Saturday, August 13, 2011

Ye Ole Cape Cod


My brother called to tell me these remaining days before his return to school that he decided to take a last minute vacation to Cape Cod. This is SO my brother! He returns tomorrow, school for him starts Monday!
My first thought was, when will you do your vacation laundry?????


John loves to swim as much as I do, but I am not an ocean swimmer. He said many beaches on the Cape are closed due to an abundance of Great Whites spotted there to feed on the population of seals. Swimming in eight feet of crystal clear cold water, a seal swam right underneath him! He said it looked like a telephone pole zipping by. "ZIPPING BY!" I nearly yelled into the receiver, "Did you look to see if it was being chased by a SHARK!!!!!"


The seed was planted by this phone call to make characters that depicted a vacation to Cape Cod. "Where Women Create" provided the perfect inspiration.


To my utter delight a first introduction to Jody Battaglia was in store for me within the covers of this magazine. "Jody, where have you been all my life!" Her wonderful creations are just like the ones I see in my own imagination. Faces sweet enough to love with their wonderment of something new discovered.


Jody has been designing for 31 years and began as a teddy bear creator. This year I have struggled so with blogging in part due to wondering "Why"? Seeing this studio filled with Jody's creations that she has come to love as friends is a revelation to me.


As my characters become a little more detailed, I realize this is just a part of the growing process. My own vision is to always create a pattern that anyone with very basic sewing skills can accomplish for themselves at very little expense.



By chance on this day of my brother's call and reading this article, I found all of the doors opened to my craft room cupboard. My husband was the one who opened them. He told me he was so proud of all that I had created.







30 comments:

Mrs. Cozy Home said...

Oh my gracious we vacationed in Chatham for years -- I was shocked to find out that now people are flocking there to SEE sharks! They are even selling shark items in gift shops...ugh

Mona said...

I bought that Where Women Create mainly for the article you referred to! I think your characters are every bit as wonderful and so wonderful of you to share them with us. Thank you. You're awesome! And, I love your writing. Mona

sassypackrat said...

This is so cute! My mom loves ducks and I'll be making this for her soon!

Unknown said...

Oh E!!!!! This little duck is one of my favorites for sure!!!!!! Wayne got a job!!!!!!! Things are looking up! I hope to be blogging and creating soon......just made my reservations to go back home in October! :):) Sandy

My Vintage Mending said...

E...I read this article twice when my magazine came and then began to research her work. She is truly inspiring just like someone else I know. I think the thing I took most from her was how she still loves what she does each day by sticking to what is true to her heart. Her characters reminded me of yours so much. So glad you got a chance to see it. This creation is just ducky...smiles...Renee

Ina said...

WHY???!!!! Seriously, you ask WHY create and blog??!! Because you are a talented woman...many talents. You write so eloquently and your little creations are so, so adorable!!

You have a 'following'...people who love reading your posts and love your little creations.

Have you thought of selling some of your handmade creations??? I would LOVE to own the little ducky with the inner tube.

Joanne said...

Your brother is quite the adventurer! Even though we live near the ocean and I love to go there, I am scared to death of swimming in it! I cringe everytime my kids play in it. Jaws definitely did a number on me!!!
I love this duck! I wish I could follow a pattern, but I can never ever make heads or tails from the simplest of sewing directions. I generally try to make things free hand. I love your work. your stitching is so precise.
Blessings, Joanne

Ina said...

I just thought of another reason 'why' you should create...future grandchildren. Wouldn't be AWESOME for your grandchildren to see what you do and to eventually inherit your little creations??

WHen I was 16, my grandmother gave me 2 quilts she had made in sewing bees out of clothing scraps. One of the quilts all of the women embroidered their name on the block they made. I will always have this and I cherish it. ;0

Debby said...

Hi E. Don't you love this cooler weather.
So glad you found encouragement for all your inspirations. I can't wait to see what you create.
I'd love to go to Cape Cod......not for the sharks though. That seal would have made me think twice about swimming there.
Can't wait for the kits.
Not sure I could ever make anything that detailed but I might try.
(((((HUGS))))) friend!!

BucksCountyFolkArt said...

After a week of watching, "Shark Week" on TV, you couldn't get me into an ocean without throwing me in!!!

Love the duck! We create and blog because we can't help ourselves. No use fighting it! : )

Jennifer Bontrager said...

I too loved Jody in Where Women Create. He little creations are so enchanting! Your little duck looks like he would be right at home with them. You are just so talented your creations always make me smile! :)

laurie -magpie ethel said...

have been a fan of Jody's for years and it was fun to see her studio with all her great old vintage finds tucked in with her creations. Loving Mr. Duck...you are a true talent with that needle and thread.

