Tea With Eunice T. Bagg

Hi and welcome to Mrs.T.Bagg's blogging tea party! Today I'm introducing Eunice. And we are serving iced tea today, sweetened with orange blossom honey, because Eunice declares "hot tea is just toooo darned hot on a humid day like today"! And it takes patience to sip hot tea, a virtue Eunice unfortunately lacks.
Yes, Mrs.T.Bagg art dolls are infused with a variety of personality traits. I like to think of them as snippets of my own personality. I love cats, travel, adventure, old movies, silver teapots and fine china. I also love paper back novels, well worn bathrobes and oversized coffee mugs. I guess that's why there are so many Mrs.T.Bagg characters... there's just so much of me!

My introduction today is of an impatient, adventurous and daring personality. Eunice. She simply refuses to act her age! And she dares to wear that awful, bright green hat. "In honor of St. Patrick" she declares! She's not even Irish!! She's just out there.

Eunice has a passion for travel and high adventures. And she loves to take her cat, Thomasina, everywhere with her. Eunice has carted her cat to Bora Bora, Antarctica, and the Amazon, to name just a few places. And Thomasina, (who hates to travel) seeing as she's on her 9th life, is hoping Eunice will retire soon to a nice, safe retirement village where she can lounge about and grow ridiculously fat!

When it came to choosing names for my little teacup ladies, Eunice was top on my list. I chose her name from a favorite character of mine on the Carol Burnett show. I named this particular teacup doll Eunice not because she looked so much like the character on the show, but because that character wore such outrages clothes and hats! And this green hat is no exception!

Funny thing, Eunice used to be the most unpopular Mrs.T.Bagg in my collection. But lately, Eunice in her green hat has enjoyed quite a come back. Apparently, green is "in" now. Go figure.

For Eunice, (and myself) there is no greater adventure than a trip to the movies! The smell of fresh popcorn, the salty, buttery flavor... I wonder what's playing at the theater...

Ah well, it's late. I think I'll microwave some popcorn and pop in a dvd of "The Quiet Man" or "Brigadoon" or maybe the remake of "Alice in Wonderland" with Johnny Depp. We love Johnny Depp. We all do.

We also admire actors from the bygone days of old. John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, Gene Kelly and did I mention Johnny Depp? Definately Depp. I know, he's not an oldie, but he's a favorite!

I will close today's blog with Eunice's favorite Quote: "I know karate, kung fu and 47 other dangerous words!"

Good night and God Bless! ...Rose

A Tea Party With Eleanor!

WoW, HaS iT bEeN tWo MoNtHs?

Incredible!

I almost feel as if I should reintroduce myself.

Rose Farnsworth Davis, artist, crafter, sculptor, seamstress, teacup & button collector, maker of Mrs.T.Bagg artdolls. A mother, daughter, grandmother, housewife and lover of all things french and italian.

What I "am not" is...

consistent with this blogger thing.

I don't know what happened. I really like blogging and reading blogs. I just... stopped. And now I'm back. For a while anyway.

Now, about that tea party

I thought I would throw a little tea party for all of you, my new friends in bloggerland, and in this way, introduce to you my cast of TeaCup ArtDolls, one at a time, over the next few weeks. These little ladies are infused with a lot of personality and they have been my companions now for over a decade. I love them dearly and I hope to entertain you with their charm and character!

So, please select your loveliest teacup, brew your favorite flavor of tea and relax in your favorite comfy chair. I would like you to meet...

ELEANOR T. BAGG

I am very pleased to first introduce to you- Eleanor. She is named for Eleanor Roosevelt and is my signature Mrs.T.Bagg doll. I have used her picture in all my graphics and advertisment. Eleanor has graced my letterhead, business cards and gift tags.

In the beginning, this Mrs.T.Bagg art doll was the most popular. I originally created Mrs.T.Bagg while living in Richmond VA and I think this particular character resonated with the ladies of the east coast and of course near and around Capitol Hill. The resemblance to Ms. Roosevelt is of course due to the signature blue hat and her long, straight, "no nonsense" face.



I have actually given each Mrs.T.Bagg character a personality, a "profile" if you will. I've created trading cards with a little snippets of facts to accompany each Mrs.T.Bagg doll. I've used vintage greeting cards or postcards and altered them with photos of these little teacup darlings. They all have a common theme of cats, movies and tea of course!



