Mouse Droppings

Rabbit in the Rose Garden

2012-01-26T16:11:00.000-08:00

I have to say that this piece was a real labor of love and I am so pleased with how it turned out. Time consuming...yes...worth it...double yes! One of my creative goals this year is to create more elaborate bases for my characters with the addition of cross stitched motifs and fancy needlework.

I am so excited about a cross stitch designing program I purchased...hoping to put it to good use this year...I was in the middle of reading this programs tutorials when I managed (what a dunce) to spill a good amount of coffee on my keyboard...LOL, the new computer is being shipped as we speak...I guess computers don't like coffee as much as I do!

"Rabbit in the Rose Garden" is part of my January Blue Bayou series. I stitched the design with Valdany variegated blue floss on white cross stitch fabric...2 over 2 threads; the pattern is an antique pattern I have modified for my own use; the two tuffets have thin tea stained chenille yarn sewn around their edges.

Last but not least...both tuffets were created with new and recycled wool fabric...and one lovely pearl button.

I still plan on having a small blog sale soon...been nursing a really bad case of tendonitis in my working arm...which is driving me bonkers...so I have been kind of slow to get things completed.

 I will leave you with these parting words...

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”
Dr. Seuss

Longfellow Poetry Pin-Keep

2012-01-18T16:53:00.004-08:00

Snow~Flakes 

Out of the bosom of the air

Out of the cloud~folds of her garments shaken,

 Over the woodlands brown and bare,

Over the harvest~fields forsaken,

Silent, and soft, and slow

Descends the snow.

  Even as our cloudy fancies take

Suddenly shape in some divine expression,

 Even as the troubled heart doth make

In the white countenance confession

The troubled sky reveals

The grief it feels.

   This is the poem of the air,

Slowly in silent syllables recorded;

 This is the secret despair,

Long in its cloudy bosom hoarded,

Now whispered and revealed

To wood and field.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

January 18th, 2012

 Dear Diary

 This morning I woke up to falling snow...the sky was downcast and melancholic...a perfect day to hike our rocky beaches. I love the feel of the coast in winter...some say it's depressing...you either have to revel in it or curl up and get depressed by it...I choose to revel in it. It was a very grey day, damp and chill...the kind of chill that numbs your hands in seconds. But I loved it...I love this wild quiet place...close to the big city but yet...it feels like you are a thousand miles away. Bald eagles alight on giant cedars, sea otters eat their catch on rocky outcrops, seals flit and fly through the water. Growing drowsy from the cold...relaxed and content...home for tea. 

 Homemade London Fog Tea 

   1 big mug of strong Earl Grey Tea. I like to preheat my mug with hot tap water before I pour my tea...me hates lukewarm tea.
 a good healthy splash of Organic Cream
3 TBSP Organic Vanilla Extract.

2 Packs Stevia Powder...I love really really sweet tea.

Will warm the cockles of your heart. 

One of my favorite things to do is collect poetry...really visually inspiring poetry, I write it out, put it in my pocket, then go outside with my camera to search for landscapes that match the poem. Researching and reading Mr. Longfellow's poems inspired me to create a Mr. Longfellow Pin-keep.

Faded blues, Forget Me Not Flowers, French General Fabric, Linen Backing.
Ivory buttons, seam binding ribbon and a few tarnished pins embellish this piece. And one old vegetable ivory button to hold them all together...on the back.

Cheers, 

Cold and Chilled Susan

TDIPT Update Tonight

2012-01-14T20:08:00.001-08:00

My Tdipt lisiting starts tonight

Adopted by a Sweet French Bear

Sorry to those folks who went to TDIPT at the right time to see my new Snowshoe Hare lisitng but instead saw my old Valentines Heart Lisitng. I had problems with my TDIPT page and so the new lisitng didn't get put on till just a while ago....this little guy is there now if your interested in giving hima forever home. Does this make sense...clear as mud. LOL!

Cheerio, Susan

Up for Adoption

2012-01-09T11:47:00.002-08:00

Well...it's with mixed feelings that I have decided to part with my Snow Shoe Hare Pin-Keep. I have grown rather fond of him and will be sorry to see him go...sigh. He's been keeping me company while I stitch and sew the hours away...those little black eyes sparkling in the sun on my windowsill...I am sure he will go to a lovely home where his wee fuzziness will be appreciated.

