click Here to see more pictures...

And speaking of pictures...the pictures I took of my new dolls the other day were AWFUL - so here are some good ones of them hanging out on my porch...they were having a party...

Have fun everyone, if you have the time and the love for raggedy dolls check out my swap, we need some more friends to join in :)!!!

Time to Announce the GIVEAWAY WINNER and show off some NEW girls and a BIG SWAP...

2010-07-18T11:24:00.001-04:00

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, and Good Evening

('cause I know the sun is in different places as you read this :)

I am going to get straight to the point here...I know you have all been waiting to find out who won (and I wish I could have more winners) - but I am pleased to announce -the winner is...

DRUM ROLL PLEASE.....

SANDI OF BEARLY SANE!!!!

Sandi, please send me your address and I will get Miss Rosemary packing...

I am so happy that I get to share my doll with you Sandi :)

Now, we are close to 300 everyone...I will do another giveaway at 300 followers...so keep 'em coming!

FUNNY STORY

I have been so busy this week. My dolls were the top of my list, but everytime I sat down to create, SOMETHING happened...boy do I have a funny story for you...

I was sewing the other morning, and my little boy Chase came into my studio and said, "Mommy, my ear hurts." So I asked him, "Why does your ear hurt?" Chase said, "Because there is an elephant in my ear."

Well - I laughed...see...when Chase was really little, he wasn't fond of having his ears clean, so I made up a story that there were dinosaurs in his ears and we had to clean them out....well - so I thought he was joking.

Chase continued to complain about his ear, so I finally looked inside, and sure enough, he wasn't lying. There was something in there. I thought it was a rock. It was really deep - but I thought maybe if I got my little hemostats that Madame Samm sent me and tried to pull it out it would be all better. Well, it was just too deep. So I sat down all of my sewing supplies and the whole family jumped in the car and went to the doctor.

Well my big, strong, brave, little man sat up on the table as the doctor pried and pulled on and in his ear. No luck...the mystery object wouldn't move. So then they flushed water in his ears and NO LUCK - that thing wouldn't budge...so off to the specialist we went...We waited for 3 hours and finally we were called back...the specialist took one look and said, "easy fix". So we watched as he got his own hemostats and pulled it out...I picked it up and looked at it and sure enough...it was a piece of his toy elephant...the kid was telling the truth the whole time...lol. I asked him why he put it in his ear and he said, "the dinosaurs wanted to play with the elephant." LOL - I have just about died laughing about this....

NOW FOR THE GIRLS

This is Delaney...my little red headed princess...well she is already adopted...she will be living in Australia

This is Annabelle...she still needs a home and if you click here you can adopt her...

This is Heather...she also is an orphan...click here to see her...

This is a replacement Itsy Bitsy Betsy...poor Betsy got lost traveling to Australia...so this girl will be traveling behind her...maybe she will find her on her way...

SWAP

Let's do a swap...I want to start off with a simple swap...then we can move into the more detailed ones...

The swap theme is "MY FAVORITE ANNIE" - So naturally, you will make your favorite raggedy annie style doll. It can be modern, traditional, primitive, whimsical...just as long as it is your favorite...I will pair you up with a partner - All you will need to do is send an email to me with the following information: (just copy and paste this portion into your email)

CLICK HERE TO SEND AN EMAIL TO ME....

PUT "SWAP" IN THE SUBJECT LINE...

Name:

Address:

Email Address:

What is your favorite style of annie dolls:

What colors are your favorite:

Now - the rules are: HAVE FUN!!!! But please, if you do not have the time to participate, please don't. It is very upsetting when you have a partner that does not send you a special doll in return. Please put your heart into making your special doll for your partner...I ALWAYS put my heart into my creations and I like to send a bit of love off with my doll...

Your doll will need to be mailed off on OCTOBER 1ST- that gives us plenty of time to create! So if you want to sign up just send me off an email and I will put you on the list...Sign ups will be over on September 1st - so get signed up and ready to go! :)

Here is a button for you to share on your blog about this swap....let's have fun and share a little piece of our hearts with our dear friends...let's make new friends too! You can never have enough sweet and crafty friends!

So that's all for today - whew - I packed in the whole week...I really need to find some more time...anyone want to send me any??? LOL -

Have fun...I am going to be at this computer all day long...and for those of you who don't know...I READ EVERY SINGLE COMMENT AND I CHERISH EACH ONE...

Have a great morning, afternoon, evening and night everyone!

CIAO!!!!

