Welcome to FunTown

Hello...At long last I have finally put together my web site. It was so frustrating not knowing how to manage it...but with my hearty thanks to my Apple teacher Katie Evans I have a new site that I can update myself. Thank you Katie!   Welcome to FunTown

"Billy Bumbly-Bug" is proud to be in the Toy Shop. My goal with my site is to make it a friendly place to visit. I feel so frustrated when I go to sites with all of the pieces marked Sold. So, I am going to post new toys on a regular basis...If something is gone...just ask me and I can make you something similar.

This is "Little Jolly" stepping out of his own little book.

This is "Miss Tizzie-Thee"...a loyal little American who is counting the days until the 4th of July. She gets the honor of riding in the first convertible in the "Doodle-Dandy Parade" in Funtown. She loves apple pie ala-mode, watermelon slices and sparky fireworks.

This is a display board made on a wooden board embellished with paper and wool felt. It is a fun way to display my toys. this is what the backyards in FunTown look like. Ahh...the smell of freshly laundered party outfits that have dried in the gentle breezes.

I am in the process of putting a book together about FunTown and all of the little "Funnies" that reside there. "The Bloomers" a lovely little floral family that lives in a big green house on Garden Avenue are featured...the children...Rosey, Flora, Oopsy-Daisy, Petunia, Bud and of course "Mum and "Poppy." This is "Mum."

The above snapshots are my toys that are featured in the Toy Shop. Please visit often...as this will make the Tourism Committee very happy.

Have silly "shiny new home" fun,    Jody

Strike Up the Band...

Hello...It is Saturday night...so put on your dancing shoes and kick up your feet. "

Put on your Sunday Best...

It is fun to dance...with or without a partner...

Remember...you will make more friends if you don't step on anyone's toes.

Shake those Hula-Hips and Have Silly Two-Steppin'" fun,   Ginger

Show and Tell...

Hello...Today I took some snapshots of my "Loot" from Orange County. Actually, I didn't get the "Ducky Waddles" there but I had been watching this on Etsy and I ordered it upon my return. I have always wanted one and now I can sleep easy. Phew! The little bear is one of mine. He is delighted that he doesn't have to walk everywhere now as his little paws are sore.

I got this little spitfire at the Rose Bowl Swap Meet...There she lay in a Ziploc bag and her head was no longer attached. All it took was a little glue and she is now standing tall once again. Sadly, her arms are no longer strung together. This is sad because she now has to retire from the rodeo where she entertained the crowds with her sharp-shooting skills. Worse than that is...now while dancing the Hokey-Pokey...she can't put her left hand in...so she does high kicks when it comes to the "Shake it all About."

 This little bear has a squeaker...and it still works. He looks as if he suffers from indigestion. So he is hitching a ride on my new truck. I am going through a boy-toy phase. I think it is because the little boys got wheels to have adventures with and we got toy stoves and grocery carts. I think it is time for me to have adventures, also.

This is my treasure...I got this the first day at "Down Home" my favorite antique store in Orange. When my good buddy Pat Murphy passed on it...I scooped it up. I love everything about it. Look at those colors. The "new" bear...well, old bear, but new to me...I got from my good friend Lori Martin, an antique dealer. I named him "Little Pinny" as his legs are attached with safety pins. So, he needs to sit as he can't get around much anymore.

The little fellow on the left is a horn...Pat brought some fun old stuff to sell so this little egg came home with me. The fellow on the right is a generous gift from my good friend, Jami Santos. Oh my, they have a bad case of sunburn...a cautionary tale..."don't forget your sunscreen."

This well-dressed couple was on Pat's table. It is a wise thing to have good friends with good taste. She looks a tad bit surprised that she now lives in FunTown. Thank you Curly!

I love this little toy milk wagon...I purchased it from my good friend Dana...once again, it's the good taste thing. The bunny was from Pat's last web update so she delivered him to me personally. The tall and proud wooden soldier is a wonderful addition to my collection. He is the tallest...so he is now the Captain.

