As much as I hate seeing Christmas items up before Halloween is even over, I guess when you are shopping online it makes the most sense. So have a safe and Happy Halloween and grab a cuppa, put on some Christmas music to get you in the mood, and have a good time looking through all the artist here on Earlywork Mercantile.    

 Victorian Look Santa Dressed in White 
I Love the look of Victorian Christmas cards, they make me think of how simple life was before the like of discount stores the the hustle and bustle of attempting to buy the perfect gift for everyone.

I created this Santa with those cards in mind, He has been dressed in a lovely old fluffy bit of ecru batting, his face has been hand sculpted from paper mache then painted to give him piercing blue eyes and cold kissed cheeks and nose. His hair, beard, and eyebrows, are made from the finest silky wool I could find. 

I created each of the tiny toys he holds to fit in with what children would have gotten from Saint Nick during this era. There is a tiny stick horse created with paper mache, German glass eyes and a camel mane, I've added a tiny Queen Anne style doll, with antique lace dress and real braided wool hair, a tiny toy soldier created from wood and painted, and a little woolly sheep made in a similar way to the Putz sheep.   I have not added a base to Saint Nick so you can choose what you would like him to stand on, I think he looks great on a natural pine tree slice, a found piece of slate, or a wooden base painted to resemble snow, but you decide for yourself.

Sold Thank you so much   Nell a Sweet Queen Anne Style Snow Lady 
  Nell just can't wait for Christmas, she's been working  for weeks and finally finished the perfect doll to giver her favorite Niece!  She's dressed in her finest frock and new hat to go and collect her at the station! What a wonderful Christmas it will be this year!

Nell is my interpretation of the wonderful vintage Queen Anne style dolls, she's been made as a snow lady , but retains the lovely glass eyes, white skin and bare shoulders. Nell wears a dress made from humble homespuns with a lovely overskirt made in a beautiful vintage brocade fabric I purchased at the Puces De Vanves Flea market in France in the spring, even then I was thinking ahead and knew it would be perfect for a Christmas dress! Her dress is trimmed in beautiful cranberry lace. Her underskirt is old, but probably not vintage yet, snowy white cotton eyelet fabric. 

Nell wears a simple bonnet I decorated with hand made flores and a tiny leaf garland. Her tiny snowdoll is very simply made as you might have found in this era, she wears a simple calico dress and hat, he body is soft stuffed. 

 Nell is sold Thank you 

Randolph the Red Nosed Rat gets ready for Christmas

Randolph the Red Nosed Rat Loves Christmas! He's getting ready early this year, wearing his antlers

and findings he has no need of a pillow to fill out Santa's coat this year! 

He's already planning Christmas by untangling the lights, sorting the ornaments and deciding where to hang the stockings. Randolph happily sings Christmas carols as he works and smiles broadly thinking about what he'll ask Santa to bring.

 

 Randolph is jointed for posing,his fingers and legs are also wired. Randolph wears a removable set of antlers & coat so he can be displayed year round. 

Randolph is a Spider Sisters Studio original created with great attention to whimsy and detail. Randolph is one of a kind character, he'll come signed and dated.  Randolph  is an adult collectors piece not intended for children.  

Randolph is sold Thank you 

Beatrice and Beau 

This darling little snow couple look so happy to be on their way home to decorate for Christmas! The shopping is done and the tree has been cut, now all they have to do is decide where to hide all the presents!

 Beatrice and Beau are an original one of a kind Spider Sisters Studio creation made from cloth and paper mache', covered in German glitter glass to give them an extra sparkle and charm. 

Dressed in sweet simple homespun fabrics they are decked out to celebrate the season, they come signed and dated. Beatrice and Beau  would  look wonderful on your mantel or tucked in amongst the centerpiece on your holiday table.  The "tree" on the sled is not included as it's a dried floral that doesn't ship well. 
 Beatrice and Beau are an adult collectors set, they are not suitable for children to play with

Kindly asking $150.00 , Price includes First Class insured shipping  to Canada, Europe and the USA, all others, please inquire.

 

Thanks so much for visiting my September update,  I hope you find the residents of this month's Codswallop Creek theme to your liking! 

Please click on the photos for a larger view of each.
May the Lord shine brightly on you day.

