Sandy Mastroni

Etsy heart pillow

2012-01-26T19:28:00.003-05:00

Hi ..... Today I made a pretty pillow [ yes ? ] .......... I used an old vintage embroidered bureau scarf and then I added pearls and buttons .... all around the edges I twisted and knotted bits of fabric

yesterday .... I was so depressed ....because I made an awful pillow ....NOT a magic day, yesterday

Hope you are all having a wonderful week !

this heart is in my shop

making my own curtains

2012-01-12T19:34:00.010-05:00

Hi everyone .... just wanted to show you what I've been up to ..... sewing and ironing and hanging curtains !

I just did NOT want to buy 'normal store' curtains . I wanted to make my own .

for a long time I've been looking at seaangels blog ..... I've been inspired !

I went through my stash of old linens and doilies .

This suits my house ... since my whole house is sort of strange [ different ]. It's all tag sale finds [repainted furniture, creepy doll heads , colored glass and of course ....JERRY ]

I still have so much to do ... I have to paint walls , paint the windows , do more fussing and rearranging .

but this is how it looks now . These photos aren't great , but you get the idea .

I bought the stained glass window a few years ago for $45.00 . It's suspended from hooks .

When I bought it , I had no place for it ....... until .... my new WINDOW !!!!

visit seaangels blog

and posy too !

there's so many great blogs , but these are just two [ of the many ] that I like very much.

one last thing > I'm so into tension rods .... I love that I can raise and lower them according to the sun , or for privacy ...or... for ...... MY CATS .

Have a good night !

for etsy ... a heart and a doll

2012-01-10T17:32:00.005-05:00

I love doilies ... old linens , old bureau scarves .... all that old vintage stuff

I made a heart pillow , made a bunny doll girl

in my shop now

ALL my windows are in , it's so wonderful to have windows !

I've been going through all my doilies , old tablecloths ..... I've been making curtains

I'll show you when I'm done

of course I should be PAINTING the new windows , but I felt like sewing curtains first

have a good week !

new art dolls for Etsy

2011-12-30T12:41:00.006-05:00

I've just listed eight new dolls .... in my shop now !

hope you had a wonderful Christmas ......let's follow the Lord ALL year long !

we watched a movie > Midnight in Paris . loved it .... we watched it twice

and of course we watched Scrooge [ Alastair Sim one ..my favorite ]

I remember watching this movie every year when I was little , on The Million Dollar movie channel 9 ... they played it all day and night , and we watched it all day and night . I must have seen this movie a thousand times and I still love it

Have a very HAPPY New Year ..... I'll be back with a give away next year [ in January ]

love you all

and thank you ..... I always have to say THANK YOU for visiting me , for your friendship

Sale in my Etsy shop

2011-12-19T16:34:00.003-05:00

My Easter - Christmas window

the African Violets are blooming in my beautiful rabbit

and see the Santa ? >>>> That is my only Christmas decoration

All the work that was done here , plus making dolls and things for Etsy has kept me too busy to even decorate

I hope everyone is happy ....decorating and baking , wrapping presents, singing Christmas carols and praising God for Jesus !

One more thing !

I have put MANY things on sale in my shop ....... clearing things out to make room for new art coming in January

so SALE in my shop !!!!

Have fun

my NEW window

2011-12-14T13:34:00.006-05:00

They just left ... the new window is in ! ....... YAY . WHat a big job this was ... two and half days .

so, you ask ......

How long before you junk up the window ? My answer ...... not too long !

They finished at noon , as soon as they drove away I let the cats out , changed into my crappy clothes , made tea and a salami sandwich [ to celebrate ] and then ......... I put junk in the window .

The cats [ to my surprise ] are not interested , but I can always count on Jerry .

so here's the new window

I know it looks awful and HUGE ...... it's 18 inches deep

It needs paint and curtains [ and junk ]

But I am very happy the workers are gone , and happy with the window . it's good and solid , no more DRAFTS

and

I am alone again

ah ........... peace .

the old bay window

2011-12-12T09:00:00.002-05:00

I took this photo early this morning before the guys got here . They're here right now , banging and making all kinds of noise . I'm hiding in my studio upstairs .... Baby Em is safe in the bedroom , Juliette , Buddy and Holly are down in the basement . I hate locking the cats up . It makes me feel so bad for them , it's a long day . I know they hate the noise too . I know I really am like a cat, I'm a cat lady .... I like a peaceful house . I hate disruptions , and even though my house is a mess .... I like things where they are , even if it's a pile of junk in a corner .

well ... they'll be here today AND tomorrow

In this photo you can see that foggy thing in the window .... I couldn't see out of any of my windows ! So now I have some new windows upstairs , I get up in the middle of the night to watch the clouds move past the moon ..... nice

thank you Lord ......

I'm so grateful ! we got a new gas furnace AND now new windows !!!!!!

after this is all done I have to paint , figure out curtains . put my junk back where it belongs , ha ha [ maybe I'll get rid of more junk ]

Have a wonderful day

and thank you ..... for visiting me !!!!

cat doll for Etsy

2011-12-09T02:04:00.005-05:00

Today I made a cat doll

we had lots of rain this week .... so ..... I don't have my new window yet .