  You will find him up for adoption on my TDIPT Mercantile page Sunday, January 15th between 6 and 6:30 PST. 

North American Time Zones 

( 6 pm PST, 7 pm MST, 8 pm CST, 9 pm EST )

Price $170.00 .U.S.

Shipping by Airmail with Insurance $14.00 U.S. to anywhere in the United States or Canada.

International Buyers email me for a shipping quote. 

One of a Kind and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

If you should have any questions regarding this piece please feel free to email me as I would love to hear from you.

Cheerio, Susan

Another Tantilizing Tidbit

2012-01-08T14:23:00.002-08:00

Another tantalizing tidbit to add to my Blue Bayou Series of pieces which I hope to offer up for adoption at the end of this month. The date is tentatively set for January 27th ...will give you more details regarding this sale later on in the month. 

Don't ya just love surprises though...I know I do. They make life sweet and give you something to look forward to. 

Cheerio, Susan

Storm Season on the Sunshine Coast

2012-01-05T08:54:00.003-08:00

The Storm

Against the stone breakwater,
Only an ominous lapping,
While the wind whines overhead,
Coming down from the mountain,
Whistling between the arbors, the winding terraces;
A thin whine of wires, a rattling and flapping of leaves,
And the small street-lamp swinging and slamming against
the lamp pole.

Where have the people gone?
There is one light on the mountain.

Along the sea-wall, a steady sloshing of the swell,
The waves not yet high, but even,
Coming closer and closer upon each other;
A fine fume of rain driving in from the sea,
Riddling the sand, like a wide spray of buckshot,
The wind from the sea and the wind from the mountain contending,
Flicking the foam from the whitecaps straight upward into the darkness.

A time to go home!
And a child's dirty shift billows upward out of an alley,
A cat runs from the wind as we do,
Between the whitening trees, up Santa Lucia,
Where the heavy door unlocks,
And our breath comes more easy
Then a crack of thunder, and the black rain runs over us, over
The flat-roofed houses, coming down in gusts, beating
The walls, the slatted windows, driving
The last watcher indoors, moving the cardplayers closer
To their cards, their anisette.

We creep to our bed, and its straw mattress.
We wait; we listen.
The storm lulls off, then redoubles,
Bending the trees half-way down to the ground,
Shaking loose the last wizened oranges in the orchard,
Flattening the limber carnations.

A spider eases himself down from a swaying light-bulb,

Running over the coverlet, down under the iron bedstead.
Water roars into the cistern.

We lie closer on the gritty pillow,
Breathing heavily, hoping
For the great last leap of the wave over the breakwater,
The flat boom on the beach of the towering sea-swell,
The sudden shudder as the jutting sea-cliff collapses,
And the hurricane drives the dead straw into the living pine-tree.

The Storm by Theodore Roethke

Susan's almost swept out to sea adventure. 

Storm season has arrived on the not so sunny Sunshine Coast...

and I am L o v i n g every minute of it!

Cheers, Soaking Wet Susan

Blue Bayou Sneak Peek

2011-12-29T11:34:00.002-08:00

Well...its that time again...for the last couple of years in January I have held a Blog sale centered around the color Blue...cause January is kind of a feeling Blue month. I was hoping to have a Valentines day sale but I don't think I can get everything completed and shipped out by January 14th. Instead, there will be a variety of different pieces...all in shades of blue, cream, sepia, black and white. I will post the date of my blog sale shortly.

A little reminder that I will also be listing a piece/pieces on the TDIPT Mercantile Site January 15th...hope you can come by to peruse all the wonderful work created by the folks of TDIPT.

Happy New Year my Friends 

 May the Blue Bird of Happiness alight on your side of the fence.

--------------------
"Every new year people make resolutions to change aspects of themselves they believe are negative. A majority of people revert back to how they were before and feel like failures. This year I challenge you to a new resolution. 

I challenge you to just be yourself."

Aisha Elderwyn

Have a Mice Day!

