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. 

shop update Nov. 29 10am CST

I'll be adding a few stones to my shop today and they'll go on sale tomorrow, Sunday Nov. 29th at 10am, Central Time.

If you're interested, keep an eye on my shop HERE.

Thank you!

November grey

I had the most glorious day off of work.

I dyed some wool, ate a colossal omelet, and stitched on this stone.

I find this shade of grey not at all sad and dreary, like November can sometimes be.

In fact, the sparkly red and slate grey is a combo I think I'll explore for a little bit.

Or at least until these four grey stones in front of me are stitched.

After that, who knows.

chilly kitties and stitched stones

A pile of blue sky stones await me on this decidedly grey and chilly November day.

I snuck some stitching time last night and my hands were grateful for the task. I plan to give them a little more time today.

Mother Nature sugar-coated the woods last night.

The kitties aren't as happy about as I am.

This guy refused to follow me out on my walk, mewing his complaints at me from the yard.

"I is displeased right meow"

Have a cozy day, all.

Altar - How I Pray

A sneaky peek at a piece I made for the 'Hank of Hair, Piece of Bone' exhibit, opening this Friday at The Crossing Arts Gallery.

This piece is called 'Altar - How I Pray' and is made entirely of wool.

Some of the elements have been wet-felted but then needle-felted into the scene. A stitched stone lays at the base of the form as an offering.

I have two other pieces in this show. If you're local, stop out and see us Friday night and enjoy a glass of wine and chat.

You can find details about the show HERE, and I'll try to post more photos of my pieces after the show opens.

'Tis the Season to Be Felt-y

In all my busy-ness I had almost totally forgotten that I had some ornaments in another Lark book, this one called 'Tis the Season to Be Felt-y" by Kathy Sheldon and Amanda Carestio, those champions of fun felt projects.

I don't do a lot of felt sewing of this type any more but looking through the book made me want to rummage around in my supplies and set aside some quiet time to stitch.

There are lots of adorable and retro-inspired projects in this book but I was tasked with making something a little earthier and muted. Working with recycled garment wool that I dyed, I made little pears and a partridge to hang in the tree.

I'll be taking these little guys into the gift shop at work.

If you'd like a copy of the book, Amazon has it for a great price right now. (and if you choose The Crossing Arts Alliance as your charity for Amazon Smile, a wee fraction of a percent of your purchase price will go towards supporting the arts in my area. Thanks!)

Have a super day, all.