Filaminnie Froddlethorp
Filaminnie is a kindly wee pumpkin sprite living  deep in the woods of Codswallop  Creek, she so looks forward to All Hallow's Eve when all of the wee folk of the forests gather to celebrate with dancing and special treats! This year Filaminnie has decided to go a kindly white witch at the suggestion of her pet raven Poe, she secretly knows he's only suggested the costume so he too can join the festivities! Filaminnie has a hand sculpted face with hand crafted glass amber eyes that add a wonderful wee sparkle to her chubby face.  Her tiny hands are slightly gnarled.  ~

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 Filaminnie has a hand sculpted face with hand crafted glass amber eyes that add a wonderful wee sparkle to her chubby face.  Her tiny hands are slightly gnarled and carry a twig broom in one, on the other Poe sits peacefully awaiting the merry making. 

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~ Filaminnie is a plump 10 1/2" tall when not wearing her hat. Her hat is adorned with tiny acorns, leaves and dried moss.  ~

~ Filiminnie wears clothing created from vintage fabrics and antique lace, her tiny buttons are antique beads.  I've aged her clothing to appear to have been dragged on the floor, and worn through in places then patched. If you look closely you'll see her toe sticking out from beneath her skirt where the boot has worn from years of wear.  ~

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Filiminnie is a plump 10 1/2" tall, she has a slightly bent posture and a bit of a hump one one shoulder to give her the appearance of  great age.   Filiminnie is a one of a kind Spider Sisters Original creation, she was handcrafted without the use of molds or patterns, I've take extra time and care to crate a wee sprite that looks as though she could have just walked from the pages of a fairytale.  She is an adult collectors piece of art, she is not intended to be played with and is not suitable for children.  She will arrive to add a bit of spritely magic to your home signed and dated on her 

                                                     Sold, Thank you
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Hamish and Hildy Higglesworth  Hamish and Hildy are hosting this years  All Hallow's Eve celebration in  Codswallop Creek, They have come dressed to the soiree' in their finest Georgian attire.  They are together as always, Hamish holding gently the hand of his lady love Hildy as they make their entrance. Their lovely crackled stand carries a faint pattern resembling regency era marble floors.  ~

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Hamish and Hildy have been created as Queen Anne style dolls , they wear clothing  tailored especially for them from vintage fabrics. Hildy's dress is also made up of a very unusual antique French lace, Hamish is adorned in newer lace at his neckline and cuffs of his shirt. A tiny removable paper mache' mask  allows them to stay incognito at the evenings masquerade ball.                                                        

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Hamish and Purdy have tiny  paper clay shoes and itty bitty paper clay hands. Hamish stands nearly 12" while Hildy is nearly 11" tall.

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  Hamish and Hildy Higglesworth both have lovely hand sculpted faces with lovely hand crafted amber eyes that bring a real sparkle of life to their faces. Both dolls have been painted with muted watercolor features then topped off with an oil painting style crazed and stained patina giving them the wonderful appearance seen in treasured antique pieces. 

Hammish and Hildy are Spider Sisters Studio originals created without the use of molds or patterns, they have been handcrafted with great attention to detail and will come to you signed and dated.  Hammish and Hildy are works or art, they are an adult collectible, not intended for children.

Kindly asking $325.00.00 Travel fare included. 

 

  ***************************** ~ Penrith and Purdy Pickwitt Penrith and Purdy Pickwitt are the newest members of the Codswallop Creek community, they are ever so thrilled about being invited to the biggest event of the year at the Higglesworth's! Penright has spent hours creating their vintage look treat buckets and Purdy has been sewing late into the evening for weeks to create their matching costumes for the All Hallows Eve dance.  ~

~ Penrith and Purdy are dressed in retro  Halloween colors ready to tear up the dance floor this evening in a tail coat and swing dress.  Purdy is  wearing her Grandmother's favorite vintage cameo pendant to accent her high ruffled collar jacket, and Penright sports an oversized bow tie and handcrafted dandelion lapel boutonniere. ~

~ Both costumes have a warm vintage feel about them that reminds me of vintage 1940's style Halloween decorations. ~

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Penrith and Purdy have hand sculpted faces that feature wonderful hand crafted amber glass eyes that sparkle with life. Each has been carefully hand painted to give them a warm autumn glow.   

