It's a...Wonderful Life!

Here is just one sign, of several that we make. I kept this one, for myself. I thought I would share one of them with you. We have probably made over 5000 signs in the past 5 years. I draw and cut all the stencils out myself. Most of them I did free hand....and yes, I free handed this one. We make some signs that are 60 inches long! Can you imagine shipping that. I stenciled 42 signs and got all of them done...Thank GOODNESS for being DONE! I do not much like stenciling all those signs anymore *smirk*

We did have several requests from a lady that does a Boutique style show on her property...that is what made us make some more signs. She had many disappointed customers in the past year and a half. That is when I started making my dollies full time on eBay and thus, put away the stencil brushes. We sell them very well and who knows maybe hubby will continue making them...

And here is crazy Kingfisher! He thought he would play house with Sydney's things the other day. I thought it was so cute...I just had to share.

Today I did not do much of anything. I relaxed a bit and caught up on things around the house. I needed it. And yes, I did sleep in a bit...it was much needed. I feel much better. Sydney is feeling much better too. Thank you for all the well wishes for Sydney, it means so much. She is a tough little cookie :)

Have a wonderful day. Mine is full of sunshine! Toodles, ~Tonya

PATIENCE...

I had to have lots of that (patience) in the past couple of days. Well, first I had to stencil all them darn signs....which, ya all know I didn't even want too. Hubby asked me too...so I did. We all do things we really don't want to do at times, just to make others happy. And that is okay.

Then poor little Sydney was very sick last night and today. It started out with a very high fever. It was at the minimum 103.5 she never did let me finish taking it. She was on fire and not making much sense when she was talking. I tried to give her a bath to cool her down, started out with a "normal" temp. bath, she was freezing (she said) and had "goosebumps" all over her. I had already given her Motrin as well.

Well, tried to lay her down, she didn't fall asleep till about 3:00 am or a little after. I went to bed shortly after. But before that, she was so hot, she did throw up twice. She broke her temp. in the night......didn't wake up till about 8:45 am and looked pretty good. I felt her head immediately......she was fine that way BUT, she said her ear hurt. When Sydney says her ear hurts, I listen. She has a high tolerance to pain. I took her to the Doctor. No messing around with it.

Yup, her ear was so swollen, the Doc could not even seen inside! Almost ruptured! Poor little girl. So, that was my past two days in a nut shell. I hope your day was better then mine. I now get to PLAY with a new dollie. I am looking forward to that. Have a good evening. Toodles, ~Tonya

Sew very busy...

I have been a busy beaver! Sewing my little heart out and burning the olde midnight oil! This sweet little gal is ~Lucy B. Bug~ that is her name...she wants to be a Lady Bug...she is so very sweet in person, but again I fought with pictures...

She is scheduled to start tonight on ebay at 8:30 pm Central Time. I have listed her for 7 days, she will end next Sunday evening. A bit long for me...but I need to get some signs stenciled this week...yup, the hubby got me "roped" into stenciling some signs. Oh Happy Day!

The neatest little thing about this gal is her wings and such are removeable...so she can be left out, the whole year through. She is holding a little flower vine that I made. I put little rusty bells inside of little petals...too sweet....

This little gal is the one that is going to be listed on TDIPT Mercantile. She is so very sweet...her name is Daisy...but of course. She is a little angel, but her wings are removable and she is mounted to a stand. She can be removed from the stand, to hang as well...If you are interested in Daisy, you can contact me...

And this little gal is a ~All American Annie~ she is already sold and will not be shown on the Mercantile. She was one of my favorites...but I have had quite a few favorites lately *smirk*

I hope you all have a wonderful evening. Thanks for listening to me ramble...Toodles Kiddies!

Looky Looky...

What I got today!! I got my WOOL! It is some of the BEST wool I have every seen. It looks great, smells great and is nice and long for my dollies. I got this AWESOME wool from from
Ann ~ Crowing About Primitives Click on her link and check out her ebay store.

Ann is from Canada, but I got my wool in about a week! That is lightning FAST shipping, if you ask me. I have ordered some things from the states and had to wait about 2 to 3 weeks. I can't wait to use it. There is no waste with this wool. They are all nice and straight and ready to use...

Look at my little Lou-Lou....isn't he so sweet. Who says kitties do not need pillows. I just had to take a picture and show you my little sweetie. I am still working on my Mercantile...or trying.

Hubby decided that he wanted to take some of our signs and wood items to a Country Boutique Craft Show. I told him if he was going to do this show...do not count on me to help. Ya right! I had to help...because you know how men are *smirk*

I did not get anything done during the day. I will be burning the midnight oil tonight!I had to put wire and wooden handles on 12 wooden caddy's and now my fingers hurt and I ended up getting little cuts all over my hands and arms...from the thick wire ends. Grrr! Men I tell ya! Today is somewhat chilly, an over-cast with ran in and out. Not very nice...but better then winter.