Susan

Snowshoe Hare

2011-12-20T15:36:00.004-08:00

The snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), also called the varying hare, or snowshoe rabbit, is a species of hare found in North America. It has the name "snowshoe" because of the large size of its hind feet and the marks its tail leaves. The animal's feet prevent it from sinking into the snow when it hops and walks...but sometimes the snow is so deep that it has to wear extra foot apparatus...ironically, called snowshoes...to prevent it from sinking even further. Its feet also have fur on the soles to protect it from freezing temperatures.

For camouflage, its fur turns to grey or white during the winter and rusty brown during the summer. Its flanks are white year-round. Its ears are shorter than those of most other hares. In rare cases it may also be seen wearing a black wool coat which adds an extra layer of warmth.

In summer, it feeds on plants such as, grass, ferns, leaves and carrots; in winter, it eats twigs, the bark from trees, and buds from flowers and plants and carrots, along with the Arctic Hare, it has been known to steal vegetables from gardens. This animal is mainly active at night and does not hibernate.

The snowshoe hare may have up to four litters in a year which average 3 to 8 young. Males compete for females and females may breed with several males(Naughty).

This particular Snowshoe Hare is of the miniature wool felt variety with a painted head, black glass bead eyes, embroidered nose and a needle felted sheep's wool tail. Braving winter conditions, and donning his cross stitch snowshoes, he has walked to his outdoor larder to retrieve a (wool-felt)carrot for his supper.

This little fellow is about 5.5 inches tall from the tip of his ears to his chenille stem feet. The entire piece is almost 8 inches tall by 6 inches wide.

Just wanted to share my very latest creation with you...it has been a long time since I've sat down and made something...feeling pretty rusty...trying to get my sewing mojo back again. Overall I am happy with how this pieces turned out...first time I have cross stitched snowshoes onto fabric and then placed a character on top of the snowshoes...I think it worked out as he does look like he's wearing them.

Back to work...

Merry Christmas my Friends!

Susan

PS...thank-you for your kind comments...I have really enjoyed hearing from you!

The 12 Days of Christmas Cats

2011-12-19T11:05:00.003-08:00

Wishing you all the joys of season...

Merry Christmas!

Susan

News and Views...home renos

2011-12-09T11:32:00.001-08:00

Kitchen before

Kitchen removed...no stove...2 burner hotplate cooking at its best...

The laying of 2 foot by 1 foot slate, each piece weighing in at about 10 pounds each...350 tiles.

Buttering the tile with mortar...laying tile is HEAVY, labor intensive and VERY time consuming work. First you have to remove the existing flooring. Mix the mortar, trowel mortar onto floor, lay orange plastic Ditra onto the mortar. Plastic Ditra provides stability for the tiles as well as tooth for the mortar to stick to. Then trowel on another layer of mortar, then lay buttered tile onto the mortared floor...I am getting tired just thinking about it.

Mixing grout

 After you finish laying the tile ...you then have to seal it...TWICE...ugggg.

I was on my knees with a small sponge brush painting each tile with sealer. We then grouted all the tile seams(((can I say...HUGE MUCKY MESS)))...scrubbed the whole floor...TWICE. Then I again painted each tile with sealer...are you tired yet? I was! I didn't even mention all the tile cuts you have to make. All in all I am completely in love with my new slate floor...I have to say that I didn't take into consideration how much work it would be for hubby and I...would I do it again...maybe...a big maybe. But the best part is we saved about $5000.00 to $6000.00 by doing it ourselves. Professionals charge exorbitant amounts to lay this type of floor just because it is so labor and time intensive. 

The finished floor...

I individually picked and placed and replaced each tile a dozen times till I was happy with where it was...colors and textures evenly placed throughout the floor...again...time consuming but worth every minute.

The photo above shows where our kitchen was...we actually have our new cupboard boxes installed but I haven't taken photos of them yet...that will be a later post. We are currently waiting on our painted cupboard doors,counter-tops...in the meantime we are beginning the task of laying wide plank fir flooring. Whats that old adage..."No rest for wicked"!  

 OTHER NEWS 

I have begun setting aside time so I can to create new pieces...I will have one or more listed on TDIPT January 15th. My studio space is all set up and I am very excited and happy to be working again. To celebrate my return I will be hosting a Give-Away which I plan to have in January or February...so stay tuned. 

