Little Women

2011-12-30T21:11:00.001-08:00

Created for a teacher for children with special needs, who LOVES her kids and values reading. Her bucket has some of her favorite books, teaching accessories, and symbols of her love for nature. The dress reflects her fond memories of Germany as it is chinz used for German folk costumes. Froehliche Weinachten Kayleen!

Believe

2011-12-30T21:05:00.000-08:00

‎"Believe" was made for a dear friend to blend with her home of warm earthtones. With info from her loving hubby we included her amethyst birthstone at the center of the hearts to symbolize her loving nature and a Celtic cross in honor of her faith. It's such an honor to create custom sculptures. Thank you Pete, Kayleen, & Vincent (:Many times I include this verse with a doll that has this name:BelieveBelieve that you are morethan what you think others think.Give yourself time, patience, and kindness.Live in the presentwith calm.Let not your thoughts dissuade.Value your journey.As self-respect grows, so does the heart.Let what you love direct you.

Liv

2011-12-30T21:01:00.000-08:00

This doll is about 8"high and one I made on Christmas Eve's Eve. It's great fun to be part of a surprise for someone who gives my dolls to others but didn't have one herself. This little gal was designed to match her colors and her life, holding a bouquet of vintage flowers to honor this special lady's love of gardening.

Plant Girl

2011-12-30T20:51:00.001-08:00

"Plant Girl" was made especially for a lady who has taught sports over the years, hence, the basketball, and could probably qualify as a master gardener. Her sculpture is trying to keep her basket of veggies away from the bunnies by her foot.

2011-12-12T14:02:00.000-08:00

What A Girl(s)
Here are two dolls, one in "high fashion" & the other ballerina style.
The first is 8"H x 3"W x 2"D $35
The second is 8"H x 4 1/2"W x 2"D $35

Many verse' work with either doll. Here are two for example:

What a Girl!

When you discover
that you have a journey,
and it's worth everything
to try,
there it is--
self acceptance,
real joy, truth, adventure!
May you light up your life.
Mary Taffe

OR

Liv

May you leap into life,
embracing all that feels true.
Your inner voice;
your instinct;
is as worthy as you.
You're more than you know;
more than you see.
You'll know this because,
you'll feel free.
Mary Taffe

2011-12-12T13:50:00.001-08:00

TREASURE BEYOND MEASURE

I knew you
before you were here.
Your many hiccups,
asleep by day,
Kicking Bird
when the moon was high.
You linked me to the Universe.
If you chose me,
then I have been,
and ever shall be
honored beyond measure.
Mary Taffe

18"H x 5"W x 3"D $75

2011-12-12T13:47:00.000-08:00

Hollydazzle

The holidays can be a beginning.
This is the time we celebrate
the heartwarming gift of giving.
The greatest present
you have is you!
May you dance, laugh, and love
to your heart's content.
With peace inside,
we naturally share on the outside.
Mary Taffe

24"H x 12"W x 4"D $135

2011-12-12T13:44:00.000-08:00

Nature Nutures
23"H x 11"w x 3"D $125

Hailing a Taxi for Breakfast at Tiffany's

2011-12-12T13:41:00.000-08:00

I was inspired to create this lady after watching a documentary on the legend of New York, Bill Cunningham.
20"H x 11"W x 3"D $175

Edina Art Center's Holiday Sale "Gifts, Gifts, Gifts."

2011-12-12T13:38:00.000-08:00

This sale is goes through the holidays. For directions go to www.edinaartcenter.com

Nzinga

2011-12-12T13:34:00.000-08:00

Nzingha

Claim your power!
Be comfortable with yourself.
Make peace with you.
Let your mind grow strong!
Be Queen of your life!
Mary Taffe

Nzingha was the warrior queen of Matamba, now Angola, Africa. Born around 1600, she grew to found an army which fought the slave traders from 1630 to 1663. The treaties she signed were broken, so many people followed her into the highlands away from the danger of capture.

23"H x 19"W x 3"D $125

The Butterfly Fairy

2011-12-12T13:26:00.001-08:00

This a picture of my artist statement, the girl who inspired all this, and a doll something like her, but what I really want to tell you, is I'm having trouble answering your lovely comments. I don't know why, maybe because I'm nearly computer illiterate. Thank you sweet people for taking the time to comment!

2011-10-19T22:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks for coming to the 2011 Arts Meander at Shorewood Castle! I hope you were able to side step the Hunter Welcome Mat. He's kind of mellow.