I love cats and to my delight, so does Mrs.T.Bagg! Eleanor's two cats, Frankie and Truman, enjoy their presidential treatment as Eleanor spoils her tomcats with bowls of warm, sweet cream! And sweet cream turns her favorite raspberry herbal tea into a delicious, delectable desert.
Eleanor and myself both have a love of movies. The oldies especially. A few of Eleanor's favorites are "Meet John Doe" and "Mrs. Miniver". Her favorite actors are Greer Garson, Gary Cooper and Johnny Depp. Yep, Depp. We're, Depp fans! All of us.

At the bottom of each art trading card is a favorite quote that I've collected over the years. Eleanor's favorite quote is- "My mind works like lightning, one brilliant flash and it's gone!"

I do hope you've enjoyed tea with Eleanor.

If you get a chance, I'd love to discover what your favorite cup of tea is. And what is your choice of tea cup? A mug? Fine china?

Tonight I've enjoyed earl greyer in a blue stoneware mug.

What's your favorite? I look forward to "hearing" from you! ...Rose

Heel of Approval badge

I am in awe of all the beautiful blogs and the collections of awards and badges that so many talented bloggers have rightfully earned.

I am very proud of my two badges collected so far. One being the Kreative Blogger Award and the other is Gail Lackey's "I've Been Bopped" badge. I covet this badge of Gails. She's a marvelous person, so considerate and talented. She inspired me years ago to follow my dream of becoming an artist. And thanks to her encouragement, I do consider myself a fellow artist now! You'll find Gails bop badge on my sidebar. You'll enjoy your visit on her very entertaining blog.

Bigg Huggs Gail!

So, anyway, I've created my own badge,

the Mrs.T.Bagg's "Heel of Approval"

(supposed to sound like "Seal of ..." my attempt at humor!)

For those of you who love collecting badges, this one is free for the taking. If I'm following you, then you're already a favorite of mine and I'd be thrilled to have you post MRS.T.BAGG's approval on your blog. Just grab and post it with a link back to me and let me know you've "been approved". If we've not "met" yet, then just drop me a welcome to your blog and I'm sure we'll be fast friends! Haven't met a blogger I didn't like yet!

It's just for fun. So enjoy!

Kreativ Blogger Award

Isn't this just the nicest thing!

Thank you Tracy Topps for nominating my blog for this award.

Please visit Tracy's blog at http://minisontheedge.blogspot.com/

Now, there are rules for accepting this award. They are as follows:

1. Thank the person that gave it to you.

2. Copy the logo and place it in your blog.

3. Link to the person who nominated you.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that nobody knows.

5. Nominate 7 kreativ bloggers.

6. Post links to the 7 blogs that you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know that you nominate them.

OK, so I've got the first 3 down.

I'll be back tomorrow evening to complete the other 4.

Thanks again Tracy...

Ok, to continue...

7 things about myself that nobody knows:

1. I'm really not superwoman!

I find the balancing act of family, day jobs, art studio, blogging, facebook, and etsy quite challenging. And I wonder how all these wonderfully talented bloggers balance their computer time with their family time?

2. I hide a bag of Cod Chips in the console of my truck. And I don't share!

3. I still enjoy watching soaps! I grew up on "As The World Turns" and watch it whenever I can!

4. I have a pair of 3 inch heels in my closet that I've never worn and never will, and will never part with!

5. Honey blonde is not my natural hair color. I'm quite sure my hair is snowy white by now but I will never know for certain as I will be coloring my hair as long as you'll be looking!

6. I enjoy being 25 pounds overweight and only pretend to diet!

7. I have a favorite daydream that I and MRS.T.BAGG will one day be on OPRAH and that Oprah will pass out a MRS.T.BAGG art doll to everyone in the audience. AND THE AUDIENCE GOES WILD! :o)

And now to nominate 7 deserving kreativ bloggers for this lovely award. A big thank you to these artists for starting my day off with their beautiful offerings making my morning cup of coffee so much sweeter!

1. http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/ (as I go to retieve this link, I have to pause and look at the latest post on Karens blog! You can always find something new on this amazing blog! Thanks Karen!)

