woodland birthday cupcakes

My Christmas Eve baby celebrates her 7th year this year.

The girl, who has me firmly wrapped around her finger, had originally demanded requested a rather elaborate stump cake but amended that demand request last night to cupcakes, which are far easier for me to manage. They were quite fun, actually.

I made some wee mushrooms and stones out of fondant and made moss by adding food coloring to graham cracker crumbs and candy shred. I think they're cute as can be, and birthday girl does too.

She made the fairy herself, and a tiny snail. (and I hope that's frosting under her fingernails, but it's probably dirt)

A very happy day to my very special girl, and to those that celebrate it, a Merry Christmas from all of us under the poplar and pine. Wishing you all a New Year filled with health, happiness, and magic.

xo

Lisa

brighter day

The color of the mushroom tops against the little bit of snow we have left, and the fact that I finished this project for a friend on time (ok, barely, but technically on time) makes my day brighter on this, the day after solstice and the returning of the light.

Enjoy your day, all.

a new stone

A late work start today gave me time to stitch a stone. Inspired no doubt by the number of bug egg casings I've been looking at lately. Is that weird? Maybe. But mantid oothecas are pretty cool looking.

I brought the stone to work with me and it is now residing in the TCAA online shop. 30% of the sale (if it sells) will go to support TCAA's mission of promoting and enhancing the arts in our area.

You'll also find a number of pieces from talented Minnesota artists there with new things added weekly. If you'd check it out and keep it in mind for your gift-giving needs, I and the other artists it supports, would be so grateful.

TCAA ONLINE SHOP

frosty mornings and adventure kitties

I took a walk around the yard this morning. Mother Nature had once again sugared the landscape and I marvel in the details of her chilly confections. Even something as simple as an oil lamp, forgotten near the patio, becomes somehow special.

The adventure kitties even joined me for a stroll. Pug, the one with the unfortunate tail and the tan eyes, still insists on climbing my leg when he wants my attention. His brother, Leopard, (the kids named them) with the extra toes and greenish eyes is far more reserved and only doles out affection occasionally. He will walk near me, purring and kneading the ground, but doesn't exactly want me to hold him. Silly things, cats. 

Happy Thursday, all.