Some new flower girl dolls that were sent out.  I especially love these!

www.bratenella.com

The shop is done and made the paper!  The expansion of Ivy House is complete and Bratenella has an adorable space….complete with pink walls and the cutest stuff you’ve ever seen.

Hmmm….this is interesting. I just saw this when I was out “pinning”. Now, this has me a little concerned. I’m especially concerned about the part where it says they own your property (which a lot of time, I post my artwork or things I made). And that I pay their legal fees? Really?

I don’t know what to think. Maybe if something’s too good to be true, it probably is. And pinterest IS really good…like cupcake good! Everyone should read this….the only way to change this is for everyone to say we don’t agree.

So, protect your art and intellectual property by knowing the terms…no matter how long that form is.  When you click “agree” who knows what you’re agreeing to.

How could I not be inspired by this big baby? This is Manny. He’s a huge cat. He stretches to just over 4 feet! Really! But, he thinks he’s a baby. He always wants to be carried around like a baby and falls asleep in our arms. He also jumps up in my arms if I snap my fingers. Maybe I’ll make a video of it and post it. (I know you probably came here to see sewing tips, dolls or a tip on refinishing furniture…but, I can’t help it. He’s so cute!) On this day, he was howling and howling to be held. So, Alex had him on her hip while she was on the computer. He was happy as can be. And oh ya, he’s so cross eyed….I don’t even think he can see straight.  (He’s the one in the logo to the right of me.)

I am “unveiling” a really special doll and cards. The story of Sadako really touched me because I am a cancer survivor and love how the story gives people hope. It’s an opportunity to learn about history, but it’s also a story of hope. We all need to have hope, no matter the situation.

I created these dolls with intricate pieced paper cranes. There’s also a card with origami birds and instructions to make your own.

The handmade Bratenella Paper Crane doll was inspired by the story of Sadako.

Legend says that anyone who folds one thousand paper cranes will have their wish come true. The origami paper crane has become a symbol of peace because of this legend and because of a young Japanese girl named Sadako.

* The dolls I have created have an intricately designed origami crane pieced together and quilted. Each doll represents Sadako and her wish for world peace and hope. Each doll comes with the story of Sadako, origami paper crane instructions, a piece of real Japanese washi paper and an origami charm necklace. This makes a wonderful gift. Special order one and it can be personalized.

* As with all of my dolls, I have created the fabric for her face from my original paintings. So, she’s not only a cute little cloth/rag doll. She’s a one of kind art piece that’s washable! (gentle washing is just fine.)

* Each doll measures approx. 14 inches tall. Dress is made from 100% black cotton and gold “frosted” dots. The paper crane is pieced with various patterned authentic Japanese fabrics. Her hair is a buttery soft black fleece. She has the signature Bratenella bow on her head, too.

Sadako was exposed to the radiation of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima as an infant, and it took it’s inevitable toll on her health. By the time she was twelve years old, in 1955, she was dying of leukemia. Hearing this legend, she decided to fold one thousand paper cranes so that she could live. When she realized that she wasn’t going to survive the disease, she wished for world peace instead and to put an end to world suffering.

The dolls I have created have an intricately designed origami crane pieced together and quilted. Each doll represents Sadako and her wish for world peace and hope. Each doll comes with the story of Sadako, origami paper crane instructions, a piece of real Japanese washi paper and an origami charm necklace. This makes a wonderful gift. Special order one and it can be personalized.

Purchase a doll in my etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/listing/93322922/bratenella-1000-paper-cranes-sadako

You know the song about little bunny fufu hopping through the forest scooping up the field mice and bopping them on the head….

Well, this bunny fufu is Bratenella’s little friend.  She likes to tip toe through the fields collecting shiny things in her sparkly tutu.

“Why would someone do such a thing?”  I posted on my Facebook page.  I mean, really…some people are disgusted that anyone would lick the frosting off all the cupcakes.  They think it’s rude or immature.  Comments ranged from, “my kid must have been in your kitchen” to “that’s disgusting”………and the best part, “that you left one”.  But, most people who know me….know I did it.  I always do it.  Let me explain.  First off, I only really like the frosting.  I like those mini cupcakes cold, too.  Straight from the fridge.  The frosting “pops” right off easily.  Best sugar rush ever.  I mean, who wouldn’t want to fill up on sugar and probably something disgusting like crisco holding it all together.  Really? Wow.  That’s what they make OREO filling out of, too and no one says….”Oh, gross!” to that. 

Now, the justification.  It’s the same one I use for taking a bite out of all the chocolates in a box.  (Yes….I do that, too.)

1. I’m the grown up.  (Remember when you were little and your parents said, “when you grow up and have your own house, you can do it the way you want…until then….”)  So, now I have my parent’s permission. check.
2. I probably bought it and it’s ALL MINE :) check.
3. Most importantly, I’m too fat to eat all those extra calories (the cake part) when all I want is the frosting.  So, would you rather me be polite or would you rather I not risk obesity?  I thought you would support this behavior.
4. I had cancer.  (I always use that, LOL)

LMAO….it’s so funny seeing myself explain this!  But, it’s true.  Therefore, eat the frosting, take one bite out of all the chocolates in the box ‘til you find one that’s worth it (ya know…10,000 minutes on the treadmill)  Don’t just settle for what you’re given and don’t do what everyone expects you to because it’s just the right thing to do.  Only settle take what you want out of life, and leave the rest behind.

Now, you know how to explain why you do the things you do :)  Happy to be of service.  That’s why I say, “Being a brat isn’t necessarily a bad thing!”