2. http://bluebirdnotes.blogspot.com/

3. http://cupidscharm.blogspot.com/

4. http://filigreemoon.blogspot.com/

5. http://niceandeasyantiques.blogspot.com/

6. http://katiesrosecottage.blogspot.com/

7. http://magicmoonlightfreeimages.blogspot.com/

Thanks again Tracy for gracing my blog with this award, I'm honored!

Dreaming of Hawaii...

Oh, to be in beautiful Hawaii again. I need sunshine!!

These are some of my favorite photos from my trip to Honolulu just last November.

This tree stands in front of the oldest hotel on the island. I don't remember the name of the hotel, but it was gorgeous! I love how lacey the branches are against the sky. I love trees...

I had a delightful afternoon tea on my second day in Honolulu. Tea served in silver and china on an outdoor terrace, at a lovely hotel, right on the beach. All while enjoying the view of surfers and sunbathers.

I was joined by Terrie Lee Steinmeyer, a very talented artist of needlework art.

And it turns out she's quite the doll artist too. I think she would be successful at any endeavor! I am tickled to to call her by her pet name "tlee", to me it sounds like "tea lea". Love that! Love everything tea related :)

This was the view from the balcony of my hotel taken on the first evening after I arrived. Shopping- right under my nose!

Heaven!!

More pics of Hawaii to come soon!
Have a sunny day!

Happy St. Patricks Day!

I learned today on the Travel Channel that the three leafed shamrock is considered representive of the Holy Trinity in Ireland. I didn't know that. It does resemble the fleur de lis, seen as a royal symbol and found in the beautiful windows of cathedrals.

I learn something new every day...

I'm attending a Cupids Charms Workshop!

Look at these beautiful jewelry charms!

I have bought several of these wonderful necklaces and have even

sold one right off my own neck!

The lady loved it so much,

when I told her I'd be happy to get one for her,

she insisted I give her my own,

right then and there,

and replace it for myself!

So I did!!

I have admired this style of jewelry for some time.

When I learned I could take a workshop

and learn how to make these amazing charms myself,

I signed right up!

I can hardly wait to fashion my own charms,

perhaps using the art trading cards

I've been making with my MRS.T.BAGG images!

LOVE THIS!

And look at the back of these gorgeous charms!

Tiny postcards!
They're adorable.

You must visit this wonderfully talented artist, Joy Jones at her website

http://www.cupidscharm.com/

and also check out her blog -

http://cupidscharm.blogspot.com/

I just love artists who share their talent with all of us.

The workshop I'm attending is in St. Petersburg, Florida. I will be attending the April 1st class on how to make these lovely charms.

Joy offers a variety of workshops, all held in St. Petersburg, FL.

My sailor/husband/loveofmylife Jerry

is thrilled to be able to walk among the sailboats while I attend this day long class.

Horray for both of us!!

MRS.T.BAGG THEATER BLOGSPOT

I know, I know.

I've barely got a handle on the first blog page

and I've already uploaded another one!

I'm hooked, what can I say!

MRS.T.BAGG THEATER

I've been planning this site for quite a while.

I've been making these little videos

of MRS.T.BAGG on Slide.

Slide is a great site for making

fun video slide shows.

I decided to create a place to "park" the

retired videos where

I could go and visit them from time to time.

They were too fun to make and I hated to delete them

into the ether, hence the new blogspot.

If you're interested, just click on the
Movie Ticket Stub

for your free ticket to the movies!

You'll find the ticket stub near the top on the right side bar.

You'll find a pair of Ruby Slippers in the theater that will

magically transport

you back here

when you're done.

Don't forget you coke and popcorn!

A Grateful Day!

Ahh, I wish I was back on this Island, basking in the sun! What a wonderful cruise I had with my wonderful husband Jerry last year. I am so blessed!

This is my thought for today...

You know, it's not about how many "friends", fans or followers we collect, but about the recognition we receive from our fellow artists and from those who truly love us. And I am grateful to blogger for this format in which everyone is a "star"!

I wish you all a Blessed Day!

ME & MRS.T.BAGG INTERVIEWED BY THE SHELBY COUNTY REPORTER NEWSPAPER!