 Please feel free to join my email list(upper right of blog) to be notified of my up and coming sales.

In the News

Part two of TDIPT'S Stampington article will be in the January issue of Prim's Magazine...it will feature some of my work as well as other TDIPT artisans.

Pre-order Prims

Cheerio for now..Susan

Home Renos - Part One

2011-10-21T10:51:00.002-07:00

Hello strangers...remember me? A couple of months ago my husband and myself sold our home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan...we than drove cross country to our new home in Gibsons British Columbia. Well...we had full intentions to NOT pick up a hammer or a paint brush for at least a year. We had firm intentions to take some time to enjoy our new home, relax...spend leisurely mornings sipping lattes and reading the local paper...NOT...THIS WINTER ITS GONNA BE A 2 ELEMENT HOTPLATE TO COOK ON AND A LAUNDRY SINK TO DO DISHES...YIPPEEE!!! 

Dino mixing mortar to lay slate tiles

This morning I am stiff as *#!#$%#, tired and feeling like Cinderella after having spent all day yesterday on my knees washing, rinsing, scrubbing and sealing slate tiles. I love them, but there is a tremendous amount of work to do when laying slate. They look incredible...each tile is like a miniature work of art with no two being the same.

A selection of slate tile

First step, mortaring down plastic sheets in preparation for laying slate tile.

Beginning to lay tile.

 What once was our kitchen.

Our little home reno project has exploded into one big construction zone which will include... 

1. slate tile 

2. wide plank fir flooring

3. new kitchen cabinets & island

4. upgraded lighting 

5. two upstairs bathrooms made into one large bathroom

upgraded bathroom downstairs
new moldings and trimwork
New stair railings
etc. etc. etc. 

 Slate tile scrubbed, cleaned,sealed and ready to grout.

My plan is to begin listing again on the TDIPT Mercantile site come January...hopefully by then the bulk of the home renos will be done and I can again get into my studio to work.

In other news TDIPT has a wonderful ten page (Part One) spread in the fall issue of Prims magazine with a Part Two article to be placed in the January issue.
Congrats to all...I really enjoyed perusing your articles.

"Prims"Magazine

Last but not least TDIPT Mercantile is having their fall open house with lots of wonderful prizes created by TDIPT artists...hope to can stop by to peruse their Unique and one of kind fall and Christmas inspired goodies.

Although I feel a bit rusty it seems I can still produce a blog post...I will be back to write about our ongoing home renos...hope I haven't bored you to death.It will be nice to have an online diary of the blood sweat and tears we are putting into home. I leave you with a parting shot of a deer who has taken a liking our gooseberry bush.

Cheerio...Susan

Moving

2011-07-28T08:10:00.001-07:00

Yippee...I am finally moving!

Will be back to work and in my new studio sometime in September.

See you then...Susan

Adaptation of French Canadian Hooked Rug

2011-05-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hey strangers...been a while since I have posted...thought I better get in here before you all think I have gone for good.

Life has kept us busy with a vacation to Sedona and Tucson which turned out wonderful...those big red rocks, canyons and chasms always manage to enthrall us and after enduring our long dreary Canadian winter...blue skies and sunshine were badly needed and much appreciated. 

On returning home we continue to have a good number of people popping by to view our condo (it has been up for sale for a while now) plus we are still having an open house every weekend. We have had some luck in this department but I am leery of sharing any news until all matters have been officially looked after and conditions have been met. So my friends and future wee furry collectors...you will have to wait a while longer...sorry, I am just not able to get into my studio to create. I did however manage to complete another hooked rug as this is the only pastime I can clean up and put away in a hurry. It is an adaptation of a late 18th to early 19th century French Canadian hooked rug that is housed in the Mussee des Maitres et Artisans du Quebec 

You can adapt many of the historical/antique rugs in this booklet as they are old enough to be in the public domain. You can order this booklet from the Craft Journal. 

Hooked Rugs : Tapis crochetés

This booklet is full of inspiration as well as articles about well known rug hookers such as Doris Eaton, Deanne Fitzpatrick and others.