Well, I must go...I have a million things to do.....Always. I just thought I would show you my awesome wool and my Lou-Lou. I am pretty excited about the new wool. It is hard to find nice wool. Have a good evening. Toodles, ~Tonya

Crabby Pants...

Today (4/22...writing this late in the night) I was a crabby pants! Don't know why, but I was! I got more sleep then normal and when I woke up, I was crabby. It was a nice day...the sun was shining most of the day, counldn't ask for a nicer day.

I started on a new dollie this evening. I don't know what she is going to be yet...she is for the Mercantile. You can bet your bottom dollar, that I will be burning the midnight oil for the next couple 3 to 4 days. Tick Tock. The time is just flying by.

I would like to have more then one item, so no rest for the wicked. That is okay, I am normally a glutten for punishment. I know when the deadline is...I just always push it and think I can get all of my things done and well...ya right! See, even in my writing, you can tell I am crabby.

Well, I am going to hit the hay. It has been a loooong day and I didn't get much done today either...I had to run around for my kiddies... and then errands. Noone like to do that, but it must get done. Sweet Dreams and I hope for me...tomorrow will be better. Toodles, ~Tonya

~Sweet Hilda Witch~

Meet ~Sweet Hilda Witch~ I LOVE her! I am very partial to All Hallow's Eve dollies...but this little gal, I am completely satisfied with her and I do not say that much. She has already stolen my heart. I think I have gotten All Hallow's Eve out of my system now.....well, I hope so anyways *smirk* Now on to spring dollies and such...

I could not take pictures outside today...a nice day, but very windy. "Knock on wood", a nice day, with SUN! It is in the 70's I do believe. Hilda will be listed on eBay starting Tuesday evening and ending Sunday evening. I had almost forgotten how much I liked my hand painted eyes on my dollies too. I have been using glass and I must admit, I like the glass eyes for a different look every now and then, but love my painted eyes too...

I made for Hilda, a paper clay cauldron...too much work I tell ya. Hilda is loaded with charcter and detail. I can always get lost in the details. Her arms are wired, so that she may hold her cauldron. I even made a little stirring stick...no witch would be complete without :)

This weekend we rearranged and cleaned. I think we have been bitten by the "Spring Cleaning" bug. I get a wild hair and go on a cleaning spree...I can get lots done, when I am in that mode. I must go, tick tock, tick tock! Now I must work feverishly on some new things for the Mercantile. Have a great day! Toodles, ~Tonya

Just another day...

I won this neat little rabbit on ebay, as a BIN. I don't know if it is an antique, it said it was.....but I am not a expert. All I know is I LOVE it and pictures do not do it justice (most pictures on most things, do not). The wheels are iron, as is the handle bars. The very end of the handles are wood and the whole rabbit, saddle, hooves, etc are all carved wood. The picture here was the picture on the listing.

It is not very big, only about 12 inches tall, 12 inches long and about 7 inches wide. A very nice size. I found it shortly after it was listed and I do consider myself LUCKY....it was about 1 in the morning. Like I said, I am going back to the simple things in life, for my decorating.

Today is just another day....I have been cleaning and such, along with taking down border in my daughter's bedroom (oh joy). That is not a fun task at all! It has been here since we moved here. I have all the "stuff" to do Sydney's room.......now I just have to make myself do it! I have been procrastinating till no end on this one. I hate removing border!

Other then that, I am working on another dollie (here and there) and after this one, a new dollie is in my head for the Mercantile......actually I might have to put this one aside and work on the Mercantile dollie? I don't have much time. We will see. Well as you see, I do not have much time, so I must scoot. Always so many things to do and little time to do it. Have a fantabulous day kiddies! ~Tonya

~Petunia Punkin~

This is the little gal that I have been working on for quite a looong time. It seems others have been bitten by the "Halloween bug" too. All Hallow's Eve is my very favorite time of year to make dollies for. I have seen quite a few listings for Halloween dollies...

She will start tonight. She is an addition to my Wee-Leggins Collection. I love adding pieces to that Collection. They are so much fun to make. This little gal brought me a lot of joy, when bringing her to Life. I made a little paper clay punkin bucket for her to hold, my very first one...

I have wanted to make a paper clay punkin bucket for soooo long, I have finally done it! I must say, it is addicting and I had so much FUN with that too. I just don't have patience to let it dry. I like instant gratification!

I have some more thoughts on some other additions to my Wee-Leggins Collection dancing around in my head....maybe I will make some more? I am also going to post the sign up for my May Day basket give-a-way. I may not have it all together to post a picture, when I make the post in the next day or so....but anticipation is a good thing at times too. Have a good eveing. Toodles, ~Tonya

Keepsake Gift Cards...