2011-10-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the 300 or more guests who braved the steps and joined us. The Arts Meander took place on another beautiful fall weekend. I was so busy that I didn't get pictures during the event, only after--not what I planned. Our guest book is packed with names of new and old friends. One person came from as far as Mumbai, India. Now that's good advertising--joke. It was such fun to see you all and I hope you join us again next year. I hope to add another room of home decor designs. Watch for clues during the year! Hint #1 "Bark Art." Stay tuned.

2011-10-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

The Arts Meander 2011

2011-10-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

Mom's Pumpkin Bar Recipe--so good, we have to share!

2011-10-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

Mom's pumpkin bars

2 cups sugar, 2 Cup flour,
1 Cup veg. oil, 1 teasp. soda,
4 eggs, 2 teas baking powder,
1 can pumpkin
combine sugar & Oil-- beat--add eggs--beat--add pumpkin--beat. Add dry ingredients. mix. pour in cookie sheet about 7 1/2 x 11 pan. bake at 350 for 20 min.

Frosting: 3oz cream cheese
1/4 stick butter
1 tbsp milk
vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar

The display is a bit picked over, I say, happily (;

2011-10-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

Again, Believe with her peacock feathers and jewel tones is the most popular card. Thank you everyone!

2011-10-11T19:06:00.001-07:00

Remember Sadie from last year? She is my venture into a new category: Recycled Art. I entered her in the Minnesota State Fair, so added a lot more to her outfit. She is the product of many years of walking, talking, and laughing with a dear friend. Oh, she got turned down by the jurors for a sculpture made from lake-bottom junk. That's just unfair. Well, she was adopted and has moved to Pequot Lakes, so all is well!

2011-10-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

Sadie a work of recycled art. Posin'

2011-10-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

Sadie's new backside. Her "hair" is made of street cleaner bristles, so WARNING, never walk near a working street cleaning machine as they through out metal arrows of differing varieties.

2011-10-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

IN PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING is a new angel I made in light of my near miss. Living is a gift and in this small town, many kind souls reached out to show they care. I am so thankful. This gal is 14"H x12"W x4"D

2011-10-11T16:41:00.000-07:00

Gracing us all with her presence was "Grace." The black trimmed white organza was from a vintage '60's blouse. That ruffle went all around the neck. It's tough to cut up something old, but then it becomes something new. She is a combination of aqua leather with beads and jewelry of green and aqua. These colors compliment each other and are restful hues of water. 20"H x 11"W x 5"D $140

2011-10-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

This "What a Girl" was new for the show. She'll be on the Arts Meander brochure for 2012, advertising a new room of home decor sculptures. I hope you come and see. 19"H x 14"W x 4 1/2"D $165

2011-10-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

Liv was a crowd favorite. 17"H x 5"W x 4 1/2"D $95

2011-10-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

Hunter can't wait until you visit us again. We are open! Just give us a call at 320.839.3561

2011-10-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

2010-12-22T17:24:00.000-08:00

Sadie literally comes from the streets of this little town. In fact, her "hair" is made from the two types of street cleaner bristles that evidently becomeflying skewers at cleaning time. Lesson? Watch out for street cleaners!

Arts Meander 2010

2010-12-22T17:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my home and the Arts Meander. Here is a sample of part of the gallery. We had over 200 people for pumpkin bars, coffee and great visiting.

2009-09-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Bahama Mama

A spot of sunshine,
hot, white sand,
palm trees swaying
in the gentle breeze,
Azure water, alive and brilliant.
She's saying relax,
you only have one life.
Be Happy.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$95.00

size: 16x11x3"

2009-09-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

Believe

Believe that you are more
than what you think others think.
Give yourself time, patience,
and kindness.
Live in the present
with calm.
Let not your thoughts dissuade.
Value your journey.
As self-respect grows,
so does the heart.
Let what you love direct you.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$250.00

size: 23x17x4"

2009-09-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

Liv

May you leap into life,
embracing all that feels true.
Your inner voice;
your instinct;
is as worthy as you.
You're more than you know;
more than you see.
You'll know this because,
you'll feel free.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$35.00

size: 8x8x3"

2009-09-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

What a Girl!

