Winter Well Wishes!

Hello Friends!

Just stopping by to wish you Happy Holidays! Wintertide is cause for wonderful celebrations with my family, and I've had the great fortune to visit my parents for the past few years, which means high festivities . Hopefully your winter celebrations are much like mine: full of food, fun, family, furry pets and friendship!

Here are some pictures of my family's house, in Florida. The past week has been a flurry of baking, tree trimming, present opening, tradition carrying, hugging, and creativity galore! It's always wonderful to be a part of the little traditions my family carries on with, in house decorated to rival anything St. Nick could come up with could come up with!

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Home Sweet Home....

We live across the street from a forest. Could there be a better view on a crisp winter morning? (This is winter in Florida by the way. No crazy snow to shovel in the morning!)

My mother is an impeccable baker. Her mother was a cook and baker for German nobility. Suffice to say: no one stays skinny at our house!
Baklava...

London Bars...shortbread crust, peach filling, ground nut topping...yum!

One of the great things about my vacation is that I finally had the chance to work on an idea that I always wanted to execute: to make all of my gifts handmade. The idea is to give my family gifts that were 100% made by me. This year, I could proudly say I did this (and you can too!). After starting at the end of November, I managed to give everyone a fully handcrafted item:

My father loves owls, so I made an old fashioned, clay headed owl doll in a dapper cloth body and suit:

Here is a doll I made for my sister. Since she lived, for a time, in Japan, I made a two sided geisha doll.

Here is the blue geisha, as my sister loves shades of blue:

Here is the second side: the geisha is completely made of pink and peach colors...

And, of course, everyone got beeswax ornaments!

The other wonderful thing about this time of year is that it allows me to be quiet and reflective about life. I often find myself, in the hustle and bustle of my metropolitan life, often wondering: "what am I doing here?" and "am I making a difference in the little piece of the world I am in?" Often, I sometimes wondering if I am leaving any sort of good on the path I'm on, but sometimes, I can say that I am doing something wonderful--

Meet Polly...

Our two family dogs, the love of my parents' lives, both died a year apart. Being the staunch family lovers we are, we started looking for a sweet new friend for my parents. When I went home last summer, we went to the pound and found this sweet Pyranees, which is a livestock guardian dog, originally from the Pyranees mountains in France.

This poor thing was held outside in a yard on a rope, underfed to the point she was only HALF her weight, and was matted. Of course, she was a lovebug....

We love her and immediately adopted her. Isn't she cute? AND she matches the Christmas decor. Our own personal Snow Dog!

I am so grateful for so much this year. I have my health, the ability to make art, so many wonderful friends, including YOU!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Official Vagabond Sales Page!

GUIDELINES to HOW THE SALES PAGE WORKS -
PLEASE READ, IT WILL SAVE YOU A LOT OF HASSLES LATER!

This is the official SALES PAGE of BEYOND VAGABOND.

Items here often will not fit into ETSY categories, so I am selling them here. Amazing items taken from my eclectic little life can now be yours!
ALL PROCEEDS fund my little farm dream and horse drawn wagon tour!

I have tried to break it down to be as simple as possible!

1. I will ship ALL PACKAGES USPS unless otherwise directed by YOU.

2. ALL PRICES INCLUDE STANDARD SHIPPING TO THE EAST COAST. No extra, messy, shipping fees to figure out! West Coasters, I'm sorry, but because the post office has suddenly become crazy with their fees, WEST COASTERS, ADD $2 to these prices. If you're not sure if you are a West Coaster, email me and I'll let you know! :)

3. EXPEDITED SHIPPING (Priority Mail): ADD $4 to the price. Please email and let me know if you would like Priority Mail as your shipping method.

4. INTERNATIONAL BUYERS (ha! I'm assuming more than 3 folks from some part of the USA read this blog!), please email me with your interest in any item. I will have to specifically calculate shipping for your country.

5. If ANY ITEM SELLS, THERE WILL BE A HUGE "SOLD" underneath the item, so please read carefully!

6. All items will be described to the best of my ability. Any questions or comments, please email me! I also will send extra pictures on demand. Please note that all items are sold "AS IS" so please don't hesitate to contact me with questions BEFORE YOU BUY!

7. If you have any questions about an item, or would like MORE PICTURES, please email me, I will be happy to assist.

8. EMAIL ME AT beyondvagabond@gmail.com

9. I TAKE PAYMENT AND CREDIT CARD THROUGH PAYPAL. PLEASE EMAIL ME FOR MY PAYPAL ADDRESS, IT IS NOT THE SAME AS MY EMAIL!!