The Pickwitt's are Spider Sisters Studio originals created without the use of molds or patterns, they have been handcrafted with great attention to detail and will come to you signed and dated.  Penrith and Purdy are an adult collectible, not intended for children to play with.

Kindly asking $275.00 Travel fare included. 

 

~ Cephus the Friendly Scarecrow

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Cephus has been out in the garden today making new bird houses, mending the fence and painting over that pesky "no crows" sign. Cephus is so delighted, he's finally retired and can openly welcome the crows he's been secretly fond of for years!

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Cephus is an original one of a kind Spider Sisters Studio creation, he's been made with lots of love and great attention to detail. Cephus sports a worn long tail jacket full of patches, missing buttons and a sweet little lapel flower, his trousers are patched, mended, and worn with bits of stuffing sticking out here and there, his boots have seen better days, and his hat looks as though more than one nest has been built in it over the years!

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Cephus will come to you with paint bucket and brush in his gloved hands, he'll arrive with 6 tiny hand crafted bird houses, 5 crows, a small wooden fence complete with a tattered "crows welcome" sign, and an old boot with a nest built in it that also houses a teeny tiny mouse! The mini pumpkin pincushions and giant rose hips are not included with the sale of this piece.

Cephus is a great versatile piece, he can light up your home decor with his wide grin from late summer right up through the first snowflakes of winter. Cephus is signed and dated, he was made without the use of molds or patterns making him a true one of a kind piece.

Cephus is an adult collectors piece with small pieces, he is not intended for children to play with.

Kindly asking $325.00 Travel fare included. 

 

~ Email me for questions about layaway. 

 As the last leaves of autumn fall and blow away, my thoughts turn to winter and the animals who unfortunately reside in shelters, many without heat and only outdoor accommodation. As much as I'd LOVE to save every animal from living in a shelter, with no family of their own, I'm unable to do that, but because every animal is important, all proceeds from my sales this month will go to help dogs on death row in the Nisipari Constanta public shelter. Thanks so much for looking at my items. May the Lord bless you richly. Take a look at some of the faces of those you can help this month (Nothing Ugly or shocking)  The faces of the Dogs of Nisipari *~*~*~* Custom Made Dog Breed Tree Ornament  This month I am offering a custom made dog breed ornaments to help save shelter dogs on death row in the Nisipari Constanta public shelter, the photos show the type of ornament being offered. Each little ornament will be created using faux fur in the likeness of a dog breed of your choice.  I hand stitch and color each dog, creating an original one of a kind  caricature dog breed, then balance the wee dog atop a ball in your choice of color, German glitter glass covered snowballs are usually the most popular. I will add a Christmas wreath and Santa hat as well if you so choose. These make wonderful gifts for someone you love and will help give a dog an opportunity at a second chance!  I generally allow myself a two day period to create each ornament. Please email me if you'd like to order your own custom Dog breed ornament. Please note these are not suitable for children to play with and are not intended as toys, they are one of a kind adult collectors ornaments.   100% percent of the sale price will  be donated to save a dog on death row. 

100% percent of the sale price will  be donated to save a dog on death row. Kindly asking $45.00 Each plus postage cost Please email me to order your one of a kind ornament. *~*~*~* Sweet little Starla, Primitive style Snowlady

Sweet little Starla has waited all year Christmas, She's so excited gathering her decorations and buying a new frock for the winter dance.

I've created Starla in my favorite shades of ecru for winter, she wears a lovely pine wreath with berries atop her head to set off sweet and simple little vintage fabric dress. I've painted her Mary Jane shoes a very light tan, and added tiny dots to her stockings. Her 

bloomers & underskirt are muslin giving her that little bit of extra prim charm.

Her eyes are shiny glass beads, that set off her cute little carrot nose and her slightly crooked stitched and beaded mouth, her head is wobble jointed and she carries a rusty tin star and heart garland that can be removed easily should you wish.

Starla is a Spider Sisters Studio One-Of-A-Kind original. She is an adult collectors piece not intended for children to play with.

100% of the sale price for Starla will be donated to save a dog on death row. 

Starla has been sold, Thank you  

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Sweet Wee Paddy  Needle Felted Vintage Style Panda Bear

Wee Paddy is such a sweet little Panda, he loves nothing more than to play his little drum and march about singing Christmas songs. 

Paddy hopes more than anything to become part of someone special Christmas, he fears though being a bit threadbare, he may be overlooked for something more shiny and new.