When you discover
that you have a journey,
and it's worth everything
to try,
there it is--
self acceptance,
real joy, truth, adventure!
May you light up your life.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$100.00

size: 14x16x3"

2009-09-27T12:15:00.000-07:00

The Little Princess

Do you know
how special you are?
The soul you were born with
is your treasure.
The discovery is worth any effort.
You will find your hope,
the world, and your place.
Trust your instincts.
We all need a little princess
inside.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$55.00

size: 5x7x2"

2009-09-27T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Little Princess

Do you know
how special you are?
The soul you were born with
is your treasure.
The discovery is worth any effort.
You will find your hope,
the world, and your place.
Trust your instincts.
We all need a little princess
inside.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$35.00

size: 5x7x2"

2009-09-27T12:10:00.000-07:00

Stella the Faerie

If you wish upon a star,
maybe your dream is who you are.
All that is magic and sublime,
is in your grasp all the time.
Create your life!
Know it as your own,
giving no one the power
to belittle or condone.
You are complete!
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$35.00

size: 10x10x2"

2009-09-27T12:05:00.000-07:00

Drama Queen

Melodramatics
may be fun in the attic,
buts it's curtains
if the secret play,
exhibits in the light of day.

This was written by a Drama Queen
on a challenging day,
so to all of you sisters, hang in there.
Embracing who you are
is freedom from the attic.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$85.00

size: 17x11x3"

2009-09-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

Believe

Believe that you are more
than what you think others think.
Give yourself time, patience,
and kindness.
Live in the present
with calm.
Let not your thoughts dissuade.
Value your journey.
As self-respect grows,
so does the heart.
Let what you love direct you.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$95.00

size: 16x13x3"

2009-09-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

Stella--a star

$45.00

size:10x8x2"

2009-09-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

Hope

There is power greater than us awaiting discovery.
Listen to that voice inside.
The quiet you provide
is the rich earth, the sun, and the rain
that grows the seed.
Your inner voice is truly loyal to you
Grow it, trust it,
and watch your spirit bloom!
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$40.00

size: 10x10x3"

2009-09-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

$25.00

size: 9x6x3"

2009-09-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

Liv

May you leap into life,
embracing all that feels true.
Your inner voice;
your instinct;
is as worthy as you.
You're more than you know;
more than you see.
You'll know this because,
you'll feel free.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$35.00
size: 9x8x2"

2009-09-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

Grace

Love is the truth
in every question,
in every answer.
Beauty comes in so many forms,
waiting to be discovered!
The search begins with you,
and from there,
knows no boundaries.
If love comes first
all life is unquestionably beautiful.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$200.00

Free-standing

Size: 24x18 diameter"

2009-09-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

Lucia

With Puccini in my head,
my soul is free.
Lifting on vocal strains
too exquisite to believe,
reminds one that life is
as fleeting as a quarter note,
as precious as an original score,
and as glorious as the
voice that can climb
to the heavens.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$135.00

size:27x23x4"

2009-09-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

Dear, Dear Daughter

I see you grow
and am stunned by your courage.
You take fear,
mold it into a step,
and stand on it to see better.
I will watch the beauty of you
for our forever.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$70.00

size: 13x11x3"

2009-09-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

Rebecca-cha-cha-cha

Being who you are
is dancing center stage
to the beat of your heart.
When the tempo is true,
laughter suspends in the air,
drawing others to your fun.
Maybe their smiles will spread
and around
and around
we go.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$57.00

size: 12x10x3"

2009-09-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

Sundancer
Listen to the power greater than us.
Hear the voice inside.
The quiet you provide
is the rich earth, the sun,
and the rain
that grows the seed.
Your inner voice is true to you
Grow it, trust it,
and watch your spirit bloom!
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$50.00

size:10x7x2"

2009-09-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

Dave
Do you have a Dave in your life?
What a privilege to "hear" living history;
his memories of Prohibition, losing the farm,
the Depression, his secret wedding day, WWll;
his mother's memories of the Sioux Uprising.
But more precious was knowing him.
He had a gentle curling down of the shoulders.
When he laughed he rubbed his eyes and forehead
with his soft, wrinkled hand,
as if he couldn't take it to laugh so hard.
He knew from years of living that hurrying was somethinghe couldn't do anymore,
and was a silly thing anyway.
"Here I baked you some orange-glazed butterhorns."
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$45.00

size: 17x5x2"

photo quality is poor due to camera problem

2009-09-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

Frida
"I paint self-portraits. . .
because I am the person
I know best." Frida Kahlo
May you know who you are,
and embrace all that is wondrous
about you.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$70.00

size: 13x10x3"

2009-09-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

Grace
Love is the truth
in every question,
in every answer.
Beauty comes in so many forms,
waiting to be discovered!
The search begins with you,
and from there,
knows no boundaries.
If love comes first
all life is unquestionably beautiful.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$35.00

size: 8x7x3

2009-09-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

To An Angel in My Life

$40.00

size: 9x6x3"

2009-09-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

Here Comes Thee Bride

Your life is transforming
and with love in your heart,
you move on to the next part of your journey.
That self respect, truth, and laughter
are all living with you and your loved one
is the fondest wish.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$105.00
size:16x14x4 or free standing 16x13" dia (plus $5)

2009-09-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

Melodie
Art stirs the soul to a pitch
never heard before.
Treasure you.
Create your worthiness!
Joy will come forth,
it's melody harmonizing with any ache.
Live the song of your life.
copyright Mary Taffe '09

$85.00

size:18x11x2"

2009-09-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

The LaDeeDa's

The LaDeeDa's are some extra-special little women who have gone off to very good homes. Some were custom ordered and others were bought at art shows. Since I can create something similar to any of them, I'm showing them just in case they give you an idea for your own LaDeeDa.

