GRAND SALE!!

GRAND SALE !!!!!!

"Grandmother Tree"

Sold. Thank you Yavia!

Each January when I make my New Years “Revolutions” I create a special column for all the new items I want to create with my sculpture for the coming year. There is always a new series in the works. This year is no different. I have many exciting ideas for several new series for 2016. In order for me to start fresh, I always feel as though I should sell what remained from the previous year. (or a lot of it anyway) Does that make sense? I think many artists think this way. It is sort of a clearing of the brain to allow for future 'brainstorms' so to speak.

Most of the art pieces I am listing have absolutely nothing wrong with them. Perhaps they did not get shown all year or were somehow overlooked. Orphans in a sense. I am giving a description of each item and price I had listed for with the new on sale price. If you see something you would like to have, please e-mail me and let me know. If for some reason the link for my e-mail does not work, here is the exact e-mail. cherdolby@cox.net These are very, very good prices. Most come with one of my stories I write for them. Hope you enjoy viewing. I take checks or Paypal. Thank you so very much!

Grandmother Tree is approx 17" high x 7" wide x9" deep. I hand sculpted her from stoneware clay which was kiln fired and then added all of the driftwood and moss embellishments.

She is a spectacular bargain since I had her priced originally at $225 and now offer her to you for $145. She would make a lovely accent piece in a bay window, on a screened porch, altar, etc.

Chinese Herbalist Tea Vessel

Sold. Thank you Lisa!

7" wide x8" high x 4" deep. This teapot features a luscious chocolate glaze and one of my original faces created from stoneware clay. Would make a lovely gift for anyone versed in the art of tea ceremonies. Holds about 1 1/2 cups of tea. She was $89. but since I've had it for awhile I have decided to let go for $55. Teapots are the hardest thing I do with my sculpture. There is so much detail! This one is lovely.

Earthwalker bas-relief vessel.

A Srong original bas-relief face is featured on the top of this box. Size is 10 1/2" wide x 6" deep x 4" high. She can be used to store all sorts of things or propped upright and used as a sculpture. I have finished the inside with a brocade fabric and the outside front features an ingrained wooden relief. Price was $110. but I will sell for $69. A bargain!

Oceana Planter

Sold. Thank you Leisa!

Most of my smaller planters sell each summer season but Oceana for some reason unbeknown to me, is still available. She was priced at $78. but on sale now for $45. She holds a good size herb or trailing plant. Drainage hole is in bottom. Artificial plant not included. She is approx 5" wide x 5" deep x 12" high.

2 Art Dolls

Every once in awhile I like to experiment with small art dolls. These two seated dolls are cute and add a bit of whimsy to wherever you place them. They are approx7" high x 7" wide by 8" deep. The first one (with purple hair) is Polly. She has elf ears and bendable cloth body. The second one is Olga (orange hair) She reminds me of a doll I received as a child. This doll was from Poland and I remember loving to toss her around. So I made Olga toss proof-just in case. Dolls similar have sold for $85- $100, but I will sell each of them for $40 or both for $70. They are so cute.

Polly

Olga

Music was my Refuge

Sold. Thank you Lisa!

I created a collage around a Maya Angenu quote. I used musical notes then painted one of my faces-this one is hauntingly mysterious- and crackled the entire thing. She is 8" wide x 10" high and has a 1 1/2" width for easier hanging. I used a good grade cradle birch wood base for her. I actually love this one and was tempted not to sell her but I am anyway. Must move on. She was $89 and on sale now for $55.

Angel of Sacrifice

She is part of my angel series. For some reason the larger angels sell a lot more slowly than the smaller ones. Probably because of price but I'm not sure. I changed this one around a few times-changed color of hair etc- so hopefully someone will want to enjoy her in their home with her new hair do. I used the method I learned while studying in Italy for the halo and Renaissance Oil method for face and painted her on a secure board with a hanger for hanging in the back. She is 13" wide x 18" high and about 1" deep. The series runs close to $200 for this size but I have her for sale for $90.

Within the Within.

After I fired the face for "Within the Within" I noticed that one eye was...well..missing? I decided to camouflage by pulling hair (horsehair) over it. Then I started reading a series of books about a Native American elder who had one eye (Spirit Song by Mary Rain Tree) I decided that she was really came out the way she was supposed to so I renamed her "Grandmother No-Eyes." Her stoneware clay face is adorned with grey horsehair, turquoise and a rich black and cream brocade. She is quite large-14" wide x 36" high and 6" deep-approx. I have priced her from $200 down to $100. I think you will enjoy this piece. You can also see her on the right hand side of my blog with a link for other bloggers to add to their blogs.