Alright, without further ado...here are the items:

Holiday/Winter thermos ~ this red and white thermos is enameled metal and 9" tall. Great for keeping foods hot and cold. Hillside scene of rabbit moose and birds! $10

Cute Metal Christmas tree. Several metal golden metallic looks make up this Christmas tree. Glittered metal stand. Little metal round colored ornaments on each "bough." Golden wired star at the top. 9 1/2 " tall. $10



Bellydance fringe with silver coins ~ This is a great piece for a dancer, or daring someone for a night on the town! black and metallic silver yarn which is crocheted around the hip area and falls to a fringe which is ankle length. Almost 3 feet length, and can fit 42" waist comfortably. Silver coins form triangular patterns along the hip area, adds extra jingle, but not too much weight! $30

Cute little ballerina bear figurine! Ceramic, almost 3" tall Sweet gift $7

Cute little sleepy-time bear and his bear! Ceramic! 2" tall. Great gift! $7

Gold colored metal coin belt. LOTS of jingles in this one! Great for Middle Eastern Dancers or some bold person for a night on the town!. Gold coins held in loop patterns, on metal chains. Hooks closed. Fits up to a 38" waist comfortably. $30


Metal Headdress: This is Indian inspired. Two metal clasps wrap around the sides of the temples and the top piece goes over the crown of your head and attaches to the back of the head. Copper/Goldish color $12

Winter Market Day 3: "Tree Dainties"

Hello Friends!

Wow, how the time is zipping towards the holidays!

As such, I am happy to report that there are finally a FEW NEW THINGS at Ye Olde Vagabond Shoppe!

One is rather Holiday oriented but the other is quite different, and I think both could be used all year round! And then I have a WHOLE other group of ornaments, made of a MOST interesting substance!

(feel free to click to enlarge pics)

*First:

This ornament seems to have to have taken forever (you can see it in posts HERE and HERE), but that's me being quite the perfectionist painter! Just in time for the holidays, spread some

"Polar Bear Love"!

This ornament was entirely done freehand (no stencils here!). In the pic below, you might better see that the outside circle is filled with glittery goodness, and "Mama Bear's" scarf is made of iridescent silver paint, so there's tons of sparkle-glittery good magic to be had with this wonderful ornament!

Take this lovable family home by visiting them HERE

*Then! You remember THIS POST where my fingers were bandaged (scroll down a bit to see the so-so carnage)?
You will now learn the secret of why....I was learning to use a WOOD BURNING tool, in order to do pyrography! What is pyrography? It's the art of creating wood...umm, art, by burning! This technique was part of the "experimental" phase of art I was doing, and was done at the same time I was working on the shrinky dinks ornaments (by the way the SNOW QUEEN is still available here)!

So now, HERE is the result of all the hand-maiming work:

A Woodburned "Owl and PussyCat" ornament!

I always liked the owl and Pussycat, but always felt the cat should be a ruckus fiddle playing Tom, and so now he is! And the owl is a shy girl here!

Yes, all of the dark lines, dots, and even the sky background is made by BURNING the wood! Even Mr. Pussycat's coat is a very light burn! This took quite a bit of time, and control to be able to get the desired darkness..but I hope you like the results!
I think this ornament would be great for the holidays, a baby's nursery, or just anyplace where you might something to brighten your day!

YOU CAN TAKE HOME THESE two HERE

OK--finally...some of you MAY know I'm a beekeeper (amongst other things!) and that I have honey for sale. But I also have a lot of beeswax. And what better way to make use of it for the holidays than make BEESWAX ORNAMENTS!

TA DA!

These ornaments are made with our 100% pure beeswax, without coloring, heating, or an other process that would adulterate them. AND THE SCENT is divine! -Molded as beautiful old world, "colonial inspired" ornaments, they are perfect for the holidays, or any time! These hold a special place in my heart, as my mother (and grandfather) made ornaments of beeswax, as a European tradition!

I have the beehive, rabbit and (soon) meadowlark for sale HERE and you can request MORE THAN ONE, as I have lots of beeswax to melt down! Or, if you'd like some raw beeswax for your own fun, contact me, as I have that as well!

TOMORROW ~ I should have ONE or two more items up for sale, PLUS I'LL BE PUTTING UP the official sales page here on the blog...

AND THEN OFF to visit my family for a holidays in a week! What are your holiday plans!

A HOLIDAY BALL SWAP PARADE!!

HELLOOOOOO!

Wow, what an event, setting up this wonderful BLOG post! Today is the big day, folks! After months of wonderful artists' imagination and work, the Holiday Doll Ball Swap Parade is WELL in place!

Firstly, I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL SOULS who seem to always jump on these crazy band-wagon swaps of mine! It is an honor to see all of this wonderful work! Bravo and thank you for the spirit of creativity and community you have each brought! What wonderful dolls!

Second, I know I mentioned I might discuss some of my ornaments and what-not, but honestly, this is going to be a PICTURE HEAVY POST (33 doll entries!!!), so I'll wait another day to do anything but FEATURE THESE GREAT DOLLS!

Before we start, HERE ARE THE PARTICIPANTS!