It's been an honor to get to create meaningful art for all these amazing people.

All photographs and verse are the copyright of MaryTaffe '09

2009-09-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

LaDeeDa--"Believe" for Lauren. This was created for a classy, young lady to match her home. To add meaning, the jewelry is from her second mother. Mixing the colors, shapes, and layers was great fun. Size: 20x13x3

Photograph copyright Mary Taffe '09

2009-09-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

LaDeeDa--"Stella" was the first sculpture I created to be free-standing. After seeing the Broadway show "Wicked" with my daughter, I was inspired by Glinda. She went to a good home from the Lakeville Art Fair. Size: 28x16dia. free-standing

Photograph Copyright Mary Taffe '09

2009-09-25T22:09:00.000-07:00

LaDeeDa--"What A Girl" was created for a birthday present. When this vivacious lady was a little girl, she LOVED fireworks which earned her the reputation as the family firecracker. I wanted to use the Black Cat t-shirt but dress it up a little by layering it in red organza. The sprays of beads coming from the waist are to suggest that she's the fireworks while she runs with a sparkler. Size: 21x16x4
Photograph Copywright Mary Taffe '09

2009-09-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

LaDeeDa--"Lilly" was created at an art show in a cute red barn North of Ortonville. She lives in a prairie home. Size: 17x12x3

Photograph Copyright Mary Taffe '09

2009-09-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

LaDeeDa--Chris brought back these lovely fabrics from her trip to Japan and wanted a sculpture honoring this part of the Japanese culture. I learned that a kimono is always folded left over right and some have as many as 23 layers. Size: 20x6-free-standing.

Photograph Copyright Mary Taffe '09

2009-09-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

LaDeeDa--"Believe" was purchased by a neighbor. This was the first sculpture where I experimented with metal by rusting and blow-torchingit and also with other geometric shapes. Inspired by DuChamp's Size: 30x22x3
Photograph Copyright Mary Taffe '09

2009-09-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

LaDeeDa--"What a Girl!" was ordered by JoLee for her friend who loved to journal and be her own person. Size: 11x6x3

Photograph Copyright Mary Taffe '09

2009-09-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

LaDeeDa--"Stella" was created for Nicole who has a great appreciation for art and has blossomed into all that Stella represents and more. Size:15x12x4

Photograph Copyright Mary Taffe '09

2009-09-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

LaDeeDa--"Nzinga" was ordered by Lisa from Madagascar for her sister. Nzinga now lives in PARIS! Nzinga was a real African queen who took the people who would follow her into the highlands, safe from the slave traders. Size: 19x14x3

Photograph Copyright Mary Taffe '09

2009-09-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

LaDeeDa--This fairy was made for Lauren in honor of her grandmother and in the colors Lauren remembers she liked most to wear. Size: 14x19x3

Photograph Copyright Mary Taffe '09

2009-09-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

LaDeeDa--Mum & Child was created for a new mom's shower to celebrate the deep love between mother and baby. The colors were chosen to coordinate with her home. Size: 12x5x3

Photograph Copyright Mary Taffe '09

2009-09-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

LaDeeDa--"Grace" went home with a very kind lady at the Fall Into The Arts Fair at Centennial Lakes, Edina in September. She is a mix of vintage aqua silk and applique and new textiles. Size: 18x12x3
Photograph Copyright Mary Taffe '09

2009-09-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

LaDeeDa--Jill's Angel is made from her mother's hardanger in honor of her. Size: 12x10x3
Photograph Copyright Mary Taffe '09

2009-09-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

LaDeeDa--is a 'Dear, Dear Daughter' for Erin, who was described as feminine, positive, and spiritual. Pink is her color. Much of the jewelry was from her mother.

Size: 17x12x4

Photograph Copyright Mary Taffe '09

2009-09-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

LaDeeDa--is a 'Be Fierce' for Dani. Her mom described her as strong in her person, spiritual, and she likes purple. Much of the jewelry was Dani's mother's. Size: 16x9x4