Below is a photo of the original pattern which was adapted for my own use. I tried to hook a similar background but failed to succeed. I just decided to loosen up, have some fun and just hook intuitively...each strip being hooked by feel without any planning...definitely my preferred way to work. 

I did email the Craft Journal and the Museum to get information regarding this rug and to ask if this rug was in the public domain. They graciously replied right away so if you have any questions I am sure they would be more then happy to assist you.

I love the naive way in which the three white rodents & cat are depicted in the original pattern, no ears on the mice and no real nose to speak of on the cat....plus those round unrealistic eyes just add to it's Primitive personality.

As for other news...I want to thank everyone who sent their congrats to me about being published in the Spring issue of Prims...much appreciated...your kind comments make my heart sing!!!

I was also much aggrieved to hear of the passing of some dearly beloved pets that have been spotlighted numerous times on a couple of my favorite blogs...my heart goes out to you & and please know you are in my thoughts.

My friends I hope you are enjoying the reemergence of spring...lets hope the sun keeps shining and that the bluebird of happiness will alight on our side of the fence.

Cheerio

Susan

Tootin my Horn

2011-03-29T07:28:00.002-07:00

I want to share my excitement with you...I have an article in the Spring 2011 issue of Prims. It will be on news-stands April 1st, I do believe some folks have already received their copies if they ordered them by mail.

Thank-you Stampington!
Prim`s Magazine Link 

Inside it you will find two new designs and a couple of oldies...all beautifully photographed, plus my article. I also want to congratulate all the others who were featured as well...more wonderful art by the talented folks of PFATT & TDIPT. I have yet to get my copy so I am sitting here patiently waiting for a phone call so I can go & pick up my copy.

I am looking forward to getting away for a couple of weeks...My hubby Dino, my brother Mike & I have rented a cabin in Sedona Arizona for a week, then we are off to Tucson for an addtional week...oh heavenly bliss...I love that area!!! Time to recharge our batteries, get away from this cold. When I come back I will have to give you a (what I did on my vacation report). I won't be able to answer emails or comments for the next while because when I am on vacation it also means a vacation from the computer.

We have been hosting an open house every weekend for some time now in hopes that we would get a few bites on our house which is up for sale...no luck yet...but it is early in the season & we remain hopeful that a move will happen this year. 

My apologies for not having listed any new pieces for you...life in my studio has been limited due to having so many open houses etc etc. My hope is to have new work available for your perusal when I return...till then.

Cheerio my friends

Susan

Vintage Tapestry Couture

2011-03-16T08:15:00.002-07:00

Ya know...we Canadians...in the depths of winter...when we are hunkered down wondering what to do with ourselves while the wind howls outside & we are freezing are...off. 

We devise new & wonderful ways to stay warm...

I present to you...the Canadian Couture Vintage Tapestry Jacket

This latest in fashionable winter-ware is brought to you by Heather, a dear friend of mine who happens to be a collector of these Vintage rugs. She has about 30 of these things. Since space was running low in her house she decided to thin out her collection by using a few of them to create a jacket...and if I say so myself...I think it is stunning, fun, whimsical & a great way to recycle these tapestry's. She has made lovely box pleated book bags & plans on sewing up Moroccan style beanbags for the floor as well as doggy beds...with dog images on them of course. So next time you go to the thrift store don't overlook these rugs when you see one...put your thinking cap on...think outside the box & find ways to create your own Vintage tapestry project. 

Note - I have washed these rugs in the washing machine on the gentle/hand-wash cycle with a little detergent...take out of washing machine & brush the nap in the direction the nap is going...use your fingers or a small brush to do this...hang to dry.

Cheerio

Susan

Week-end wool dyeing workshop

2011-03-10T10:41:00.001-08:00

A couple of week-ends ago our Rug Hooking group got together to have a wool dyeing workshop. More experienced members were kind enough to teach us newbies how to create beautiful colored wool to hook into our rugs. Fun was had by all, mistakes were made & learned from...especially by me. Having about 14 hookers running madly around a kitchen with hot water & dye tends to create a bit of confusion...my mishap turned into a beautiful piece of rich reddish wool...perfect for fall leaves. 