Monday ..... Monday I get a NEW window !

have a great weekend

this cat is in my shop ........ [ JUST sold .... going to Australia ! Thank you Lynette ! ]

Garbage Day

2011-12-05T01:14:00.003-05:00

Oh wow

I know it's been SO long since I blogged ..... everything is okay here

we are having our old crappy windows replaced , great timing ..... just in time for when I'm really busy with Christmas . But .... it HAS to be done . I haven't been able to see out my windows for YEARS . They had all that cloudy stuff in between the glass [ awful ]

and this week we will have our huge bay window replaced too . It's sort of hanging out of the house ... ha ha

so that's what's going on ..... cleaning my messes away from windows , locking up my four cats in different rooms and trying to work too [ I get so stressed when I CAN'T work ]

but I am VERY grateful that I can see out my windows .

The painting above is called Garbage day

it's in my shop

art doll for Etsy..........[ just sold ]

2011-11-10T21:53:00.003-05:00

Hi ...... I made a doll today ..... a cute [?] one so I guess tomorrow I'll make a creepy one . That seems to be my pattern

so ...... she is in my shop ........ have a great weekend !

wood cut out cat girl for Etsy

2011-10-29T00:17:00.005-04:00

It's so hard to believe how quickly the week goes by . And now .... maybe some snow this weekend !!!!

I don't think we'll get much , probably more rain than snow .

anyway > I painted this cat girl on Bainbridge illustration board with ink and my much loved DERWENT Inktense pencils

then I made a print , mounted the print on board and cut out on my scroll saw

Where do you buy your brushes ? I used to have a great place [ a catalog ] to buy brushes , their prices were SO good , but ...... they went out of business

oh well

My cat girl wood cut out is in my etsy shop.... [ update > this one just sold , but I'll be making more soon ! ]

have a great weekend

feels like Halloween

2011-10-22T22:37:00.001-04:00

If you're bored .... take photos with a flashlight

cat art doll ... another one for Etsy

2011-10-18T14:22:00.002-04:00

Just finished another cat art doll . fake fur and striped upholstery fabric

in my shop !!!!

A cry baby cat for Etsy......just sold

2011-10-15T15:58:00.002-04:00

in my shop ! [ sold ]

A girl cat for Etsy

2011-10-12T22:05:00.005-04:00

Today I made a big girl cat doll . She wears a crocheted [ doily ] sweater .

she is in my shop .

and I went to the post office and I went for groceries and I made a pumpkin pie and I ate a lot of pumpkin pie

it was a LITTLE cooler today , and I saw some trees starting to change color

hope you had a good day !!!

little cat dolls

2011-10-11T17:34:00.006-04:00

the first cat wears an orange shirt , his name is Ernie

the middle one wears a light blue/green shirt , his name is Chester... [ sold ]

the third cat wears a red/orange shirt .... his name is Carl

Chester has sold [ Bonnie picked Chester ] ..... the other two are in my shop

and just wanted to let you know , so far we are HAPPY with the new monster in the basement

the new gas heater is VERY quiet

new cat doll and new gas heater

2011-10-07T19:14:00.005-04:00

new cat art doll in my shop !........ [ sold ]

and Here is our new gas heater .... SO many pipes !

The last three days have been so stressful .... lots of noise , lots of guys here working

The real stress was my four cats . They were not happy about all this

Cats just hate closed doors !!!!!

and then .... it was hard for me because I couldn't relax to get any work done

but

It's all done . THANK YOU for your comments . I'm already happy with this heater ... it's QUIET

Our old old oil furnace was so noisy !!!!

do you have any more advice on gas dryers .... and/or gas stoves ?

strange little cat doll........sold

2011-10-05T09:00:00.003-04:00

just sold

do you like this weird one ?

I'm distracted and stressed ... Plumber is here , five guys here ..... putting in a new gas heater

we are switching from oil to gas

I hope this is a smart thing to do

do you have gas heat ? I can get a gas stove now too ...... I hate my stove . [ old electric ]

and I could get a gas dryer now too . Will I like that better too ?

so this is good ... right ?

rabbit doll for Etsy.........sold

2011-10-03T15:20:00.002-04:00

I should be making Christmas .... but somehow this rabbit happened

she is in my shop !

Cat doll for Etsy .... Eugene.......sold

2011-10-01T16:42:00.003-04:00

you may be wondering .... so I will answer

No , I don't do anything else . I stay home , eat , sleep and make dolls .

was that your question ?

Eugene is in my shop . Have a nice Saturday night and a lovely Sunday

sold

new art doll for Etsy...........sold

2011-09-30T22:22:00.004-04:00

made this doll today ... she is wearing a burgundy red Christmas dress [ in my shop ]

and it is STILL hot here

have a good weekend !

rag doll Patsy..........sold

2011-09-25T14:37:00.004-04:00

rag doll Lorna.........sold

2011-09-25T14:33:00.004-04:00

rag doll Madge

2011-09-25T14:23:00.003-04:00

rag doll Florence

2011-09-25T14:18:00.003-04:00

Little Millie art doll for Etsy

2011-09-21T22:59:00.005-04:00

finished this little doll today , she is cute little

in my shop

Happy Thursday to everyone !!!!