Cindy said...

Very cute ducky! I love that issue of WWC and keep looking over every detail. Maybe you will be in it next!

AquaMarine Queen said...

Thank you, Elizabeth ... telling us about two wonderfully interesting vintage collectors in one week!

You create because it comes from within. Just follow your bliss.

Lisa (sweetlilystudio on etsy!)

Pieceful Bits said...

Oh, I love the seaside duckie!!!
So happy for you that your hubby appreciated all your crafting creations as he should!!
You are a gem that is WHY you blog;)
Love ya,
Julie

Elyse said...

hi!

we were just on the cape the other day and it's always so fun. we didn't do the beaches though -- just go karts, shopping, candy and lobstah! the cape is always so fun.

your little duck is adorable!!!

xo
elyse

Suz said...

Oh, my dear,
This is the first time I have read this. I am so excited that we will be able to purchase kits. I will be lined up at your "door" when they come out. This is wonderful wonderful wonderful!!!
Big hugs,
Suz
P.S. I have a brother John, too!!

Nan said...

Never hear of Jody but I love what I see so I'll look her up. The duck is just a real cutie. Can't wait to see your Jody inspired creations.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I was looking to see if the Barnes & Noble that is closing here had any of the Where Women Create books left yesterday. I couldn't find it, but I've been wanting to get a couple of them for awhile now. The inspiration pictures you found do remind me of your little friends, Elizabeth! I love how you got inspiration for your new creations from the book and your brother's mini-vacation.

Scrap for Joy said...

The current issue of Where Women Create is one of the best yet (loved the Susan Branch article, too) Your talent is as charming and inspiring as any in a magazine. This new little duck has the sweetest face...so signature "Elizabeth". I love Cape Cod but being a non-swimmer, I never venture further than getting my toes wet. Hearing the shark stories this summer has reinforced my fear of the water!
Loved your post about Aunt Karen (your dialect was spot on) and seeing The Help. My whole Book Group will be seeing the movie together soon. I will pay attention to the Block Optic...I own some of it. It was a marvelous book.
Happy Sunday!
xoxo
Joyce

Anonymous said...

Tears just filled my eyes when I read: "someone who is finally realizing their own worth." I am so happy to know you feel that way about your self after the struggles you have been going through. I just echo what your other readers have said...you are such a talented person with your amazing gifts of design and writing. Self worth should be pouring out of your ears!!! :)

I don't buy the Where Women Create each time because of the price. HOWEVER, I snatched this issue right up...I saw the article you featured..and so many great ones and decided had just had to have this issue.

Happy creating. dana

Mary Ann Tate said...

Your little duck is adorable. You are so talented. I love everything that you make:)

Did you know that Jody has a blog......http://jodybattaglia.blogspot.com/

Rustique Gal said...

OMG, I love those little creatures. I will be on the lookout for sharks when I go to the Cape next month! I don't like to swim in the ocean, but I love to be near it! Looking forward to your new creations!
Hugs,
Sherry

Unknown said...

I tell you, I see all these wonderful things you gals create ... but this is the CUTEST EVER!!!

Would you be so kind to (& tell your friends) comment on my BLOG ONLY (emails don’t count), for the Miracle Makeover fund drive. Charlie, 8 yr. old, & his story are fabulous. Every comment brings us a $1 for the next person that will be sponsored.

Have a beautiful weekend.
Hugs,
TTFN ~
Marydon
blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

Pellie / Penny said...

What a wonderful little Quacker. You did a great job.

Hug,
Penny

Anonymous said...

I was browsing that magazine this weekend and oogling over all the fun-ness of her studio. I wish I had my own "playroom". Your creations are you...keep on creating and inspiring. I've only been able to find time to make 2 of your designs but they are on my list...they are too cute not to.

agravette said...

are you interested in making a duck for me? i absolutely love little quacker! my daughter adores ducks and has even learned how to speak using a duck voice! just let me know if you would be willing to create and sell one to me...thanks! alisha

agravette said...

are you interested in making a duck for me? i absolutely love little quacker! my daughter adores ducks and has even learned how to speak using a duck voice! just let me know if you would be willing to create and sell one to me...thanks! alisha

Betty said...

Of course!! My favorite article in this issue of WWC is yours too!! Oh my goodness! I had to go look for her blog and find out more about her. Her creations are so cute and I adore her studio. Your little duck is just as adorable and a tribute to her!

Jody Battaglia said...

Hello...I am overwhelmed. You are so talented. I do think we should get together for a playdate. I can just imagine the giggles. I am leaving to visit my Mother tomorrow, but I will be working on your circus fellow while there.

Have silly coloring book fun, Jody