my happy world

I've had this chippy old enamelware cup for some time now. It originally housed a small plant, then later became a scoop for the laundry detergent. Lately it had been languishing in a cabinet, unused.

Last weekend I plucked it out and began needling.

I had seen the talented Mimi Kirchner's tiny world pin cushions a long time ago, which are housed in vintage teacups and thought they were so sweet.

I'm more suited to a chippy enamelware cup than a pretty teacup though.

So I made my own world in a cup, and it's definitely my kind of place.

There's a garden in the back yard.

And sheep. Of course there are sheep.

I suppose it could act as a pin cushion, but I think instead it will sit on my desk and make me happy.

Cheers!

Happy Weekend, all.

making faces

I was working on an idea for a class the other day. I wanted to make some little figures inspired by the little children that help nature get its start in the spring...root children, blumenkind, bulb babies...

I ended up with simpler features on the final pieces, but not before making a few faces first.

I was fun to watch the features on these little faces change as I needled into them. I've never done faces before, but I can see the appeal.

These little flower pot children have landed in my shop, and a class for beginning needle-felters will be coming soon.

an otter class

I'm doing a private lesson for a young girl this week who loves otters.

I wanted to make a project that would be simple enough for her that will end up looking somewhat like an otter.

I hope this fits the bill.

I thought he was so cute that I did a little photo shoot with him on his very own beach. 

I taught another (not an otter) class last weekend, my first in quite some time. I could tell I had been out of the saddle for too long as the class went far longer than its allotted time frame, something I try to avoid. The students were really wonderful, and most didn't mind the extra time, but clearly I need to get back into the swing. It's something I really enjoy so I hope to do more of it sooooon.

p.s.

During the otter photoshoot I noticed a pair of giant water bugs mating in the water and learned a lot about water bugs mating practices during the subsequent google search. Fascinating.

a blue stone

A blue stone as repayment to a friend for kindness rendered.

Deep, strong, beautiful blue for someone who shares those attributes.