The Blackberry Briar

Do You Ever Feel Like Quitting??

  

"Yes, Taxi service.....Oh Golly, I just decided that I am no longer an artist.  Isn't that a wonderful thing?  I thought so too.  No more crazy funks.  No more mood swings.  No more crying spells because my work doesn't sell.  Best of all no more messy countertops cluttered with paint and projects!  Yahoo!   

What's that?  Oh no, I haven't always been an artist.   Not until my daughter was born 7 years ago.   I discovered fabric, and then paint and it has been a growth process ever since.   Some ups and LOTS of downs.  

Well anyhow, I am officially quitting as of today.   Please send me a horse and buggy.  I am wanting to go out and celebrate.  I live at 17 Blackberry Briar Lane.  My name is Michelle Sylvia.   Yes, I sell dolls.  Yes.....Oh......... YOU enjoy my work?????   You don't think I should quit?   Well, thanks for the compliments.  It is the compliments that have kept me going, given me the drive to push and the "want" to succeed.  I just don't think that I can handle the pressure anymore.  The let down. 

 Well, the buggy is here.....

I am off to explore life outside my studio.  Yes, I will probably return......As much as I have tried to shake the artist in me, I can't.  It is as much a part of me as my laugh and my brown eyes......Maybe I should just create for myself and my home......Give up on selling.   Well, as I said the horse and buggy have arrived and are waiting.   You have been such a big help.  Thanks for the chat.   Whatever I decide, I'm sure I will be in touch again". 

Does Everyone feel like this, or IS IT JUST ME??????

Something New in the Works

Slowly I am feeling my Muse return.  It is a bit unstable so I figured that I would try my hand at something new.  I am still working on this painting.  I need to figure out something for her wings and add some glitter somewhere, but I wanted to share my progress.    I even broke into my FAVORITE paper stash that I have been hoarding.  

Thanks for visiting and sharing with me.  :0)

Mr. Norman Gnomewell

Allow me to introduce to you Mr. Norman Gnomewell, gatekeeper at The Blackberry Briar Gardens.   He is so happy that he finally received some arms and colorful clothing.  He is outside posing for pictures, but cannot live outside because of our MidWest Rainy Weather. 

He is truly enjoying his frolic in the Spirea bush which is tickled pink and blooming that he is out there.  The fairies have sprinkled their blooming dust in excitement for his arrival.

Mr. Toad is very happy indeed to have his friend back.

Of course I couldn't resist plucking him in the photo studio.  He is so worthy and such a photogenic little man.   I have snapped several pics of him for his debut on The Primitive Gathering June 15th   .  Little Norman is made from Paperclay that has been sculpted from my hands.  He is a OOAK Blackberry Briar Original piece.  He measures a wee 8 1/2 inches tall.  He has been painted with several coats and sealed with a matte sealer to protect them.  He is standing on a round base that I have painted to resemble a whimsical Mushroom top.     Please enjoy the rest of the photos and thanks so much for visiting.

 

  

 

Gnomes and Toads.....

I am so dreamy about gnomes and fairies lately!  We might even do our own fairy door and garden.  I will keep you posted on those.    For now, I wanted to share a couple pics of my Gnome, who snuck out into the garden when I wasn't looking.  He made friends with Mr. Toad immediately and almost ran away into the bush.   He decided to come back for some arms though.  :0)

Enjoy your day and your flowers!  I will keep you posted on his progress.   

I'm Dreaming of......

What are you dreaming of?    Stay Tuned......

My Mixed Media Collage Work

Many of you probably don't know about my Mixed Media Collage Art.  It is a passion of mine along with doll making.   You can view more pictures of my work on MY PICTURETRAIL.   Here are a few more pictures of some of the work that I have created in the past.  I do have a couple in the works as well.  Be on the look out and I will surely keep you posted on anything new for sale as well.   Feel free to request to join My Email List as well.

Breast Cancer Charity Event

Last Saturday was my Sister's Breast Cancer Charity Event.   The weather was beautiful and the day was lovely.  Filled with family and friends who gathered together to celebrate and GIVE to The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Charity.   Thanks to everyone who made the day a success.   Here are a few photos from the event.  I sold candles and room sprays.  There was a variety of items for sale.  A Bake Sale, a Plant Sale, Tastefully Simple, Stampin Up, Custom Embroidery, Handmade Goodies, Mary Kay, and so many wonderful childrens items too. 

I have been busy with Softball Practices and with gardening in between the two shows that I just completed.  I am starting to think about Fall and Christmas, believe it or not.  I need to budget my time wisely and begin now.  Thanks so much to everyone for your continued support and your kind comments.  I truly value each and every one of you. 

Catching Up and The May Primitive Gathering

Good Morning Everyone.  It seems like it has been an eternity since I have been able to post on my blog.   I want to Thank so many of you who took the time to write your sympathies for my kitty.  I deeply appreciated every word.

Gosh, so much is going on.  My Gram turned 85!!!  She is just so beautiful and such a real life doll.  Here we are with her.  4 Generations!   We celebrated at a Brunch and had such a nice time.

Last weekend I did a local annual Spring show which is always so much fun and very busy.   I prepared for that and brought only candles this time, no dollies......I didn't have time for dollies.  Wish I had a picture to share.  I must remember my camera next time.

This weekend is another EXCITING show that I am doing at my sisters house.  It is her annual Breast Cancer Charity Event.   This is the third year that it will take place.  I am so excited about it.  I will keep you posted and try to include some pictures.

Please meet Ms. Blue Bird.   I have been working on her for an eternity.  Picking her up and putting her back down.   I finally finished her up and she is up for sale on The Primitive Gathering today for the 15th release.  I am including one of my Locally Famous Room Sprays FREE with her purchase.  You choose the scent.   Please take a moment to visit all the other very talented artists page as well.

Well, that is all for now.  Please Live, Love and Laugh like today is the biggest party of your life.  Celebrate and be joyful for each and everything.  Life is just way to short not to.   

Oh My Darling Clementine

A Dolly named Clementine. 

I will Miss You Forever

I Love You with all My Heart and Will Miss You Forever.

Dear Lord, please open your gates
and call St. Francis
to come escort this beloved companion
across the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign her to a place of honor,
for she has been a faithful servant
and has always done her best to please me.

Bless the hands that send her to you,
for they are doing so in love and compassion,
freeing her from pain and suffering.

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss.
Help me remember the details of her life
with the love she has shown me.
And grant me the courage to honor her
by sharing those memories with others.

Let her remember me as well
and let her know that I will always love her.
And when it's my time to pass over into your paradise,
please allow her to accompany those
who will bring me home.

Thank you, Lord,
for the gift of her companionship
and for the time we've had together.

And thank you, Lord,
for granting me the strength
to give her to you now.

Amen.