Moriah ~ MLB Studios
Kaerie Faerie ~ Twigs Fairy Land
Sonia ~ Dark Raven's Nest
Kim ~ Prims by Kim
Cindy ~ ThimblePrims Studio
Marina ~ Marina's Dolls
Trish ~ Crafty Creations By Trish
Susie ~ Oriel Studios
Kim ~ Soggy Dog Studios
Sue ~ Rabbit Hollow Prims
Michelle ~ *The Studio At Crow Haven Farm*
Bridget ~ Wynd Swept Acres
Denise ~ Odd Imagination
Nicole ~ Mealy Monster Land
Hope ~ Pixie's Ponderings
Matty ~ Matty's Dolls
Cody ~ Cody Goodin Arts
Cathy ~ SnuggleBug Blessings
Christen ~ Fantasies From Within
Raedell ~ DellaRae Dezines
Diane ~ Dianie Mac Designs
Amy ~ The Heart of A Seed
Vonda - Vonda Hart
Deanna ~ Blue Dragon Arts
Deirdra ~ Deirdra Doan
Stephanie ~ Pixies In The House
Jan - JDConwell
Helen - Helen Fern Originals
TraceyAnne -Jasmoon Butterfly
Jacqui ~ Odd Dollz
Amy ~ Bumble Bee Lane Cottage
Grace ~ Little Black Crow Studio
Carisa ~ Goblinfruit Studio
Eru ~ Shop Eru
Marfi ~ Incipient Wings
Georgina ~ La Llarona Arts
Wilma ~ Empress Wu Designs
Kim ~ Dark Horse Dolls
Lotus ~ Whymsical Lotus
Caroline ~ Bent Whims Studio
Theresa ~ Sycamore Moon Studios
Zan Asha ~ Your Host

And away we go.......

'Twas the week before Christmas. Come One and Come All!
To Marvel these Art Dolls for the Holiday Ball!

Dolls of every shape and description
Come from Far and from Yonder
As a celebration of their artists
And Holiday Wonder!

So off we go!
Pull up a chair!
And now take a moment
For our Holiday Fair....

The Ball features characters of every celebration
Here they are, for your adoration!
(CLICK PICS TO ENLARGE, if you like)

There were cute Halloween dolls....

This little skull clad cutie by Sonia of Sonia Rodriguez Designs/CKO House


Los Dias Del Muertos doll by Marfi of Incipient Wings

"Moxie" by Lotus of Whymsical Lotus



Halloween doll by Kim of Dark Horse Dolls



Halloween dolly by Michelle of Studio at Crow Haven Farm


And a bevvy of cheerful Christmastime Elves!


This Christmas elf by Moriah of MLB Studios


"Sonny the Studio Elf" by JD Conwell


Elf by Kim of Soggy Dog Studios


This cute elf by Stephanie of Pixies in the House

And of course let's not forget our Halloween witches,

This little green witch by Caroline of Bent Whims Studio



"Tess and Her Broom" by Raedell of DellaRae Dezines

As well sweet Easter characters that keep us in stitches....

"Bunny Boy" by Denise of Odd Imagination


"Eoster/Easter," Goddess of Spring by Deanna of Blue Dragon Arts

And lovely winter dolls, made of magical wishes.

"The Spirit of January" by Theresa of Sycamore Moon Studios


"Shiver, A Child of Ice and Snow" by Cindy of ThimblePrims Studio

"Merry Christmas" by Helen Fern of Helen Fern Originals



And dolls celebrating a holiday of KISSES!

This heart doll by Tracey Ann of Jasmoon Butterfly

"Lady Val" by Georgina of La LLorona Arts

There are men made of snow...

This snowman of by Hope of Pixie's Ponderings

Snowman by Grace of Little Black Crow


And dolls quite festively dreamy.....

"Dreaming of A White Christmas" by Wilma of Empress Wu Designs


"Tilda" by Marina of Marina's Dolls

"Celeste"By Susie of Oriel Studios


"Miss Wu Goes to the Sockhop" by Dierdra of Dierdra Doan



Sweet and fun darlings....

Christmas Angel by Eru of Shop Eru


"Thanksgiving Prairie Doll" by Amy of BumbleBee Lane Cottage



This sweet doll Matty of Matty's Dolls

Mischevous Elfling by Christen of Fantasies from Within


...and a few dolls, it seems, are magnificently creepy!

"Matilda" by Jacqui of Odd Dollz

Interesting creatures brought happy jubilation...

This Christmas tree doll by Cody of Cody Goodin Arts

"Bat Diva" by Kaerie Faerie of Twigs Faerie Land

And a few dolls were truly a holiday combination!

"Muertos Bunny" by Carisa of GoblinFruit Studio

This Halloweeny Santa by Nicole of Mealy Monster Land

And now that we've reached the end of this post, I'll leave you with the doll from your's truly, your host!

HALLOWEEN QUEEN by Zan Asha

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! AND THANK YOU!!!

PS--Please visit these wonderful artists and BUY HANDMADE if you can for the holidays!