Etsy cat doll.............sold

2011-09-20T22:32:00.004-04:00

made a cat doll today .... the fabric is SO cute , little bunches of carrots , celery , pumpkins and blueberry pie

in my shop.......... just sold ......thank you Sue

Etsy witch art doll..........sold

2011-09-15T15:28:00.003-04:00

she's done .... ding dong the witch is done [ not dead ] DONE

she is in my shop

I hear that it's supposed to be COOL tonight .... I'm a happy girl

working on these witches for Etsy

2011-09-14T22:45:00.006-04:00

click to enlarge

I forget to blog when I'm in a working frenzy ..... Cindi reminded me that I haven't blogged in a while [ thank you Cindi ]

I forget that it MIGHT be interesting to see a doll in progress ?

yeah ?

well ..... I'm making witches now , two are dressed in velvet..... the last two are just about done

and the big head one has a way to go

I'll be back to show you when she's done

and it's HOT ......... To cool off > I'm stuffing a bag of frozen peas in my shirt , it's hot in my house and I hate it .

be back soon . Have a happy Thursday !

winners

2011-09-05T13:32:00.003-04:00

winners are >

GREEN ERICA and ..... BO BETSY

thanks to everyone

p.s. > just curious .... which Jerry freaks you out more ...... Jerry or Jerry ? ha ha

click to enlarge

Better Homes and Gardens magazine and a give away

2011-08-31T22:23:00.005-04:00

well .... Here it is !!!

my snowman hearts are in this Better Homes and Gardens special interest magazine ... click to enlarge

it's in stores NOW , I found the magazine in my grocery store !

I meant to write about this last week but .... Irene the Hurricane distracted me .

Thank God .... we are fine , our house is okay !

But parts of Connecticut had real serious damage . Hope you got through this storm okay !

so .......... I want to say that Etsy and blog people are WONDERFUL !!!

I would not have known the magazine was even out in the stores if it wasn't for JAN in Texas !

I didn't even know her but she was so nice to write to me and say "congratulations .... your work looks great in the magazine "

you know I'm a recluse , a hermit ..... an anti social artist nut ...... so if it wasn't for Jan I would have missed seeing my work published in this magazine

so THANK YOU Jan .... everyone say Thank you JAN

visit Jan's etsy shop .... she makes wonderful art , you will love her dolls

Finally > because of all this excitement I am doing a give away of one .... no TWO snowman hearts

Jerry and I will pick TWO names

oh ... one more thing . a funny weird thing . I never know what people will like [ stuff that I make ] .... what "I" like ... well .... some people don't

They asked me for Three snowman hearts . They published two ,,,, they didn't include MY favorite one .

but here .... on my blog .... I'm giving away two of MY favorite snowman hearts

just want to thank the people at Better Homes and Gardens .... VERY nice people.

leave your name , and/or a comment

and we will pick two names SOON .

can't tell you what day right now .... but it will be soon

Bye !

Thank you Cindi

2011-08-22T23:55:00.003-04:00

I've posted my doll's photo before .... he's one of my favorites . He is by my front door and I think my face looks just like this when I have to go out .

but the reason I'm writing here tonight

is to thank CINDI ......... she wrote a lovely post about ME , ..... AND Robin Kent [ you should see Robin's art too ! ]

anyway .....It made me so happy

Her blog is always fun to read , because she is so good at telling stories

I hope you will visit her

here's her blog > it's called oldblackcatboo

thank you Cindi

etsy Mahogany Vampire portrait , darling child...[ sold ]

2011-08-16T23:09:00.003-04:00

in a very old vintage frame .... I placed my darling vampire girl

in my shop..........sold

Etsy cat stuff

2011-08-12T13:31:00.003-04:00

here's two versions of Gordon .... my cat .

see my shop for more details

have a great weekend !!!!!

adorable vampire children ,,, original painting.....sold

2011-08-10T13:20:00.003-04:00

a true story....

these two kids live in my neighborhood , down the street , the house on the corner

I don't see them around in the daytime

but

after dark ....... I hear them

swinging on the swings

giggling

creaking

back and forth

The boy is Steephan , The girl is Valeria

weird kids , with really bad teeth

are they vampires

no .... couldn't be

this painting is in my shop [ with more details about the painting ]

the rag doll Sonya is still available in my shop

she is afraid of Steephen and Valeria

have a lovely day

Vampire girl portrait .... and ... it's RAINING....[ sold ]

2011-08-09T17:25:00.008-04:00

I have not felt like talking or blogging ...... but now I'm happy because it's RAINING

oh I love the sound ... it's so un-cheerful to some people but it cheers me up so much, makes me so happy !!!!!!

it's still hot , but that's ok

here is something I made today

in my shop

JUST sold !!! Thank you Lisa !

Red Lipstick Bunny.........sold

2011-07-26T18:29:00.004-04:00

She's in my shop

She is wearing red lipstick , a little blush and a little violet eyeshadow

She walks softly and carries a red heart pocketbook

Pumpkin pocketbook art doll

2011-07-20T18:31:00.002-04:00

This is Cynthia .... dancing because she is so happy with her brand new pumpkin pocketbook

in my shop

I'm so freakin' hot [ summer hot .... you know ]

back to scary..........sold

2011-07-18T18:40:00.002-04:00

turnip head vampire girl .......... with her vampire pumpkin

in my shop

back to cute...........sold

2011-07-14T00:05:00.006-04:00

Back to cuter dolls

The one in the brown pants has sold .... the one in blue jeans is available .

I am so happy right now .... the fans are on , they are blowing in COOL air , it's wonderful .

so on these last few hot days .... guess what I've been doing ! I am painting my studio floor .

Years ago I painted it with Benjamin Moore deck paint . It's just a crappy plywood floor .... but this paint made it look great . But it did get dirty , so I'm moving all my junk and going slowly, and painting the room again . It feels so good ..... clean is good .

so I paint an area , make a doll , make dinner , paint an area , eat too much , make a doll etc.