I am going to toot my own horn here. I will preface this paragraph with a little history. When I antique with my friends...all of whom have discerning taste...I know that they humor me with my small potatoes purchases. We never arm wrestle over my choices. Luckily for me, I like goofy well-loved and often broken toys. So, to the point...I got this roly-poly at the last store we went to in Pasadena. It was a tiny little store owned by an elder doll and toy dealer.  Suddenly, I heard this little squeaky voice whispering  "Look at me"...After she took him out his case I noticed that everyone was impressed. In fact, I do think that they were envious. A first!

Gosh, I spent so much money...I have to get back to my sewing room...Pronto!

Have silly "Stimulating the Economy" fun,   Jody, the consumer

Home Again...Home Again...

Hello...I am home after an exciting four chuckle-filled days in California. Our show was a big success, as you will note when you see our smiling faces.

                                                                                    photo courtesy of Pat Murphy

Speaking of smiling friends...left is me, then...Pat Murphy...Paul Gordon...Allen Cunningham...and Arbutus Hunter. This was the morning before our guests arrived. I hope it is obvious to you that we truly are friends. That is why the show is magical.

Pat's Murphies...they didn't sit there long. Thank goodness I took  photos before the show began.

This little charmer was just one of the diminutive artworks that Arbutus had on her trees. I was in awe at just how small her works are. It is not an easy task to bring so much personality and spark to a two inch piece. Bravo to you Arbutus and thank you for bringing Hawk and Scarlet O'Hara.

Paul Gordon once again impressed us all with his fine artwork. I must say that he impressed the crowd as he returned home empty-handed once again. 

Speaking of sold out...This is a small slice of Allen's table. How can you choose when one is more charming than the other?

Leslie McCabe is busy planning her daughter's wedding so, alas, she could not join us...But after much pleading on our part...she sent some wonderful bracelets. I have never had her jewelry on, when people haven't stopped me to admire her work. Next year Leslie...come, so we can giggle together. You were missed.

                                                                                          photo courtesy of Pat Murphy
                                                                                         
Well...As we are all good Americans...we stimulated the economy. Our good buddies Nancy Michler and Jami Santos hosted a fun day in Pasadena Flea Market. We all managed to find some good stuff...but we also found a bunch of fleas.

                                                                                           yet another photo from Pat

We did stop to enjoy some fine California cuisine. Our good friend Dana Wade joined us and showed us the town. 

So...now we all have to rest our sore overworked fingers...but, we are already California Dreaming for next Spring's "Gathering of Friends" Trunk Show. 

On my next post I will share some of the silly stuff I found there. I always do a lot of damage when I go to Orange County...it's like the "Gold Rush" to me. Plus, I am not very good at the art of self-restraint. 

I was so honored to be amongst such a talented group of artists...and so happy to have so many wonderful old friends to play with. Maybe I should say "Dear friends" rather than old.

Have silly "Laughing is Good" fun,    Jody

California Here We Come!

Hello...Well, this is a hectic week here in FunTown...as we are packing our suitcases for our trip to Orange County, California. Ooh, this reminds me...note to self...don't forget to bring the sunscreen!

My good buddy Pat Murphy is stitching up a storm right now. I am sure her fingers are ready to fall off.   She stays up late into the night perfecting her "Murphy's" and perfection they are. Pat is always finding new paths that take her work to new heights. I can't wait to see what she brings. We are gathering this weekend for our third annual "Gathering of Friends" Trunk Show. All of us are trying to make every minute count.

Paul Gordon sent me this photo this week...This is one of the masterpieces that he has made for our show. I responded to him that I do think he is having fun in his studio. Yet, he always does. I don't think that I have ever seen Paul unhappy, and his happy disposition is reflective in his art. He paints, he sculpts, he sews and he combines these talents with his amazing collections of antique textiles and accessories.