The link to my ~Keepsake Collectible Cards on Ebay~

Well, I have FINALLY listed my cards! They were done about 2 weeks ago...well some in pieces and such, but I also had to wait for the acid free cello sleeves. My Keepsake Collectible cards are for gift giving or for keeping for yourself and framing in a 5 x 7.

Each of them are mounted onto heavy, textured, embossed cards, from digital prints of my Original dollies...

I will also pack them in an aged, hand stamped muslin bag, with the Back Porch Pickins touch...so neat! I did not have the muslin bags fully finished yet, I have had waaaay too much going on here at home...I will get them finished this evening or tomorrow...

Flying shingles off of our new roof, from HIGH winds! Very terrible. The winds have kicked up again today and we have lost some more. The adjusters were here on Monday, the contractor was here today and they should be here to start working tomorrow......Thank Goodness!

Then a little over a week ago, Courtney was playing Basket Ball with Jordan, injured her thumb...we thought it was a really bad sprain. Well, on Sunday evening I followed my gut instincts and called the Doc. Monday morning...well they X-rayed it, yup just like I thought...BROKEN! They do not do much for fingers....just make them immobile. I could have done that at home LOL!

Any who, my Wee-Leggins is still in parts, almost done.....well on the way anyways. She is coming along so very sweet. I must scoot, always so much to do. I hope you all have a grand evening. Play nice kiddies........~Tonya

A Blog Award...

I received an award today! Thank you to Sue of Rabbit Hollow Prims, so very thoughtful of her to give me such an award. As you can see, it is an E for Excellent Blogging and now I must pass it on to 5 others... I am passing this Award on to:

Kim - Symbols of the Soul

Tammy - Ole Crow's Corner

Annie - Allegheny Annie's

Jenny - Art by Jenny

Ivonne - The Crackling Crows

I could pass it on to many more, but will keep it at five. These are gals whom do not have it yet...so I chose them for that reason as well.

I also thought I would let you know, our wireless provider is having problems AGAIN with our email. So, if you need to contact me backporchpickins@yahoo.com I called them and they said "no problems", but I am not getting my email's!

Nothing much going on here today...blowing, cold and may get more SNOW! Yes, we have a bit of snow on the ground. I hope you all have a great day. Blessings, ~Tonya

Sweet Americus...

A **NEW** Dollie! This is ~Sweet Americus~ She is scheduled to start on ebay this evening, for 5 days and to finish on Wednesday evening. I just had to create! It seems like when I do not create...I miss is so much.

Well it was a very soggy day out yesterday and now today as well...No sun either, so the pics were inside again! We are way below average for our temps, which are still in the 30's during the day. Where is SPRING any how? That is the sixty-thousand dollar question!

Well, I am now done with taxes!!! Thank GOODNESS! It was pretty painful, if you ask me. I would NEVER and I mean NEVER want to be a CPA! All that adding and punching numbers...not for me! So, I am going to wait about a week and then do two months for this year and then repeat it, in about another week or so. I am going to stay on task with my "Business Junk". *Scout's Honor*

My sister, Kim has earned "Wings to Fly" and has started creating some really neat paintings/collages. She has a very touching story behind her paintings and is donating part of each sale to a very good cause. To read about the story behind her paintings/collages click here.

She has two paintings that are currently listed on eBay. Here is the first link and here is the second link. She is also working on another piece as well. She is so very happy to be creating and she finds if very exciting. Whenever she talks about it, a smile emerges on her face. Even if I am not seeing her face to face...you can hear it in her voice.

Well, I have already started another dollie....an addition to my "Wee-Leggins Collection" and a bit out of season, if you will. Oh well, I hope it is okay. It is hard to not creat something that is begging you, to be brougt to life...that is what I get for buying some really neat seasonal fabric a while back, at the quilt shoppe. I hope you all have a great day. I will try to keep dry and stay out of the high winds. Toodles, ~Tonya

Tax Time...

Yup, it's that time again! That is what I am doing and I am NOT liking it one bit! I say every year that I am going to be more ORGANIZED and again, I am NOT! I keep the "JUNK" together, but paypal and eBay sales......they all have to be gone though...OH WHAT FUN! Joy. I think I would practically do anything but this. It is my own fault. I had to even make an appointment....to give me a shove. Pretty pathetic I know *smirk*

Other then that, no dollie this week and I am just wanted so badly to create. All these dollies are dancing around in my head...probably because I can not play. No fair!

I thought spring was on the way....it was for a very short while. We did get a bit of snow yesterday and some white stuff on the ground. It is pretty gloomy here today and a bit chilly. It is perfect weather to curl up and take a nap...which I would rather do than adding endless receipts....I can not stayed focused!