Well, it certainly has been a "day in the spotlight" for me! I'm very pleased with this article and the picture they used. The interview was done at the Greystone Antique and Marketplace, and I'm sitting in my little "artist corner" where I sometimes sculpt and enjoy meeting the shoppers as they browse through the antique store and my room. I so enjoy their surprise as they learn that I actually "make" the little faces!
Here's the link to this article- http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/news/2010/mar/03/mrs-t-bagg/

MRS.T.BAGG INTERVIEWED IN "SMALL TOWN LIVING" MAGAZINE!

This wonderful online magazine has posted an interview about me and MRS.T.BAGG today! Thanks to the editor Tina Wilson for so much "air time" in her magazine! And thanks to all who visit this blog page too! This is a wonderfully blessed day... :)

Oh, and here's the link! http://stliving.com/?p=1159

The Royal Winton Chintz Collection Art Trading Cards

I've finally completed the art trading cards for MRS.T.BAGG. I've had so much fun making these out of vintage victorian greeting cards! This selection of teacup ladies are dressed in Royal Winton Chintz fabric.

The Royal Winton chintz fabrics are of beautiful floral patterns, originally found on Royal Winton china. The chintz patterns I have to offer MRS.T.BAGG in are- Summertime, Julia, Florence, and Welbeck in background colors of yellow, green and blue. this fabric was discontinued some time ago and as far as I know, are no longer available.

One of these beauiful cards will be included free with the purchase of your MRS.T.BAGG. The back of the card will have a fun little profile about the character purchased and will be signed at the bottom by the artist, me!

Thelma, No Boundaries- Enhanced by Blingee

I'm not much into the "blinkies", but I thought I'd play with it just to check it out. It actually turned out kind of cute.
A little "bling" can be fun!

Two interviews in one week by Small Town Living and The Shelby County Reporter

My latest Artdoll Trading Card, love this!

I have been so blessed to have been interviewed at all, let alone by two reporters in just one week!
I was recently contacted by Samantha Hurst, a very nice reporter for the Shelby County Reporter. She had visited Greystone Antique and Marketplace on Hwy 280, in Birmingham Alabama, where I lease a room in which I sell vintage furniture, teacups and of course, MRS.T.BAGG. Ms. Hurst told me at our interview yesterday, (Thursday Feb 25th) that when she realized MRS.T.BAGG was made by a local artist, she knew she wanted to interview me for their Lifestyles section of the Shelby County Reporter newspaper.
I thought I'd be nervous. But when I get to talking about my love of sculpting these little heads, I lose my inhibitions and I can go on, and on, and on...
There was also a freelance photographer at the interview. I don't remember his name but he was very nice. He will be making a disk of the many photos he took during the interview for me. I hope he got my good side :)
I'll post some of those photos here too.
AND THEN...
I just completed a written interview for Tina Wilson, an editor of the online magazine, Small Town Living. Here's the link- http://stliving.com/
You should check out this magazine, they have a wonderful variety of subjects and writers. There is a tab on the right side of the home page called profiles. In profiles they have many interviews of other artists. That is where my interview will be posted in a week or two. I'll be sure to post a link to it from here when it's listed. And I'll post a copy of the newspaper interview when it publishes in about two weeks.
I am so grateful for this opportunity to share what I do with people I've never met. Thanks to all the wonderful people that find what I do interesting enough to take it home with them!

As my new friend in France, Aude Berger, writes " I send you strong hugs!"
I'm sure something's lost in the translation, but I think it's cute!

Beautiful Altered Victorian Ephemera

Louise looks so pretty nestled in this arbor! Love my photoshop program! These pretty cards will be made into magnets and will also be offered as a free Artdoll Trading Card with each purchase of MRS.T.BAGG. On the back of the trading cards will be a fun little profile about each character. I also will be signing the back of the Artdoll Trading Cards.

Eunice- an Art Trading Card and Magnet

I just giggle every time I look at this card! I have truely found a new passion in these vintage victorian greeting cards. I'm glad I have so many MRS.T.BAGG images to play with...

Beautiful New Artwork for the Lovely MRS.T.BAGG!

I have found the most lovely antique graphics free online from some very generous bloggers! I will post a button somewhere on my blog to "pay it forward"!

As you can see, I have repurposed these vintage pictures to showcase MRS.T.BAGG. I love my Adobe Photoshop Elements. The MRS.T.BAGG introduction picture is actually an antique victorian marriage certificate. I'm on the hunt for more of these grand graphics to create some stunning Art Trading Cards for MRS.T.BAGG. This is so fun...