Paddy is a cloth bear that I have then needlefelted leaving spots here and there for a well loved primitive look. He has a tiny paper drum and paper hat made from antique Christmas sheet music, he wears a collar of deep cranberry ribbon and sports a tatty paper mache heart lock and metal 

key. Paddy has thread jointed limbs. I created him thinking how wonderful he'd look under my vintage feather tree with a few building blocks and 

an old doll or two.

Paddy is a Spider Sisters One-Of-A-Kind Original design and will come to you signed and dated. She is an adult collectors piece, not intended 

for children to play with.

100% of the sale price for Paddy will be donated to save a dog on death row. 

Paddy has been sold, Thank you  

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Custom Made Pet Ornaments ~ 2 styles Available

Ornament style 1

This month I am offering a custom, made to order, pet ornament in the likeness of your own little darling. Ordering an ornament will  help save shelter dogs on death row in the  Nisipari Constanta public shelter. 
 Each little ornament will be created using a photograph of your pet,giving you a wonderful  one of a kind caricature ornament. Each ornament is created with fabric, then I hand sculpt a face in paperclay and color it to resemble your pet, You may choose a small stocking, mitten or glove  for your animal to look out over, I can  add your pet's name if you choose.  
Ornament style 2

Have you ever bought your pet the most fantastic Christmas present ever only to have them play with the box totally ignoring the gift!  This little ornament is my take on those animals that are happy with the really simple things in life!   Each little ornament will be created using a photograph of your pet, giving you a wonderful  one of a kind caricature ornament. Each ornament is created with fabric, then painted with the unique markings of your own cherished pet. A tag on the gift box stuck on your pets head  will bear the name of your pet making it even more unique. Each ornament is painted on both sides, so a photo of both sides of your pet will be required. I can of course do an ornament based on dog or cat breed rather than painting in the likeness of your pet if you prefer.  I allow myself  2 days to create each ornament, I  will send you photos before your ornament is sent to you.  These make wonderful gifts and will help save the life of an animal on death row.  Please email me to order your one of a kind pet ornament in one, or both styles!  100% of the sale price will be donated to save a dog on death row the   Nisipari Constanta public shelter.    Kindly asking $45.00 each plus postage.

Itty Bitty Pumpkin Pincushion

I had such a great time making these little pincushions!  The pumpkins  vary in size,  I sew as I go not using patterns or molds for the creation of my one of a kind items.  All of the little pincushions are stuffed with clean humanely sourced wool. I have created a special stem on each so they can be worn around the neck if you choose,  each has a tiny crow that can be moved or removed if you prefer not to share your pumpkin pincushion with the crow.  Vintage fabric was used for all the pumpkins with the exception of pumpkin B which is a replica print. Pumpkin C is the most unusual of the patch, it is a very old silk velvet that turns from green to orange depending upon how you look at it.   I have a few of each fabric   Kindly asking $26.00 each~ Please contact me to pick your pumpkin from the patch. 

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Orrie  and Arden ~Antique Inspired Horse Pull Toys 

I absolutely love old toys, and adore animals, so what could be better than combining the two! I created Orrie and Arden  to resemble an antique pull toys that have been well loved and played with until little remains of it but the foundation. 
**Orrie ** 10" tall  &  9 " long 

 Both horses  has been created with  new materials to look well loved and aged, I've taken extra care with all the fine details such as rusty nails where a  mane once flowed long and luxurious, to aging the base on which they  stand to a lovely worn looking patina. Orrie and Arden are  charming from their  carved features and  thinning manes, right down to their vintage wheels. Either or both would  look charming under an antique feather Christmas tree or tucked in amongst your vintage toy collection. 

Orrie the darker horse has been sold, Thank you. 

**Arden**

9 3/4" tall  &  8 1/2" long 

Like all of my artwork, Both Orrie and Arden  are one of a kind, no patterns or molds are used so each is  as unique as you are! Orrie and Arden will come signed and dated. Orrie and Arden are adult collectors pieces, they are not intended for children.  

Kindly asking $250.00 each,  includes insured first class travel fare. Please contact me  for purchase , please specify Orrie (Dark ) Or Arden (Light) Layaway available. 