Above a dye solution is mixed to create a wandering pattern. Precise measurements, timing & a prepared work surface are important.

One color dye bath...

Second color dye solution...

Adding the second color dye solution...

Adding the third color dye solution...the wool must simmer for a certain time between each added color.

Above is a photo of dip dyeing...a process where you create multicolored swatches.

First you dye the wool one color(the gold)...then you create another dye bath with a contrasting color(the green)...then slowly dip your wool in & out of the dye bath. Practice is definably recommended.

Practice makes perfect.

Explaining various ways to achieve a mottled look in wool. Fabric swatches can be ordered from various dye companies to help you in your color planning.

Equipment is set out, techniques, rules & recipes are discussed.

A good example of what can be achieved when using the recipe for a spotted/mottled look in your wool.

Below is a set of three dye solutions used to create a spotted mottled look.

Wool must be laid out flat in the pan, crinkled, scrunched with even valleys & peaks.

Dye is then spooned on evenly.

A second color

A third color.

Finished adding the dyes.

Then you have to gently squish the wool to blend the colors a bit & to make sure there will be no white spots left in the wool.

Off to the oven to cook for a while. After heating the wool is ready to be rinsed & dried...ready to use in a new project.

A few gals try their hand at dyeing.

Recipes are looked up & swatches examined.

The results of our dyeing workshop.

Thanks so much to all for an enjoyable day...great food & great company!

Cheerio, Susan

Show & Tell Treasures & Projects

2011-02-23T10:49:00.003-08:00

I hit the mother-lode...a rug hooker's dream!!!

Feeling down & out yesterday I decided to do what cheers me up most...SHOP!

But not any kind of shopping...treasure hunting. Decided to pay a visit to Mr. McGowan's antique shop...it's a teeny tiny place where you have to look carefully, scrounge, get dusty, peek behind things & generally be nosy...I happened upon his glass cabinet of curiosities & started digging around...saw an intriguing looking basket & pulled it out. I near fainted from excitement...inside was a hoard of antique to vintage rug hooks of every size & description...from fairly recent to my favorite...the truly primitive ones wrought by hand & nature.

Some examples were carved from wood, one from bone, another from forged metal. Initials can be seen on a couple of them...the stories they could tell.

It was an older woman who brought them in to Mr. McGowan. I wish I could have met her, heard her memories of how she came by each one. Whoever you are,thank-you! You have made this rug hooker very happy! Usually I would be lucky to find a couple of oldish hooks a year...to find a whole basket full of highly unusual ones is a gift. I am pleased that I found them & could give them a home where they will be appreciated.

Lets not forget the basket...it's rich color & patina...the fabric worn soft from years of use. I am not sure what type of basket it is, but it is beautiful in it's imperfections...a cozy nesting place for a truly one of a kind collection.

After I went to the antique shop I went rummaging in the local thrift store...I found four wool coats in four delicious shades...chartreuse, raspberry red, taupe & a wonderful chocolate brown...I want to use them to create a penny rug.

I spent the morning stripping the coats...us rug hookers...always busy hooking & a stripping...

I'm a work while you wear your flannel PJ's kinda gal...

All the coats are have been stripped, now I want to marry them in a big old pot on the stove...get the colors to bleed a bit so that each piece of wool will have a little of every color in it...makes for a cohesive look in your project. I saved the lining from the chartreuse jacket...just to pretty to throw out...

I have almost completed another rug...an antique reproduction of a French Canadian rug...very primitive & rustic with loads of character...can't wait to show it to you...soon!

I haven't made much in the critter department...just not in the mood...& I definitely have to be in the mood to create them, becuase if I don't they end up looking like crapola...& nobody like crapola...right? I am hoping to be back in the studio soon.

Please join us for our Birthday Giveaway!
Feb 28th - March 20th
Fabulous handmade prizes

donated by our members.

TDIPT Mercantile

Tdipt is celebrating their Birthday during the month of March with lots of chances for you to win one of many prizes that are to be donated by some of TDIPT's artists. Hope you can all come by for a visit.

Till next time...have a mice day!

Susan

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T08:39:00.000-08:00

Hello my friends...I am sure alot of you are by now eating that box of decadent chocolates, smelling sweet scented roses or getting love notes from that special someone...