Goddess Ceremonial Altar` "Stardust Woman"

I just finished this piece not too long ago and posted her on my blog. She was priced at $110 but I had no takers. She is 4" wide x 4" deep x 11 1/2" high. She can be used in ceremony as an altar or for candle or incense. I'm pricing her at $65. Really a good price, especially for all the work involved!

Blooming Spirit

Sold. Thank you Trish!

She is 11" wide x 14" high and 1 1/2" deep. I created this mixed media painting on a birch board with deep cradle sides for easier hanging. I used oils, encaustic wax and dried flowers from my garden. I've had her hanging in my own home for several years and now is the time for me to share her. She was $135-(I think) and I am offering her for $85.

Morning Song

Sold. Thank you Barb!

This is a beautiful, very textured piece. I sculpted one of my original stoneware faces for her and adorned her with horsehair, mudcloth from Africa and a beautiful stone head piece. She is approx 12" wide x 22" high and about 2" deep. She is very rich and earthy. I had $185-then dropped to $145 and now will sell her for $89! Someone will be very happy with her.

Doran Planter

Sold. Thank you Yavia!

It's unusual for me to have a planter for 2 seasons! Everyone seems to buy around her and I'm waiting for someone to love her and give her a good home. She is all stoneware clay and can be kept outside during the summer. She is approx 6" x 6" x 12" high and was $89. I am selling her for $55.

"Lace Reader"

I read a book about lace readers that intrigued me. There are actually woman who read fortunes by looking at lace. The book is called Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry. It was a fascinating read and I felt I just had to paint her. She is approx 15" wide x 18" high and 1 1/2" deep for easier hanging. I painted her using acrylics onto a wood framed canvas. She is mysterious and her story is spellbinding. I priced her $300. because she took so long to do but now have decided to let her go for $155. Her coloring goes well with most decor.

Native American switch plate cover

Sold. Thank you Kayla!

I've had this switchplate cover forever. Everyone lifts it up and says how much they love it but I guess they don't want to pay the price. She was $58 and then I dropped the price to $45. Still no takers. So now-just $25. It will allow me to go on and make more of my covers knowing this one has a good home.

Penelope Pin Cushion

Pure and simple, this was a pattern but I changed it around to make it my own. She is so fun to have near your sewing machine. I used bone hands and one of my original faces plus ineresting cloth and saying on her back side. I sold similar ones for $42. but will sell her for $22. She's wild with her red and purple hair. Dimensions are approx 9"x9"

Quote on Back of Penelope

Nampeyo

I named this piece after one of my Hopi teachers. She features one of my clay faces, horsehair and a woven backing. She was $78-now $45. I've pretty much discontinued this style and she is the last of this series.

Oceana

She is from my Oceana series. I created this mixed media painting on a solid birch board and used encaustic wax and oils She is 11" wide x 15" high. She has a serene look and will bring peace to any room she is placed. She was $165-Now $90.

Philosophy Art Doll-Change is Growth

I've been creating these little art dolls for several years now. They can be hung on the wall or at a window or anywhere else you'd like to add a bit of whimsy and fun to your life. (You can't help but smile whenever you walk by them) They make a wonderful little gift for someone who needs some cheering. I'll be making more soon but she is the only one available right now. She is 9" high and about 6" wide (depending on how you place her moveable arms and legs) They sell for $28. but I'm letting this one go for $15.

Oceana Mirror

Sold. Thank you Shirley!

Last Oceana piece to list. She is 7" wide x 10" high. Makes a nice accent piece for bathroom or anywhere. She was $78-Now $50.

Homemade Kahlua Finale!

HOMEMADE KAHLUA FINALE!

All bottled and ready for giving

A few months ago I posted the recipe for my homemade kahlua. It had to ferment for about two months and I wasn't sure it would be ready for Christmas. After sampling, I have to tell you, it is not only ready but divine! It is a recipe my mother-in-law gave me in 1968. I don't know why it took me so long to make but I'm glad I finally gave it a go. If you would like the recipe, click here for the link.

Festive and Fun

Merry Christmas everyone!