I am mean today...a very mean person...but the doll makes me smile :)

2010-07-05T16:57:00.000-04:00

Do you ever have those days where you wake up and just want to punch someone, or something? Yes - today is that day for me. I know why, I will not share why, but I am frustrated...but I will not turn this post into a meaningless rant. We shall talk dolls...and of course, chickens...

I have only gotten one doll completed since last time...neverending battle around here trying to get things done. But here she is - I named her Victoria, there is just something regal looking about her sweet little face, she just looked like she needed a fancy name...Nama did an outstanding job on her dress...

Click here to see her on Etsy...

Now - I had a little 4th of July party to attend yesterday...and I had loads of fun - look what I made...

Is is Berry Tiramisu - and it is heavenly...everything from scratch, the whipped cream, the jelly glaze and the cake...it was absolutely WONDERFUL...I only got a half a piece...Chase and Kaeli ate their piece and then decided that they must devour mine as well. I went back to get another piece and sure enough...GONE...awww shucks...I'll have to make another...I also made Sweet and Spicy Sausage. I love this recipe because you can use it for meatballs, tiny sausages, keilbasas, all kinds of things...3 ingredients and it will be a hit, 1 jar of grape jam, 1 envelope of Lipton Onion Soup Mix and 1 Jar of Chili Sauce. Just add your meat - throw it in the crock pot and wallah! You have a meal.

I had a very lovely hatch last week. On the 30th I had 12 baby chicks hatch...look...aren't they cute?!

I have named them all...get ready, here comes my wacky names...
-Coleslaw
-Jambalaya
-Succotash
-Hash Brown
-Teriyaki
-Macaroni
-Pretzel
-Sprinkles
-Onion Ring
-French Fry
-Wonton

-Kielbasa

I also have 2 dozen more eggs in the incubator and 2 more dozen will be shipped to me tomorrow and then another dozen should be here by Friday...(singing) *I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it* - Don't you guys wish you got this excited over these little things that poop with every step they took? LOL

Well that's all for now...I have to go out and help with the coop project...it is 100 degrees and I am not happy about it...

I need to catch up on blogging, so I will come and visit all of you in a bit! :)

New Pattern - and a BIG headache!

2010-06-28T16:23:00.000-04:00

Well hello, hello, so I have been a bad blogger...I have found time to harvest my crops in farmville, but have not logged in to blogger. Shame on me...but you know, that farmville is so addicting...ridiculous really...I need a doll support group and a farmville support group.

I have had a headache for the past four days...it is probably because I broke my glasses, and I have been squinting at this stinkin' screen for days now...I really need new glasses...but my prescription is 3 years old, so it is time for another...

I had so many people ask about a pattern for my Itsy Bitsy girls that I created one...

Just like all of my patterns, this one is $7.50 an E-Pattern.

You can find it here on Etsy, just click :)

I made it for beginners, so those of you who are not beginners must forgive my laments terms, but it is a great pattern with diagrams and WONDERFUL face instructions, it is fool proof...I know this, because I am a big fool...lol.

Well - I have a paper due...today, and of course, I am doing this last minute thing again...

So everyone have a good day...I am coming back later to say hello to my friends...I hope you all still love me....lol.

XOXO Jess

All work and no play...poo..

2010-06-25T11:07:00.000-04:00

Hello, Hello, it is nice to see you - I have been busting my pa-tootie...

I have been doing less "chickening" and more "dolling"...but this week brings A LOT...

SO, this is what I have done this week...all of these are custom orders...

Now, I have 20 lovely little dancing chickens (still in the eggs) in the incubator and I should start seeing them pop out on the 29th...and I have 2 dozen more eggs coming tomorrow in the mail...they were a surprise...but I am so excited about them...NOW I have to find somewhere for all of these little buggers to live...

We have one coop built...see, here it is....

It was my design...I really should "art" it up...it could be pretty...

Now I need to build 3 or 4 more of these, haha...God help me...

My chickens are growing...here are some of my crazy looking ones...lol.

Now let me show you what Nama has been up to...

Yes...this is my Sloppy Joeanne (Sloppy Joe turned out to be a girl, lol) wearing a "shawl"...

You can laugh and say we are crazy (which most do before they realize what this thing is)....

This is a chicken shawl...yes it is cute, but it serves a purpose. These chicken shawls protect the chicken's backs. The hens can sometimes be pecked raw on their backs from their rooster...so this protects them from becoming injured...yes...this is the purpose....Nama has opened up her own little business...I am so proud of her. She opened up an etsy shop and her very first week she had 7 sales....GOOOOO Nama!