I hope tomorrow is cool . I am not a fan of summer . or cheerful sunshine . It's too much , I mean really ..... overcast gloomy is more my style .

cute to creepy , back and forth

2011-07-07T00:47:00.003-04:00

click to enlarge .... these are big photos

I have this odd pattern . I make a bunch of cute things and then something really weird comes out of me

so this is a clown that I painted on wood , cut him out on my scroll saw and made a stand for him

a polka dot stand

or he could be hung on the wall without the stand

Spooky Dude clown

happy Thursday to everyone .......!

little cat for Etsy

2011-07-03T16:48:00.005-04:00

just finished this little cat doll

she's in my shop

Happy 4th of July !!!!!! God bless America

oops .... she just sold . that was fast ! .......... Thanks Julie !

for Etsy .... Pauline Halloweenski..........sold

2011-07-01T00:16:00.003-04:00

another member of the Halloweenski family

she's a little art doll

in my shop

happy friday !!!!

Etsy art dolls .... a creepy one , a cute one

2011-06-29T15:00:00.002-04:00

Sonya and Alice are in my shop !!!!

Paul McCartney - Only Love Remains (live '1986)

2011-06-28T12:39:00.000-04:00

for Etsy Halloween

2011-06-25T16:02:00.003-04:00

This morning I was flipping through old Halloween books and was inspired to paint my version of a 1920's figure

so I painted it ......and then I thought > what should I do with this ? make a pillow ? make greeting cards ?

I didn't know what to do with it

so I took a break ..... went to see if there were any emails , and there was ! An email from a lovely Etsy customer and she asked " Do you still make wood cut outs ? "

Ha ha

I forgot that I made wood cutouts ..... I really did

this was like an answer to prayer .... a message from God

I made a wood cut out

I think I've made too many different things .... and then I forget what I did

I may be getting back into the wood and my scroll saw , maybe make some Isabella dolls

and more Halloween too !

Do you feel like you are into too many mediums ?

I love them all , so I know I won't stop .... and one inspires the other

I do miss painting large paintings though > I haven't done that in a while !

this Halloween cut out is in my shop

have a good weekend !

Little Halloween dolls...........sold

2011-06-23T18:28:00.003-04:00

Is it too early ? I'm pretending Halloween is next week

these two are in my shop ..... little art dolls

God bless America............sold

2011-06-22T12:43:00.001-04:00

this guy is in my shop

Etsy paper doll .... cat art.... sold

2011-06-18T16:07:00.005-04:00

I painted a cat and then ....

I just made a paper doll of him

He's in my shop

I cut this out from heavy cardboard ... raised the back just a little so it will cast a shadow

there's a loop on the back for hanging

or can be propped up on a shelf

have a good weekend !

OH .... it just sold ! But I will make more SOON

Saturday night update > ....oh oh oh ..... I just made another one and it's in my shop !

Etsy carrot art doll

2011-06-15T13:48:00.002-04:00

Lovely .... in her pretty dress and black pumps

she's in my shop

Etsy art doll ..... linen and lace..... sold

2011-06-11T23:07:00.002-04:00

finished another art doll

she's in my shop

Etsy art doll .... Vegetable Angel doll .... with good advice

2011-06-10T14:56:00.004-04:00

She loved vegetables so much ... her legs turned into string beans

Her wings are calcium rich green leaves

polka dot peas

she's in my shop !

Thank you ! I should share my latest favorite vegetable recipe !!!!! I will .... soon

right now It's just too hot

bye for now !

vampire rag doll .... Rag dolls gone wild !.... sold

2011-05-27T19:56:00.003-04:00

in my shop ................. have a good weekend and Memorial Day

Etsy art doll , mermaid

2011-05-17T11:33:00.004-04:00

When I make the FIRST doll , a new one , a new design ..... I don't look at the clock because it's MAGIC time . THEN when I make another one .... I realize .... oh my gosh , this is taking a LONG time to finish ! Does this happen to you ?

anyway > here is my second mermaid doll with hand stitched bits of lace and fabric

I had to go up a little on the price .

but she is now in my shop

shabby chic mermaid........sold

2011-05-14T16:29:00.005-04:00

I had this thought as I was falling asleep ... [ instead of counting sheep ]

I wanted to make a doll using bits and pieces hand stitched .... like the way I used to make heart pillows

so I made this doll today . The hand stitching took forever but I didn't mind ...... it was fun stitching on bits of lace, cheesecloth , buttons, bits of old doilies too .

Hope you are having a nice weekend !

This mermaid doll is in my shop ! { sold ! }

art doll .... finished and in my shop....sold

2011-04-26T22:25:00.003-04:00

Finished the doll . She's in my shop . Tomorrow { Wednesday } ...Mister TUB is coming here to reglaze our beat up old bath tub.

I've never even seen a reglazed tub ..... Have you ?

I hope it comes out well !!! I'll let you know .

Have a good Wednesday !

2nd Chapter of Acts - Encores - Easter Song

2011-04-24T11:30:00.000-04:00

Art doll in progress

2011-04-20T22:38:00.003-04:00

I always forget to take a photo or two of a doll in progress [ because I'm usually so engrossed in creating ] click to enlarge to see this doll and the mess .

Things have been busy here lately at my house .

Remember how I had been complaining about being overwhelmed ? I think I was overwhelmed and depressed .