I hope you all have a great day. I do get a break and get to go out and about. Nothing fun thou, groceries and errands. I will take it thou! Oh and update on "Kingfisher", he no longer wants to go outside on even the nicest of days. He runs back in the house. He walks around the house meowing, till no end. What is that about? He is the most talkative cat I have even seen. He is very sweet. He still gets put in the huge Pet-Porter at night....for fear he may do damage with them claws. Ya just never know...like the old saying, "When the Cat is way, the Mice will Play". Toodles Kiddies, ~Tonya

**NEW** Pattern...

I FINALLY have a **NEW** pattern/epattern, YAY!! I had numerous requests last year when I had originally designed Libby. I have finally released it! I have dragged my feet with new patterns and I am so sorry. I get lost in doll making...

I have the paper pattern listed on ebay. **Remember Ebay NO LONGER allows the sale of epatterns (anything digital). You can always find ALL of my epatterns/patterns on Patternmart or my website. I also just started a NEW Etsy account (a work in progress), but I do have ~Glory be to Clowns~ listed on there.

Do remember...at any time you can ALWAYS email me and I can paypal you or you can send a check or money order. My email address is dandtturvold@deskmedia

Blog GIVE-A-WAY...
Doreen of Vermont Harvest Bears & Prims is having a 100th Post give a way. She is giving away some WONDERFUL gifts. All you have to do is leave a comment. That is i!

I have lots to do, so I must go. I did however get my bedroom furniture painted this weekend...now I am waiting on hubby to do his part to it. I was hoping that he would have worked on it today...but NO such LUCK. Oh well, I have waited this long....a bit longer will not hurt. I hope you all have a Good Night Sleep. Sweet Dreams, ~Tonya

~BEAUTIFUL~

An ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL Day! We could not ask for a more PERFECT day. It was in the upper 50's today and it was a long time coming. With temps lower then normal this time of year, this was a much appreciated day. The birds are chirping their sweet melodies and the trees are starting to have new buds...

The sun was shining on my face today, as I sat on the steps petting Kingfisher, it was just what I needed. I didn't get much done today....I woke up with a headache. I went back to bed after getting my kiddies on the bus....woke up a couple of hours later (yes, a couple of hours) and my headache was gone. I must have needed sleep...

This weekend it is suppose to be equally as nice (we may get some rain) but I will be working on some of my perennial gardens. I was a slacker last fall...so they do need some attention, before new life begins to emerge from the ground.

I ordered my black milk paint, got that in....so I would also like to get my bedroom furniture painted (the furniture that hubby custom made for me) this weekend. So much to do, so little time. Yes, when my furniture is all painted, I will post pictures :)

I hope you all have a "Picture Perfect"" weekend. Until next time....take some time for you and yours. Blessings, ~Tonya

Party Panda...

This is my newest little nodder. Precious Party Panda...he is needle felted. I love the look of my dollies that are needle felted. They are a lot of work, but so very neat. Party Panda started on ebay tonight and will end on Monday evening. Here is the link to view the Auction.

I also listed the Holly Berry Hill catalogs. One is as old as the Holiday issue of 1997! I had never seen these before purchasing the 3 I recently sold. I only seen them about 2 years ago. I didn't know they dated back this far. Here is the link to view all of my current listings.

Other then taking pictures today, editing pictures and then all 4 listings, I didn't get much else done today. Tonight, I am going to catch up on some things around the house. I hope you all have a wonderful evening. Peaceful Blessings to you, ~Tonya

My son made...

A new dollie! This gal has been in the works for many, many months! Jordan would work on it and then set her aside....pick it back up a few weeks later. He said, it is just so much work Mom. Too cute! Miss Libb ~Glory be to CLOWNS~ is currently on eBay

I am very PROUD of Jordan. He takes his time and is sure does show. I of course have to be there...."Hen Peckin" all the way *smirk* I have thought many, many times about releasing the pattern to this gal and I just may do that?

I was really worried about him stitching those lips...but he did wonderful. He also sculpted that star. Miss Libb ends on Sunday evening. On another note, I am making a FUN Nodder. A little needle felted panda head. She is turning out adorable. Gotta love the needle felted little dollies and such. I thought just a head, would be much more "kind" on my wrists.

I would have listed it tonight, but had to take the time to take the pictures of Jordan's dollie and edit them...and then not to mention, the daunting task of helping him list. That takes FOREVER. I will also be listing some Holly Berry Hill catalogs. A friend asked if I would list them for her...so the Panda and the catalogs will be on ebay, tomorrow evening...as long as all goes well. I hope you all have a nice evening. Toodles, ~Tonya