2010 Creatively

I created a little mosaic of some of my 2010 projects. It does make me feel a bit more productive to see a sampling of them gathered together.

Still working on home renovations and not getting much studio or blog time lately. I will post pictures of the project but I've been so busy working! It is coming out great but I am going to bed each night with sore wrists and arms from all the painting and sanding.

What did I make today? J&J Puppet Theater

Just a quick little post in between painting and caulking. I made this cute little puppet theater set for my niece's two little boys (Justin and Josh) after buying this little irresistible package of finger puppets at Ikea. This was so much fun because I used to make things like this all the time for my two kids who now only want video games and ipods.

I just love all the little characters in this collection, especially the little scuba diver and the chef.

Happy 2011! I will post pictures of my renovation project very soon. Lots of "before" pictures but not enough "afters" right now.

Construction Break

I will be taking a break for a while so I can work on a big home improvement project. I will post photos when I can.....

I've got my work cut out for me. Happy Holidays to you all!

Turning the Tables

It's deer hunting season in New Hampshire and although I am not a vegetarian by any means, I love to pull out this old postcard. It always gives me a laugh to imagine the deer in the driver's seat!

Inspiration

Have you seen this wonderful e-zine from Amy Powers at Inspire Co? It is packed full of great ideas for the holidays and is totally free! I like that. Here is my version of Charlotte Lyons' beautiful wreath which going nicely with my white theme for Christmas. This is a great way to use up those bits of lace, wool, paper and twigs that are lying around your studio.

Out of Practice

It's been awhile since I've made any kind of a garment for myself and I am really out of practice! I made this seemingly easy little swim cover-up recently and it was amazing how many mistakes I made and had to correct on this thing. Here is a little detail I added to try and give it some personality.

Just a little linen caftan-y thing with funny sleeves. I sewed in one section backwards and had to take the whole top apart and start over. Guess I better start sewing something other than doll clothes to keep up my skills. In the end, it turned out okay but good thing I had extra fabric!

Guess Who's Coming to Town?

It's getting to be that time of year. I finally made a couple of Santa dolls that please me. I actually used a Brenda Gervais pattern as a starting point and then added my own touches. These were fun and much more my style than others I have tried in the past which turned out too weird or primitive looking. I think it's all the facial hair that threw me off but I was able to get this wonderful wool locally from Maple Frost Farm in Langdon, NH. It is from Leicester Longwool sheep and nicely curly.

This is Santa with the Green Velvet Coat

And this is Santa with the White Woolen Coat which I embroidered with a light green chain stitch. I found the most perfect woolen blanket at a thrift sale this year. It is just the perfect shade of white and the perfect thickness and texture. I almost couldn't bear to cut it up but then that is why I got it!

Details....