So I have been praying about this and the Lord answered my prayer

I was upset because my house was a mess , not just messy ... but a mess . We live in an old cape built in 1940 . and things were getting bad.

SO we had ' Electrician Boy' here and he replaced some very scary electrical outlets .

Mister Tub is coming next week to reglaze our pitted and stained old bathtub.

The plumber replaced some ancient faucets that weren't working .

and some other things need attention too .

anyway ....

This was my prayer . I needed help , and God heard and answered

so... this is wonderful [ annoying to have strangers in my house though ]

but I haven't been able to work too much and I miss working and creating !

I can't wait to get back to the dolls , and I'm looking forward to painting a room , painting some of my old tag sale furniture , maybe make more curtains from my old embroidered tablecloths .

I'm looking forward to blogging more too

I can't wait to get back to normal [ my kind of normal ]

I don't know how some of you do it ... I mean find time to create ..... with kids and big families and running around . I need big blocks of time to create [ with few interruptions ! ]

so I hope everything is going well with you

and remember to thank and praise God everyday !

because He loves you and cares about you

Rabbit art doll ...... a little creepy ?

2011-04-09T16:23:00.003-04:00

click to enlarge

I made a new creepy bunny guy ..... oh .... I still love Inktense

in my shop

Have a good weekend

about blogging

2011-04-07T00:46:00.002-04:00

I don't know why I'm having a hard time getting back into blogging ...yeah , I've been busy .... yeah , I had JURY duty , yeah it was my birthday

but I just lost my rhythm .

I wanted to do a giveaway > but I got nuttin' to give away . I'll do one soon !!!!

I hope to do better . because I miss it and I miss all of you . actually I am still frustrated with how long my computer is taking to load up blogs . I get mad and I leave .

but even with that > I am going to try to blog more often

thank you for visiting me . Thanks for that !!!!!

this is my odd boy art doll .... he is for sale . Let me know if you want him , maybe you want to know more about him , but right now I'd better go to bed .... I'm trying to get to sleep a little earlier . That ain't easy for me

Talking Kitty Cat - (Wake Up Kitty 2)

2011-04-03T17:12:00.000-04:00

Vampire Bride art doll ....sold

2011-03-25T15:39:00.002-04:00

Goin' to the chapel

and we're gonna get married

just finished this pretty doll > she's in my shop !

Okay .... bye bye

Sharing Stitches book by Chrissie Grace .... I'm so happy to be in this book

2011-03-10T20:20:00.008-05:00

My work is in this WONDERFUL book ..... click the photos to ENLARGE

I've been intending to write about this since DECEMBER 2010 .... but haven't .....because

of that "overwhelm" problem I have .

This is a book by Chrissie Grace . it's called Sharing Stitches . There are many Etsy artists in this beautiful book ...... including ME !!!!

I contributed three designs [ with instructions ]

It's really a well done , beautiful book with many projects and I am so pleased to part of this .

You can go to Amazon and take a look [ a peek inside ]

I bet you will want to buy it . I know you will like it.

In the back of the book there are bios on each artist . There you will see me .... and JERRY !!!!

Yes .... Jerry wanted to get in on the fun

so please take a look at this book at your bookstore or Amazon .

back to overwhelm

rag doll ......art doll vampire

2011-03-06T22:19:00.002-05:00

new series of art dolls > Rag Dolls gone Wild...... ha

crazy , creepy , scary funny goth , vampire rag doll

have a wonderful week

this doll is in my shop .....

six new art dolls

2011-02-28T19:05:00.010-05:00

Oh I've been busy ....which is good !...... still no relaxing, still not reading .

here are six dolls

Mixie Pixie gets first choice .... she's been waiting !!!!

update on wednesday morning [ march 2 ] ......... # 3 , # 4 and #5 have sold

Randi asked for # 3 ..... I will try to make another similar Randi , and you can decide if you like her

THANKS !!!!

#6 is in my Etsy shop

new art doll , bunny baby

2011-02-25T00:56:00.003-05:00

I made a girl bunny doll yesterday and I just finished a boy bunny doll [ no photo yet ]

I will try to get these two new dolls in my shop by this weekend

It's been so long since I blogged ! I don't think I've ever gone this long without writing .

I'm still mad ..... frustrated too

I always think my middle name should be Overwhelm . Sandy Overwhelm Mastroni

but maybe I should add 'greedy' ?

There's SO much I want to do ..... I want to READ [ like I used to do ] .... I want to paint more involved paintings [ like I used to do ]

I want to make cool curtains ..... paint a wall , clean the house

But I really miss reading the most

and the days fly by .

I PLAN to do a give away soon .... so please come back again . Not sure when I will do this , but SOON

I miss you . OH > and I've been having a problem keeping up on everyone's blogs , because my computer is slow to load a blog . Why is this happening ? I have to keep hitting refresh and it still doesn't load , so I get mad and just leave . does this happen to you ? I have an APPLE which I still LOVE , it's only slow with loading up blogs .

This Saturday there is book sale two streets over from me . Like I need more books .

but I'm always looking for that book that makes my heart beat fast , maybe another classic

or one to rip pages out to draw on .

well ... it's late

have a happy Friday ! and a good weekend !

illustrated game on Etsy

2011-02-08T20:33:00.006-05:00

today I was looking through my PILES of drawings [ under the bed ].... { in drawers ]

anyway > I found this illustration I did a while back . I drew the lady on mat board and then made different hair styles for her . They attach with velcro

At the time I drew it , well , I thought .... it's okay . But then today I thought > this is sort of funny

so ........ I put it in my Etsy shop

I want to do more things like this . I'm going to do different HATS next !!!!

the first hat I make will be the magic eight ball hat .... ha ha

the next hat will be a hat full of circus jugglers

and the NEXT will be ..... I don't know yet

any ideas ?