So here is the link to her shop - http://www.namaschickenshawls.etsy.com/

I have created a blog for her....we need to talk her into using it...

Anyway...dolls are coming...I am taking a break today...and tomorrow starts a new day of painting and sewing and stuffing and fluffing...I am also playing a bit with clay...have you guys ever used Super Sculpey? I really like it so far. I have been playing for a week now...Unfortunately I can't make anything pretty...it always comes out odd and mystical, but I think I may like it...I am just have eye issues...but I will figure it out if I play with it long enough...

Ok SWAP - I have a fantastic idea for a swap...but I would like to hear your ideas....I am thinking a "found object" swap...over the course of two months I am thinking that we can find little things laying around and upcycle them into a doll. I would like to do not only a swap, but a swap challenge and I would like to get some of the magazines involved....I like making nothing into something...I was thinking our creations could be pretty, or odd, or mystical, or whimsical, or robotic, or ANYTHING it transforms into...a big puzzle...could be fun I think...

Well...I have written a novel...haha...don't worry...it is free to read...haha...

Have a lovely day everyone...I hope the sun is shining and a cool breeze is blowing for you!

Another Itsy Bitsy girl has arrived!

2010-06-20T12:39:00.000-04:00

Oh it is Father's Day - so Happy Father's Day to all Fathers...ok...I am now finished with Father's Day.

My poor husband...he has been cleaning all morning and working on the house...I told him to relax, but there is no point...

The dog is SCREAMING today....bark, bark, bark, squeal - oh he is driving me CRAZY - it is too hot for him to be outside for a long period, and he is a pee-er - yes, he pees on EVERYTHING, so unless I am sitting there devoting my time to watching his sneaky butt, he is in his crate. Might I add that his crate has a large handmade pillow that is stuffed with the finest polyfill - it is like a nest, I want the dag gone pillow myself, but the little bugger keeps barking...I am now turning my music up WAY too loud...oh yes, this is nice, I can't hear anymore barking...lol.

Well, I have created Itsy Bitsy Daphne...

She is on Etsy, click here to see more...

I love her pumpkin colored hair!

Anyway, back to work for me....oh so much to do and so little time...I want to play with clay sooooo bad, but that will have to wait until I am caught up...anyone ever feel like the work never ends?? Whew...I need a drink...yes a nice tall.....hmmmm.....oh yes, Lemon Drop Martini, OH that would be DREAMY!

Have fun creating and smile a bunch!!!

GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED....

2010-06-18T11:58:00.002-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS SANDI OF BEARLY SANE!

Another one - wow - I need to slow down today...

2010-06-17T20:09:00.000-04:00

Here is Eleanor...all decked out in her patriotic threads!

See more of her on Etsy, click here :)

Ok - I am off - running to the chicken coop - the chickies are going to run a few laps around the yard before it gets too dark!

Talk with ya later!

XOXO Jess

Itsy Bitsy - Oh yes - most definitely...

2010-06-17T16:21:00.001-04:00

I have been busy today - VERY busy - so I must keep this brief...

I had so many comments and positive feedback about my teeny tiny doll the other day - so I decided to make another and call them "Itsy Bitsies"...

So here is the 2nd in the series...

Itsy Bitsy Betsy...

I think she is so cute...and ya know what? I made the dress! Go Jess! (I will not be making that a habit) Nama could do so much better I bet!

~~She is on Etsy, just click here.~~
Off to Australia - Adopted thank you Jemima!

Pot Roast in the crock pot, paints, pencils and fabrics out - I am working my buns off! I wish I would have skipped the yoga this morning, I didn't need it!

Have a fun day everyone...I will be back a bit later!

XOXO Jess

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie...........

2010-06-15T18:30:00.001-04:00

No - I am not showing pictures of me in a bikini - you would be *singing* "blinded by the light..." lol - but I am going to show you a picture of something else itsy bitsy teenie weenie...her name is Annie - and she is proud to be an American...

Here she is - only 5 1/2" tall - but she has a very detailed face and a very BIG expression...

~~You can check her out on Etsy by clicking here...~~
Miss Annie was adopted - Thank you Susie! :)

So - I am off to help with dinner...the husband has been marinating...yummmm...

Have fun!

Hello? Where is Jess? Where are the dolls? Ummmmm....

2010-06-15T10:52:00.000-04:00

Yes, I have disappeared! But abracadabra - here I am!

Wow - I have been missing in action...I got sick AGAIN! I have been miserable...the germs see me and take off in my direction every time!

