"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

Hello Friends!

Friends, Romans, countrymen...y'all. Foodies, gardeners, artists and collectors - let's gather together to share and possibly learn a thing or two in the mix.

Donna Baker

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Rare As Hen's Teeth


I doesn't happen often.  Some people are as rare as hen's teeth and I have to share this modern day Tasha Tudor with you.  Jeri Landers is a true renaissance woman; she can do most anything.  On her farm, along with her animals and keen observations of creatures great and small, Jeri creates, paints, writes and designs her own books and animals and so much more.  She is also an expert at scherenschnitte, the lost art of paper cutting.  Jeri also sews, gardens and designs such beautiful tableaux, well, you will just have to go to her blog hopalonghollowgazette.blogspot.com to see, read, and be inspired by her creativity. 

Above is Esther, a starling Jeri raised.  I was so moved by the story of Esther, I just had to buy her when I saw her at Jeri's site.  Esther is a pinkeep and here, she sits at my desk in my city house watching the birds come and go at my bird feeders. 


Pippity Squeaky is a caroling mouse.  You must know that mice do sing.  Jeri designs and makes the animals all herself, with lace and bonnets and little vests and capes...  Pippity is singing on my shelves of whites and creams.  I just treasure her.



All Jeri's creatures come from her award winning books.  She cards and uses her own wool from her own flock, I could go on and on. I can't do Jeri justice.  You will just have to go visit her site and spend time reading posts old and new.  Jeri is the real deal; she's one of a kind.


Is there anything Jeri can't do?  She told me recently, she can't cook.  With all her work, artwork and shows around the country, I bet she just doesn't have the time. Go have fun and see what all this superwoman does.  See the most beautiful Christmas tree I've ever seen with all her creations. Go.
And, I forget to tell you about her exquisite paper gardens under glass domes.  Just another of her beautiful creations.

26 comments:

helen tilston said...

Hello Donna
A very Happy New Year. Thanks for introducing Tasha Tudor. The carolling mouse grabbed my attention and I am sure brings joy wherever he sits.
I shall hop along to her blog shortly.
Helen xx

Elephant's Child said...

Oh my.
I was brought up to believe that everyone has a special talent, but it seems that Jeri has her own, and several other peoples as well. As well as rather a lot of determination.
Thank you for introducing her.

Terra said...

I must visit Jeri's blog, she is fabulously talented from what I see here.

angryparsnip said...

Happy Birthday if I didn't send you good wishes befor.
Your friend Jeri is indeed very talented.
Hope your rain has cleared for awhile.

cheers, parsnip and thehamish

The Weaver of Grass said...

I ao envy multi talented artistic people Donna. Her work is really exquisite.

donna baker said...

Hello Helen, nice to hear from you. As a fellow artist, you will be so impressed. Rabbits, opossums and squirrels too, oh my.

donna baker said...

You're welcome Child. I think it's the fact that Jeri is so multi-talented, is what is so fascinating and she is so good at what she does.

donna baker said...

Terra, you will love Jeri and her creations. You must read her posts too, to really get a feel of her work.

donna baker said...

After today Parsnip. I'll have to pack up and head for the new booth tomorrow. Have just wanted to share Jeri and her world at her farm with everyone. It isn't often you find such talent.

donna baker said...

It is Pat. And, her stories of her work and life on her farm are inspiring and interesting. Would that we could all have the talents Jeri does.

Frances said...

Donna, I completely agree with all that you've written about Jeri's amazing creative range. I think she also has an excellent sense of humor, and her creations are very witty.

xo

donna baker said...

Isn't she just the best Frances? She must work 24/7 to accomplish all she does.

La Table De Nana said...

I went and sneaked a peek..I'll go back..I got to the tree..but am donning snowshoes any minute.I will enjoy perusing it..love your little window watcher Donna//started Just Kids..as I couldn't understand what Patti was getting into..in the second book;) Maybe w/ an understanding from Just kids..it will resonate !

donna baker said...

Yes, Monique, I think you would love Jeri's art and lifestyle. Snowshoeing? Wow. I think JUST KIDS will help with M TRAIN. I read something about M TRAIN being non-linear so you probably would get more out of it reading JUST KIDS first off. Have fun in that snow.

Deborah Nolan said...

Dear Donna I think your tribute to Jeri is a great one. She is really one of a kind. I purchased one of her lovely art books and am so glad I did. Love your starling- Esther was a great story. Hope you have a blessed weekend.

donna baker said...

So happy you are a follower of Jeri's. Yes, Esther's story really touched me and I love her blog. Hope your weekend is blessed too.

jerilanders said...

DONNA, You are too kind ... and I like it! Thank you for such a flattering post. I was happy that you got your own Esther, she was such a happy part of my life, however briefly. Pippity Squeaky's sisters went to live in Colorado and Kentucky, and Pipp is delighted to live with you. There are a few things I can cook, Lasagna and Mexican foods... that's it. I am lucky to have a husband who loves his pots, pans, spatulas and recipes!

Cobalt Violet said...

OK Pippity is definitely one of the cutest mice I've EVER seen! I fancy myself somewhat a mouse expert! ;)
But seriously, I used to collect them as a kid, and I had a real mouse that lived for years. So sweet. I have just a few from then, and added a few more in the last couple of years. Anyway ... yours is adorable!!!

Happy New Year to you Donna! Big blessings to you!

Vagabonde said...

From the items you show on your post it certainly looks like Jeri is very creative and gifted. I’m going to her blog next. Before I go I wish to send you all my best wishes for a great and happy new year.

donna baker said...

And you are just a wonder Jeri; special in that you made it work when so many other artists, singers etc. don't. You are very lucky to have a husband that cooks. Hope the best is to come for you.

donna baker said...

That is serendipity about the mouse link. Pippity is cute and there were more caroling mice. I wanted them all as it was hard to choose just one. Happiest New Year to you also. As I've told you before, I live vicariously through you.

donna baker said...

Thank you so much and to you also.

Mary said...

I feel useless after reading about this amazing woman! Such exquisite treasures. Now I'm greedy though - I would love to see the 'paper gardens under glass domes' - I have several domes which need a change!

Happy new year Donna - hope this will be a really good one for you and your family.
Hugs - Mary

donna baker said...

Thank you so Mary. Hope yours is also. I love Jeri's paper gardens.

vic said...

Jeri is truly amazing. Going to her website is like entering fairy land but with a real person making it all happen.

donna baker said...

Vic I agree. Thanks for taking the time to comment.