Granny's Visitors, original acrylic in my NEW shop

2011-02-06T15:45:00.006-05:00

Click to enlarge !

This painting is going in my NEW shop > TheBlackBirdGallery

don't even ask me where this idea came from ... I have no idea .... ha ha ha

I usually just start painting and whatever happens , happens.

I think these visitors are friendly .... Granny seems to think so .

Would you like to know how I painted this ? ......... I painted a piece of mdf board BLACK .

then I build up from there , layers and layers of colors . A glaze technique. I put a color down and then a coat of varnish . It takes a long time , but it's fun .

have a happy Sunday !

Saturday night art doll

2011-02-06T00:12:00.004-05:00

I hear it raining outside and some chunks of ice are falling off the roof ... but the driveway and front of the house .... still ice

here's a doll that's in my shop ...... she's sort of weird ? ..... but she is very nice .

for Etsy , art doll rabbit...... JUST SOLD

2011-02-05T15:13:00.003-05:00

well .... I decided to vacuum this morning and I was going along , almost enjoying it but then the vacuum sucked up something and I smelled that horrible smell .... another fan belt ruined .

are they called fan belts ? or is that just for a car . anyway .... I had to stop vacuuming and what could I do but make a doll [ oh sh.........sugar ! ] and nuts

this little rabbit doll is now in my etsy shop

I put a few things on sale in my new shop [ theblackbirdgallery ]... to celebrate

A Well Respected Man in my NEW etsy shop

2011-02-03T13:00:00.004-05:00

click to enlarge > to see it BIG

well , first of all I want to thank you for ALL the funny comments in my last post . I FINALLY got to the post office today . It was a sheet of ice to the car , the roads are fine.... it's our house and driveway [ thick with ice ]

There's NO sun , ever , no sun at the front of our house .

The other day I bought a NEW MR. SHOVEL !!!!! and lots of ice melt

I have new NEWS ...... I opened up another Etsy shop . This new shop will have my paintings and illustrations . The other shop will have my dolls and pillows and the wood cut outs .

Do you think it's a good idea to have TWO shops ?

PLEASE visit me there > it's weird and lonely to have a brand new shop with not many looks or hearts

The shop is called ..... The Blackbird Gallery

so this guy > one of my 2 a.m. drawings . As I was drawing him the old KINKS song kept going through my head

A well respected man

I don't know if it even fits him .... but that was what I was singing

I hope everyone is doing fine with all the snow and ice . make soup !!!!!

Bye for now !!!!!

today is Thursday ....Shovel-day

2011-01-27T13:09:00.007-05:00

I hope you will read my last post...{ from last night at 2 a.m. }. Now I will show you why I was scared . [ this is for Dixie who is laughing right now , ha ha ]

But Dixie ... I was scared because we are never prepared . LOOK at that BROOM

I took two photos of Mister Red Broom because I can't believe this is our only broom and that's what we used to clean our cars .

and then .... I fell down . Oh .......I got wedged in between the car and a huge mountain of snow .

I couldn't get up . I've fallen and I can't get up. You should have heard me calling for Jesus.

ha ah ha ha

then there's the cheap boots . I stuff them with Stop and Shop bags

and my huge old paint splattered sweat pants that kept falling down ,[ not because I'm skinny ... the elastic is shot ]

and my husband talking about Florida . Are you ready to move NOW ? he says

and he has icicles coming out of his nose [ snot-icles ]

so we shoveled all morning ...the front and the driveway , not even the back stairs .

Oh > another photo here is of my mailbox . My mailbox clown ... made by my artist friend Clem Ruggiero

and see that white house ? It's the house I grew up in ..... it's right across the street

That is the porch I stood on , in my stupid prom dress , in my dopey wedding gown

well

I feel MUCH better now . at least we shoveled . now I hear snow is coming this weekend and then a big one next Wednesday ? [ maybe ]

I really really should , one of these days , buy important things , ya know ? ..... instead of buying fabric and ....stuff to make doll hair from .

the other day I went to Staples and bought $20.00 worth of magic markers

I should have bought a broom and a new shovel and new pants and real boots .

I have to work on my priorities

too much snow ....I'm scared

2011-01-27T01:22:00.004-05:00

It's snowing and snowing and snowing and snowing and snowing .................................................it's almost 2 a.m. here and my husband went to bed and I'm scared

I don't remember this much snow ever ...not in a very long time anyway

Maybe it looks worse looking out the window

there's a little tree on my front yard , I planted it a year ago . I can only see the top branch .

I can't see our cars . wow

okay

even my own art is scaring me , my dolls are scaring me .... ha ha oh boy

I'm okay .

Fear not , for I am with you

Be not afraid for I am thy God

I will comfort you

I will help you

I will uphold you by my victorious right hand.

I think that's right > from Isaiah

okay that helps . thanks God . How do people live without faith in God ?

I don't know how we can shovel all this snow ..... there's no place to put it

How is it where you are ?????

There's so much snow out there

more .... dolls

2011-01-25T21:09:00.005-05:00

more dolls in my shop .... these two and more !