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Izannah Walker Inspired  Alice in Wonderland Doll 
I've created my Alice in Wonderland themed doll in an Izannah Walker style.  Alice has a hand sculpted face that has been covered in cloth, then painted in a naive style.  Alice has hand stitched fingers and toes and her thumbs have been separately attached.   Alice has hand stitched joints and a "second skin" much like those seen in Izannah Walker dolls. 

I've created clothing for Alice from vintage fabrics with the exception of her socks. Alice wears a petticoat and drawstring bloomers beneath her frock.  Her frock has a back opening with pearl buttons and hand worked button loops. She wears a pair of white knee socks and leather Mary Jane style shoes. Each piece of clothing can be removed if you wish to dress your doll in other costumes. 

Alice carries a tiny hand stitched white rabbit pull toy with wooden wheels. Alice stands  a bit over 16" tall.  She can stand with the aid of a doll stand or is very happy seated. Alice will come signed and dated. Alice and her pull toy are Adult collectors pieces, they are not intended to be played with by children.

I have to say that even though an Izannah Walker style dolls is a huge amount of work, there is something very satisfying about making this type of doll!  

Alice has been Sold Thank you.
******** Farley~ Antique inspired Pull Toy
Sweet Farley is an antique inspired sheep pull toy, he was made to resemble a toy that has been well loved and played with for years! "Farley " was created by my own fair hands with great attention to detail from the well aged cloth used for his body, to his  gently carved cloven hooves.

Farley's  primitive charm continues from the worn paint at the tip of his sculpted nose right down to the vintage wheels on his pull toy base! Farley is a burly chap who is around 8 1/2  " tall, he makes a great companion for dolls and teddy bears alike! 

I don't use patterns or molds, each signed and dated piece of art is truly a one of a kind! Farley is an adult collectors piece not intended for children to play with.  

Kindly asking $225.00,  includes insured first class travel fare. Please contact me  for purchase. Layaway available. 

Democratic Donkey Vintage Inspired Pull Toy

This sweet little democratic donkey has been inspired by a vintage advertising piece.

 The donkey is a mixed media piece, created with the utmost care and attention to detail from the tip of her sculpted nose, right down to her pre war era wheels.
The donkey is 8" tall and 9" long, she comes signed and dated, as always, is a one of a kind piece. A perfect addition to your collection of Americana. She is an adult collectors piece not intended for children.

Kindly asking $135.00, price includes first class insured postage to Australia, Canada, Europe and the USA, all others, please inquire.

 

Republican Elephant Pull Toy

This darling little republican elephant has been inspired by a vintage advertising piece.

The elephant is a mixed media piece, created with great attention to detail, from the textured skin, right down to her pre war era wheels.

The elephant is 6" tall and 9" long, she comes signed and dated, as always, she is a one of a kind piece. A perfect way to express your patriotic side! She is an adult collectors piece not intended for children.

Kindly asking $135.00, price includes first class insured shipping from to Australia, Canada, Europe and the USA, all others, please inquire.

 

                                                Uncle Sam Wants You!

Uncle Sam is such an iconic figure, everyone has no doubt seen him pointing directly at them nearly shouting, "I want you!"

Uncle Sam is a mixed media piece standing 15" tall. Sam wears striped red and white button front trousers topped with a button down white cotton shirt, a tail coat in blue with white stars and a deep red bow tie.

Atop his head sits a red, white and blue top hat. Sam was created using new and vintage fabrics and trim. Sam was handcrafted, no patterns or molds were used to create him, making him a true one of a kind piece! Sam will come to you signed and dated. A perfect addition to your collection of Americana, folk art or dolls.

Sam has been sold,  Thank you 

                                                        Don't Forget to Vote

I recently came across an antique presidential campaign flyer with the image of a red ribbon tied around a gentleman's finger, with the words "remember to vote!" 

I've put my own twist on the idea and created this mixed media piece, resembling antique advertising. I've included a reprint of the outside of an 1860 ballot featuring Abraham Lincoln as the Presidential candidate. 

The piece is about 9.5" tall, it has a wonderful appearance of age with it's cracked and chipping paint and aged patina. This piece is a one of a kind, it will come to you signed and dated.

Not intended for children, it is an adult collectors piece that would be fabulous in any American collection or added to your primitive home décor for year round display.

Kindly asking $98.00, price includes first class insured shipping to Australia, Canada, Europe, and the USA, all others, please inquire.