STUFFED CABBAGE ROLLS

PIGS IN THE BLANKET

Pigs in the Blanket

When I spotted a huge cabbage Saturday at our Farmer's Market here is Roanoke, Virginia, I knew I had to have it to recreate my mother's recipe for “Pigs in the Blanket.” The cabbage came from Floyd, Virginia, where they are known for their immense vegetables, especially their cabbage.

There are many different names for this remarkable dish. It is called Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, by the Yugoslavians, Golabki by the Polish and many nationalities call it Stuffed Cabbage. I always heard it referred to as Pigs in the Blanket, which is a far cry from the southern version of hot dogs wrapped in a bun.

Can You Believe the Size of This Cabbage!

Recipes for this dish can be found in Germany and France and all around the Baltic. They vary in the amounts and types of meat used and some versions do not add saurkaraut. My mother never wrote her recipe down. I often watched her make it as a child and then started my own version when I took up housekeeping. I combine my mother’s recipe, which was given to her by Pauline Gulakowski, with my own particular twist.

Yum. It Tastes Very Similar to My Mother's "Pig in the Blanket"

Here is my recipe.

1- large head of green cabbage, cored and steamed in hot water till soft

Sauce:

¼ cup butter

1 T. sour cream

1 C. heavy cream

1 C. chopped yellow onions

1 t. garlic

1 T. apple cider vinegar

1 T. sugar

1-28 oz. can chopped tomatoes (or crushed) and juices

1 large can tomato soup

2 teaspoons paprika

1 LB sauerkraut

Filling:

2 large yellow onions, chopped fine

2 clove garlic, chopped

1 lb gr beef

1 lb gr pork

2 cups cooked long grain white rice

2 eggs

1 t. gr pepper or more to taste

1 t. salt or more to taste

4 t. butter

A good shake of my Magic Garlic Sprinkles (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place head of cabbage in a large pot and fill with water, bring to boil then remove from heat, separate the leaves and remove the hard leaves. Lay on work surface, with rib side down.

Make sauce:

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 3 minutes. Add garlic, tomatoes, cream, sour cream , vinegar, tomatoes and tomato soup and paprika.

Fill each of the cabbage rolls with a handful of the filling. Wrap the cabbage around the filling and shape into a neat bundle. Do this with remaining cabbages.

Make filling:

Combine all filling ingredients in a large bowl and mix with your hands.

Place a layer of all the sauerkraut on the bottom of a large baking dish. Layer the sauce over, saving half for the top. Lay the cabbages into the dish and cover with remaining sauce. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 2 ½ hours or longer if needed.

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Cheesecake Filled Baked Apples

Cheesecake Filled Apples

CHEESECAKE FILLED BAKED APPLES

I'm constantly experimenting with new recipes. Here is a delicious apple dessert recipe that you may want to try for your fall baking. I found it on Pinterest but cannot locate the address to give credit. What is fun about this dessert is that the serving bowl (the apple) is already included. I do recommend a plate to place it on though because of the gooey caramel topping.

Ingredients:

6 apples

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

¼ cup sugar

1 t vanilla

1 egg

1 t cinnamon

caramel sauce

pecans

Method:

l. Chop the tops of the apples off and scoop out the insides. Discard the core and seeds.

2. In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and sugar til smooth. Mix in vanilla, egg and cinnamon til smooth. Fill each of the apples 2/3 full with the cheesecake mixture.

3. Place filled apples on a baking sheet and make sure they are not touching. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes until cheesecake filling is set. Transfer to a plate and pace in fridge til completely cooled.

4. Serve apples at room temp or chilled Top with caramel sauce and pecans.

The apples are rather firm. I may experiment next time by prebaking the apple shells until they soften a bit more. Also, I will add bits of the apple leftover from inside and add to the cheesecake filling mixture.

Serves 6.

SHE WHO KNOWS HER OWN SACRED SOUND

SHE WHO KNOWS HER OWN SACRED SOUND

Full View of Goddess Necklace

I think we all have a sound..a note that resonates within our being. For some, it is a loud vibration but for others, it is a soft hum that interweaves with our consciousness as we go about our lives. That sound of the soul allows us to carry on, even though times are tough. It pulls us through our hardships and keeps us on an even keel. Listen. Listen carefully and celebrate your own sacred song.