I'm cold

but I would rather be cold than hot

which do you hate more ... july ? or january ?

which do you like more .... july ? or january ?

more snow tomorrow ..... yay and ya ya

art doll , a new one on Etsy, this is Mina

2011-01-20T19:35:00.003-05:00

well .... we're getting more snow . I don't mind , I'll make soup and I'll stay home making dolls , but I will have to shovel ... that's okay .

Here is a new doll . she's little . Her name is Mina

and I have more dolls that I will list soon

but for now ....... Here'sssss Mina !

in my shop............... JUST sold

nuts

2011-01-16T15:49:00.004-05:00

My mother never swore . But she used to say .... " Nuts " and " Sugar " all the time

Sugar had a big SH sound

so Ma ..... NUTS to this

This post is for my mom in heaven and two blog friends

visit them both > you will love them

Vintage Sue > her blog [ she's funny and does great fun decorating and 'junkin' ]

Lynne Hoppe > her art blog [ so talented and my new Tolstoy buddy ]

so > this is what is making me nuts

LIFE before [ without ] Etsy

read books

visit friends

clean and decorate my house [ putz around ] ........ garden too

draw for hours

go for walks

wear normal clothes

go to real stores . besides consignment shops

LIFE with Etsy

do Etsy

think Etsy

write Etsy emails

take a thousand photos for Etsy

make little extra thank you gifts for Etsy customers

worry about Etsy

do Flickr for Etsy

do Facebook for Etsy

do Twitter for Etsy

etcetera ......... or my new word is ..... etsy-etera

etsyetera

ha ah ha ha ..........

I am SO SO grateful to have an Etsy shop ......... but it's making me nuts

I have to go back to the things that made me happy before etsy .

does Etsy make you nuts ? are you spending SO much time on the computer ?

Did your mother say NUTS and SUGAR instead of swearing ?

I think I miss reading the most ........ I love Tolstoy

If you have never read his work , take an Etsy break and read anything by him

have a good day

OH >>>>>>>> I just listed new dolls in my ETSY shop

Carnival Pig in the snow

2011-01-12T14:41:00.007-05:00

spent the day with a shovel instead of a paint brush ! Did you get lots of snow too ????

Carnival Pig wanted to go outside . I forgot to take a photo of Jerry watching and laughing from the window !

click to enlarge .... if you need to see snow close up [ ha ha ] .... if you live in Florida !!!!

Have a lovely day !

dolls and stuff

2011-01-03T21:36:00.005-05:00

Etsy is a mystery to me . The day after Christmas I listed a bunch of new dolls and they ALL sold ! I was stunned , and ....... very happy , ha ha .

I didn't think people bought stuff the day after Christmas

SO .... I made more dolls

Some of these are in my shop now. Some I will list this week .

How do you like the old wicker baby carriage ? It wasn't too much money , I had to buy it !

for the dolls you know.

and a few years ago I bought the house .... I found both at Stratford Antique Center [Connecticut ]

A certain NICE person gave me a gift certificate for this antique center , I can't wait to go back there !!! [ thank you nice person Lisa ]

well ... I just wanted to post a few photos and say hello and Happy New Year

to see more > visit my Etsy shop or Flickr

don't forget to enlarge the photo and then click again to see even closer

bye for now !

Händel: For unto us a child is born

2010-12-24T09:02:00.000-05:00

Art Carney - 'Twas The Night Before Christmas (1954)

2010-12-15T13:59:00.000-05:00

three winners

2010-12-12T12:55:00.003-05:00

winners of giveaway

Denise [ nanabeast ] ..... Diane Hoeptner ..... and Lydia Aleshin

Thanks you SO SO SO SO much . I always say the same stuff but ... here I go again .....

Your comments make me smile and laugh and see things in a new way

Thank you

and

Merry Christmas .........

scroll down to see David and Bing sing

David Bowie & Bing Crosby - Little Drummer Boy (Video, TOTP)

2010-12-12T12:54:00.000-05:00

giveaway snowman heart .... and my happy news

2010-12-05T12:59:00.011-05:00

so .... this morning I went in my backyard and cut some branches . I love trees, tree limbs , twigs , branches ....... ah ....... they are beautiful.

I stuck them in a jar that I painted . I covered this glass jar with brown paper [ mod podge ] , and then I painted a weird lady on each side .

I made two new dolls . SOON to be in my Etsy shop , but email if you want one .

AND > on these tree branches I hung three of my handmade , hand painted snowman hearts .

soon to be in my shop .

MY HAPPY NEWS IS >

These snowmen are going to be in the Better Homes and Gardens 2011 Christmas magazine .

a long time away ..... but they want the snowmen hearts and the how to directions NOW

so I've been working on this

I would like to give someone a snowman heart .

Please leave your name , and I love your comments too !