Well, the Jacksonville Daily News printed the article yesterday...I was so excited, and my picture on the cover wasn't bad - Let me show you....yes, here it is....

Now I need to get some more dollies made...I am working my fingers to the bone today...no more MIA for me!

I have missed you all - I am going to be peeking at everyone throughout the day...

Madame Samm is making a beautiful quilt out of fruity fabrics (yes I peeked for a sec MS) oh it is going to be pretty! I need to get some fruity material for dresses...I sooooo want a Watermelon doll! :)

One more update...just on the chickening...lol...I have 30 eggs in the incubator...yes, I am crazy...Adam is building me another coop...because I am certainly going to need it...I am up to 19 chickens now...God save me from this addiction!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Little Dirt Lane

GIVEAWAY RESULTS - plus a little curve ball of my crazy life! PIC Heavy...

Where have I been you ask? Heck if I know!

What sound does a bunny make???

FINALLY - I stopped procrastinating...bunny finished and online...whew!

I am dead stinkin' tired...

Another Doll - Another Day - Sunbathing Chicks- and a GIVEAWAY!

Today is challenge day for me - I finished them all!! Go Jessi-poo!

Wow - What a week! Lots of pics to share with my pals!

Here Come the Bride...not me guys...the doll - what on Earth are you thinking??? Haha.

Yawn....what a week. There were traumatic events down the Little Dirt Lane.

I am such a lucky girl! You wanna see my new stuff???

Kaeli is my little artist...and a giveaway soon!

So tired...so tired...but I feel free!

Finally...oh finally - I am finished...To God Be the Glory...TUTORIAL

I'm freezing...but I am hot on dolls!!!

Hey, Hey, What do you say?!

Let's go shopping, let's go shopping...

First we'll talk positive and then.....well....

Whoops...I did it again....not like Britney Spears...

Too little too late...

The Birds the Word and some little extras...

I have a secret...

Whoooooooooooooooooo is newwwwwwwwwwwwwww???

Two hours of sleep and I am still going like the Energizer Bunny...speaking of bunnies...

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE....with the sound of the cat scratching in the litterbox...yep.

Oh how I DON'T love Christmas...you didn't see that one coming did you??

Rants and Raves...by me of course...

I got rhythm - I got music - I got my...hey - where the heck are my friends???

Grabbable Blog Button...here is a little tutorial for YOU!

A New Dawn - yeah right - and what's up with Kaeli Marae??? - and WRINKLE CREAM....

Jingle Bells - Jingle Bells - Jingle all the way - oh shoot - it is Thanksgiving....

ACOL is having a giveaway and....Etsy has given us coupon codes!!!!!

I am a professor - a professor of vast knowledge.

Baby Jess's everywhere!

Meow....*clearing throat*

I got the right stuff...baby....

Tutorial on ACOL Blog

Somebody had a birthday and lots of little girls were born!

200 Posts - Some fabulous Witches and a very busy Jess!

I see clouds of blue....red roses too...

Just wait and see what I got!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My fingers hurt ya'll - what to do - what to do?

I am taking a trip on a boat...I am going to float down my driveway...to the Little Dirt Lane...

I feel like cookin'......

It's SNOWING....

I'm a hoot - and so is the new doll - they get it honest...

How's everything coming along guys??

Yep - I am off my rocker...wanna join me?

The Truth of the Matter is....don't you wanna know?

It's not all peaches and cream around here....

New dahling dolls and more of my Jess "ism's"...hmmmmm

A new little girl to please the eyes...I love red heads...

Ohhhhhhhhhhh looky what Nama has done...you are gonna love it!

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood - yeah right...

So the reality of it all is....

It's a small world after all...itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot....

Creative, yes - exhausted, yes - still going for the win? YES...I will not stop...

Good Morning World...who cares about problems...NOT ME!

MIsery, sweet misery....sigh....

I got lost....now I am found....did you miss me? Were you looking for me?

Wow...it is a bit toasty my way...

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine...

Two days in a row...wow - maybe I am back!!!

Time to Announce the GIVEAWAY WINNER and show off some NEW girls and a BIG SWAP...

I am mean today...a very mean person...but the doll makes me smile :)

New Pattern - and a BIG headache!

All work and no play...poo..

Another Itsy Bitsy girl has arrived!

GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED....

Another one - wow - I need to slow down today...

Itsy Bitsy - Oh yes - most definitely...

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie...........

Hello? Where is Jess? Where are the dolls? Ummmmm....

Meow....clearing throat