Close-up of Pendant

I have sculpted one of my original stoneware clay faces for the center of this Goddess Necklace. She features an antique pendant, even missing one bead but I think it adds to the character. and plenty of turquoise and jangles to help remind you of your song. The base is 2 ½ “ wide by 3 1/2” high and the chain is approx 13 ½ “ from the top of the head to the neck.

You can dress her up or down. She is at home with blue jeans as well as a black evening dress. Hope you like her. She is priced at $85. To purchase, you can e-mail me and we can go from there. I take checks or Paypal.

B-DAZLE'S ADVENTURE

B-DAZLE'S ADVENTURE

B-dazle Headed for a Diagnostic Checkup

You may have already guessed what this picture is all about. My beloved B-Dazle is being towed away for a diagnostic check-up. You see, she has had a “break-down.” It probably was to be expected after having so many pictures taken of her through the years. She was also seen all over face book and newspapers..she was the talk of the town. Could make a gal a bit crazy.

Picture of Me and My Grandchildren Riding in Style

Seriously, b-dazle just quit completely one day when I was coming home from the market. Fortunately,she waited til I got off a busy highway and was close to home. After spending 6 years to decorate her and 23,000 beads, bangles and bows, I will soon have to make a decision as to whether to keep her running or not.

She Has Been My Market Car for Over 11 Years!

If my trusty mechanics diagnose the engine as being the problem,(and that is what most are speculating it is) it will cost about $3,000-$5,000 thousand dollars to have a rebuilt one replaced and then there is the possibiity that other major things coud go wrong or that the rebuilt engine gives up in a year or so. I could buy another car for that price that is much newer since she is now 25 years old. I'm not sure I feel like starting all over again with more beads though. Or, I could try to find another 1990 Nisson Access and just part it out. The problem with that is they stopped making the Nisson Access after 1990 which will make it pretty difficult to find a replacement. Lots of choices but none of them are very good. I will wait til I get the report and go from there. What would you do if you were me? Saying goodbye will be tough but I have had a wonderful time with her for the last 15 years so I guess I should count my blessings.

She Loved Her New Eyelashes

BANA'S 1968 KUHLUA RECIPE

BANA'S 1968 KUHLUA RECIPE

Bottled Kuhlua

In 1968 my mother-in-law, Muriel – better known as Bana- gave me the recipe for a wonderful Kuhlua drink she had received from a member of one of the many 'clubs' she belonged to. Back then, a lot of women belonged to various clubs. Bana was definitely a club woman. She belonged to about 30! I can't even imagine what clubs they were but I do remember a cooking, bridge and Kiwanas club. I was lucky enough to be the recipient of many of the recipes she gathered from these meetings.

All Ready to Get Started

After all these years, I finally decided to try my hand at the Kuhlua recipe. I changed it only slightly after looking online for more modern versions. After the Kuhlua sets in a cool place (I'll put mine in the wine cellar) for about 1-2 months, I'll find some spiffy little bottles, place my label on and give for Christmas gifts. Thought I'd post now so you can get started on your own Kuhlua. I'll show a picture in a later post of how they turned out. Have fun!

HOMEMADE KUHLUA 1968 Recipe

l. Heat 2 Quarts water- 7 cups granulated sugar- ½ cup brown sugar and 2 ½ oz. of instant coffee. Heat until sugar dissolves (about 30 min) Cool thoroughly.

2. Add 2 oz. Pure vanilla and 190 proof grain alcohol. (I could only find 153 grain so I added 3 small airplane size bottles of Bacardi Rum to the pot.

Mix together and either bottle in small gift bottles or a large bottle. Let set in a cool place for about 1-2 months. Makes approximately 5 fifths.

To make a Black Russian, Bana says to add 2 parts vodka to 1 part kuhlua.

STARDUST WOMAN

STARDUST WOMAN

GODDESS CEREMONIAL ALTAR

Full View

Stardust Woman

Ribbons of light were drifting on the wings of the wind.

Cosmic rhythms beating immercifully began to reveal to her the secrets of her heart.

She began to feel infinite love, wisdom and energy in the stars and universe.

She had finally connected to her higher self and she knew she was a radiant being..filled with light and love.

Cheryl Dolby

Close Up

Startdust Woman Altar is 4 1/2" wide x 3 1/2" deep x 11 1/2" high. She is an original that I hand sculpted with stoneware clay. I used tiles, beads, stars, mirror and added lots of love. Hope you like her. She is for sale for $110. If you are interested in purchasing her, please contact me by e-mail and we can go from there. I accept Paypal or a personal check. Thank you so much for viewing.