What do you think of my crazy window ? On the side I stuck vintage curtain tie back things , and vintage bureau scarves and doilies and rhinestone pins

I have other news but I'll wait ... there's too much I wrote here already

Don't forget > enlarge the photos and click again so you can see real close up , so you can see the dust and how I never seem to get to cleaning my house

leave your name > Jerry and I will do a drawing soon , I don't know when ...... I'll check with him later . He's out somewhere . I don't know where he is

Thanks for visiting

and Merry Christmas !

paint and .... eat

2010-12-02T00:37:00.006-05:00

do you know what kills me ? ..... about me I mean .......... all I want to do is paint and eat

sleep a little , then paint and eat

I have all this great news to share . GOOD stuff . Stuff I should be posting.... not to brag , but to share my news and to promote my work , but I don't feel like it

Isn't that crazy

well .......... anyway ............. I painted this lady , cut her out on my scroll saw

I walked around the house propping her up everywhere

In my kitchen ... on the ledge ..... next to another painting I did a few years ago

that lady is called " Do you Believe in Magic " . She has a guy in her hat juggling

and then on my dining room window sill

I will tell you my good news soon ..... when I'm in the mood , ha ha

right now I'm thirsty and tired . Time to sleep soon

I have the radio on ...to OLD time radio ....... I love it ...... OLD radio shows from so many years ago

good night everyone

this mysterious lady is in my Etsy shop........ [ sold ]

art doll for Etsy

2010-11-30T02:02:00.002-05:00

Sweet Vintage Lily art doll .................. I used an embroidered vintage bureau scarf for her dress

she's in my Etsy shop........[ sold ]

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

2010-11-27T22:51:00.000-05:00

Etsy , rabbit art doll

2010-11-22T21:52:00.004-05:00

Inside , outside , taking 100 photos , do you ever feel like you take too many photos ?

do you ever think maybe your neighbors see you walking around [ in your junky clothes ] ...in the yard with a bunny boy and a camera .... what a nut

it's okay ......... I'm happy

hope you are having a happy time too

this rabbit is in my shop

Flying V to start Restoring Honor in America, 8/28

2010-11-20T12:43:00.000-05:00

on Etsy .... cat pillow

2010-11-17T14:21:00.003-05:00

made a cat pillow ..... I used thinned acrylic paints , and my Inktense ... to get a watercolor look and ink

this is the expression on my Holly cat ... she always looks like this !

in my Etsy shop

Breakfast at Ginger's- golden retriever dog eats with hands

2010-11-15T18:05:00.001-05:00

Etsy ,whimsical cat .....colorful and happy

2010-11-15T17:32:00.003-05:00

This cat .... I painted him on mdf board and then cut him out on my scroll saw ..... attached him on TOP of a frame , put wood backing on [ where the little buttons are ]

I love cutting characters from wood . It just makes it a little different , a little more unique

This cat painting is in my Etsy shop.........[ sold ]

For Etsy another cat girl art doll..a velveteen dress

2010-11-14T13:11:00.002-05:00

brilliant green eyes , a melancholy expression .... made this cat girl yesterday

in my Etsy shop

happy Sunday everyone !

just ..... drawing ..... click to enlarge

2010-11-13T00:09:00.000-05:00

Etsy .... art doll , Momma Carrot and Baby Carrot , Click to ENLARGE

2010-11-07T13:12:00.006-05:00

please click these photos so you can see them BIG

I had a great time making this doll ..... I really did laugh the whole time I made her

The baby carrot smiles and then ....turn him around and he is crying

they joined some of the other dolls ....... there's a lot of dolls here

in my Etsy shop........... [ sold ]

for Etsy art doll , cat pincushion ...... a new one !

2010-11-06T15:10:00.004-04:00

Made another today .......... giant pincushion ..... or just as a piece of art

In my Etsy shop ! .............. [ sold ]

for etsy .... Giant cat pincushion

2010-11-05T21:15:00.003-04:00

a really big pincushion ..... 13 inches tall on a wood base

in my Etsy shop

etsy paper doll , cat girl on cardboard

2010-11-04T21:25:00.004-04:00

do you feel like you spend more time taking photos , writing and posting on Etsy than you do creating the art ?

I'm so tired ..... and I'm also a big baby . I just want to make the stuff , I just want to create

and it seems like so much time is spent on everything else

well ..... see .... I'm a big baby

I put some Winter things in my Etsy shop ...... some snowmen , a Santa and this paper doll

Just put them on , and now I want to take a nap

one more thing > My cat , my old Baby Em is doing FINE now . She is eating and drinking and being annoying .... she is fine

thank you again for caring about her [ and me ]

I'm thinking now [ wondering ] if maybe she fell , she has some favorite spots in the house that require quite a leap , maybe she missed and fell and got hurt ? but she is back to her old self now

thanks

HEY .... ONE more thing > Did you watch the Soupy Sales show when you were a kid ?

I grew up with Soupy and the Three Stooges and the Addams Family and ..... etc

anyway

doesn't this photo of my big fat old arm ,in my big old smelly sweater remind you of White Fang ?.......... or Black Tooth ?

You can see them on You Tube

and Pookie too

mermaid painting .... The Brilliant Ethel Mermaid... just sold

2010-10-30T13:44:00.003-04:00

Remember Ethel Merman ? .......... well this is Ethel Mermaid

in my shop ...... just sold !

Etsy art doll art pillow .... Nevermore

2010-10-29T13:12:00.002-04:00

Baby Em seems much better .... God answers prayers ..... thank you for your prayers and good thoughts

so now I feel better too ... so I made a pillow art doll

in my shop

Etsy art doll , alphabet sampler embroidered body

2010-10-27T14:00:00.005-04:00

Oh ..... Hard to believe how quickly the days go by . I will be doing a giveaway SOON , to celebrate my third year on Etsy

but right now my cat Baby Em is sick . so I've been worried about her

happy stuff > three years on Etsy , 36 th wedding anniversary too

this doll was fun to do > I used an old sampler for her body

She is in my shop now

please say a little prayer for Baby Em .... thanks