Our friend Allen Cunningham is making his magic in his studio in Ohio...and magic it is. Allen has a remarkable imagination and he is an expert in antique dolls...well, all things old and charming. All of these talents come through his fingers. His attention to detail is amazing. He will be bringing his originals this weekend, but he also has licensed designs with "Bethany Lowe"...I happen to know that The Smithsonian Institute" is showcasing these designs in their gift shop.

This diminutive little bunny is created by Arbutus Hunter. She brings such charm to her unique spun cotton ornaments. Charming they are. She represents all holidays and creatures that catch her fancy. These pieces of art are ones that you will want to display all year long as it would be so difficult to tuck them away. Isn't he darling? He will be there this weekend in all of his glory.

I do hope that I inspired you to join us on:
 Saturday April 13th, at the Ayres Hotel and Suites
 325 Bristol Street in Costa Mesa,CA
We will all be there at 10:00 AM until 2:00PM...with big smiles on our faces waiting to greet you and visit with old friends and make new ones. So...if you have any friends bring them along. Our show room is downstairs by the pool. We will have signs for you.

I am eager to see what all of my friends have made. It is my favorite part of displaying at a show...peeking into everyone's trunks...suitcases that is...not bathing trunks.

Have silly "Shows are Fun" fun,   Jody

Oh My Goodness...My Fingers are Sore...

Hello...The countdown has begun...Two weeks until I join my friends Pat Murphy, Paul Gordon, Allen Cunningham and Arbutus Hunter. It is our third annual trunk show in Orange County, California. This year we are at a new location...we are moving to the Ayres Hotel in Costa Mesa...325 Bristol Street. So my fingers are working overtime as I am having such fun in my studio. Meet my little friends..."Binky and Winky Bow-Wow." They are ready to bask in the sunshine and maybe take in a little surfing...

Here are "Mr. and Mrs. Jitterbug"...They are "itching" to board the plane...they keep "bugging" me about when we will be leaving. Luckily, they are so cute, otherwise it would grate on my nerves.

This is "Miss Ella-Menopee"...She is hoping there will be a Spelling Bee in town...as she has been practicing her "A.B.C's" for weeks now.

"Little Derby-Doo" is bringing his own transportation. Someone told him about the tasty "In-and-Out" burgers...Hence the "Yippee!"

 

This is "Goosey"...I have been having fun with pin cushions. She has aspirations of becoming a "Pin-Up" girl...after all Hollwood is only a hop, skip and a jump away. She has been flirting with 'Derby-Doo' hoping to catch  spin into Tinsel Town.

My good little pal "Miss Annie" will be bringing lots of tea...as Pat and I do enjoy a hot "cuppa" together.

"Captain Peanuts" has generously offered us his charter flying machine...He is so kind.

So...please join us...and bring a fun friend or two as there will be lots of great art and we all love to make new buddies.

Have silly "Let's put on our dancing shoes and have an adventure" fun,   Malibu Jody

Happy Mother of the Groom

Hello...I am at a loss for words...a very uncommon sentence for me to write. I am nestled in my comfy chair with my dog Pip at my side...totally exhausted from the past week. My family and I had a magical week in Florida at Jeff's Wedding...Jeff is my younger son...I might add...My Smiling Son. I am smiling also as I am now the proud Mother of my new daughter, Juliana.

This is "Bye-Bye-Bridie" a little chick winging her way into her future...Made with lots of love and enthusiasm.

So many of the Happy Couple's family and friends travelled many miles to support them and share their love and affection.

Yes... everyone got in the party spirit. I have never seen such a smiling  group of party revelers, story-tellers and snappy dancers. Yes, we had several "Some Enchanting Evenings."

I made many new friends...It is such a comfort for a Mother to be assured that her son and new daughter will be surrounded by this lovely supportive family and charming friends.

So...Hip-Hip Hooray for this shiny new happy family! Their pockets are full of warm memories...So are mine.

Have silly "I Could Have Danced All Night" fun,   Jody, your happy friend