AMETHYST WOMAN

AMETHYST WOMAN

BURNING BOWL

Amethyst Woman

Purple Amethyst is a semi-precious stone which was known as a “gem of fire” to ancient people. It is reported to carry energy and signifies passion and creativity. It is used to control evil thoughts and used as a powerful tool in enhancing psychic energy. I love using it when creating my burning bowls because of the power it brings to ceremonies.

Close-Up of Amethyst

For those of you who have just tuned into my blog, my burning bowls are used in a ceremony that I first heard about at Unity church. On New Year's Eve, the members write on paper anything they would like to have leave their lives. Examples would be to quit smoking, drinking, eating..you get the idea. The folded paper is then placed into the bowl and burned along with the problem. It's a belief system of course. I decided long ago to create personal burning bowls. Who knows, if you believe strongly in something, miracles can happen.

Close-Up of Face

Amethyst Woman, which is the second in my Amethyst series, is approximately 5” wide x 5” deep x 13” high. I used beautiful crystal and amethyst on her crown. She is an original made from stoneware clay and fired in my kiln to a high temperature allowing the stained glass basin to form a hard surface used for burning. When you are not having a ceremony. She can be used to burn a candle or incense.

Back View

If you are interested in purchasing her, please just e-mail me and we can go from there. I take Paypal or personal checks. Thank you so much for viewing.

Stained Glass Basin

STILTON CHEESE SOUP

STILTON CHEESE SOUP

Finished Soup. Irrestible.

As the summer wanes and autumn peeks it's head around the corner, a lot of us seem to be in the mood for soups. I think you will find this rich celery and cheese based soup will hit the spot. It is not difficult except for the chopping, which is never my favorite thing to do. One spoonful and you will be glad you made the effort!

Sofritto, Which Consists of Celery, Onion and Carrot. You Will Notice I Used Goggles and I Did Not Chop Evenly Because I Hate to Chop! Also, Take Note of My Magic Garlic Sprinkles.

Recipe:

2 T butter

1 onion, finely chopped

4 large stalks celery, peeled and finely chopped

2 large carrot, finely chopped

4 C. chicken broth

4 sprigs thyme

2 bay leaves

1/2 C heavy cream

6 oz. Stilton Cheese, crumbled

nutmeg, salt and pepper

Garlic Queen's magic sprinkles(if you have any but optional) (sprinkle to taste when finished.)

This might make 6 servings and I usually double recipe.

GARLIC QUEEN!

GARLIC QUEEN!

Garlic Queen at Roanoke City Market

My reign as garlic queen is over for the year. Last year I practiced how to produce beautiful, tasty garlic and did pretty well but this year, I actually had a large enough harvest that allowed me to sell my braids and other specialty items. The big hit was my Magic Garlic Sprinkles. I sold out for three weekends in a row at our farmers market. I found out that it is not easy being a farmer. Weather is unpredictble and there is no way to rush a harvest. One thing I am working on now is to improve my soil organically by adding eggshells, bone meal, manure and compost. Next year I am planning a lot of surprises and hope to have the best harvest yet. I'll be growing quite a bit of French garlic, which has surprisingly large bulbs and is very potent! Please double click on images for a much better picture.

Hardneck Garlic Braid

Regular Softneck Garlic Braid

My Two Different Jars of Magic Garlic Sprinkles Which Will Be Available Again Next Summer

Close-up of Garlic Sprinkles

Side View of Keeper

I created my “Keeper of the Sacred” and placed her in my garlic booth. For my duration as Garlic Queen, she became the Keeper of the Sacred Garlic but she really is a large Burning Bowl. I love the idea of writing down on paper all the problems I want to leave my life, placing in the bowl and then setting them on fire. Poof! They are gone. "Keeper" is 7" wide by 9" deep x 15" high. I used glazed and distressed stoneware clay. A small candle can be placed in the raku holder above for when you are not holding a burning bowl ceremony. I am offering her at $185 in honor of my first garlic harvest and sale. (Normally a piece this size would run about $300.) Even though I used my kiln fired stoneware clay, she is lighter than she looks and can easily be shipped. If you are interested, please e-mail me and we can go from there. I take personal checks or Paypal.

"Keeper"

Close-up of Keeper.

Back View

Close-up of Bowl