Happy Valentines Day to you all!

Notes & News

On the creative front...I have decided to take a break from my studio...again...due to our house being on the market. Spring is nearly here and with spring comes a deluge of folks looking for a new home. Hopefully during this time we will find that special couple or person who will love our home and want to make it their own. We have had our apartment on the market for more then a year and a half and we hope that this year will bring a much anticipated move to the West Coast of Canada not far from Vancouver. We plan on madly marketing our home by having an Open House once a week for a few weeks & this is why I am taking a break...to much mess to clean up. I will satisfy my creative energy for the time being with my rug hooking which is far easier to manage.

I will keep posting of course & instead will bring you news of other things.

Cheerio & have a marvelous day!

Susan

My TDIPT Mercantile Offering for Tonight

2011-01-31T06:25:00.001-08:00

I have been adopted...thank-you!

"L is for Love" Pin-Keep

Above is my last Valentines Day design of 2011. 

This teeny tiny mouse perched on his tattered & torn hearts will be available for adoption at 9 pm Eastern time on my TDIPT Mercantile page.

Apologies

Also...apologies to anyone I may have offended regarding my Guinea Pig post below...I should know better. My weird sense of humor can get the best of me sometimes. 

Sorry...Susan

TDIPT Mercantile Offering...News & Views

2011-01-30T12:17:00.001-08:00

Its a grumpy day here in the Pilotto home...at least it is for me...sorry...I seem to be suffering from the dreaded seasonal whatever ya wanna call it disorder. I've had enough of winter...really...honestly! Can you believe it, it was -40 here this morning with the windchill. Absolutely ridiculously cold!!! Sorry for griping...I had to get that outta my system.

In other news my hubby was wayyy down in Peru on business & just arrived home yesterday feeling tired & need I say...a little on the off side. While down there he was offered one of the local delicacies called "Cuy" Cuy Ravioli...& in English that would be Guinea Pig Ravioli. Seems the Guinea Pig is taking revenge, Montezuma's Revenge that is...Rule of the day...DON'T EAT CUTE SMALL FURRY THINGS! I am pleased my hubby is home safe & sound...although a little green around the gills...hopefully he will have more respect for the local wildlife next time he goes down there.
Up above is a Sneaky Peaky Pic of my last Valentines Day creation for this year...it will be up for adoption tomorrow night on the TDIPT Mercantile Website. I hope you can come by to check out all the wonderful artwork that will be available for your perusal. Listings start at 9 pm Eastern time.
I hope you have a better day then I am...being grumpy & all.
Not so cheery,
Susan

Silly Sunday Sale - Up for adoption

2011-01-23T16:00:00.002-08:00

All I want for Valentines Day are...Hugs and Kisses.

I have been adopted...many thanks!
Sugar sweet & such a treat...

to have a wee friend so small & neat...

& what better way to celebrate Valentines Day...

 then to have a wee friend arrive at your house...

who could resist...such a sweet little mouse...

Description 

Mouse - Wool felt, paint, glass bead eyes, black glass bead buttons, chenille stem feet,suede tail.

Pincushion - hand-dyed wool felt, Perle cotton thread, pins, hat pin with wool felt hand stitched heart on top. " Be Mine" paper tag pinned to the back of pincushion.

Pincushion Base - Painted & aged wooden spool wrapped with Perle cotton thread, aged seam binding ribbon.

Interested International buyers - shipping costs to be paid after purchase. 

PayPal Only please

Email Me to Purchase

This is not a toy & is intended for the adult collector only! 

I hope you enjoyed your visit & if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me...I would love to hear from you!

My next & last Valentines themed listing will take place the evening of January 31st on the TDIPT Mercantile website...hope you can come by & take a look...there is sure to be something for everyone.

Have a Mouse Day

Susan

Sunday's Sneak Peek...news & veiws.

2011-01-19T13:19:00.001-08:00

Good Wednesday my friends...I have been spending the day tinkering around in my studio...had a brain storm which I couldn't ignore...gotta love those creative storms when they happen. This one included the use of some luscious red embroidery thread, some soft Grey linen & one of my favorite cross stitch monogram books...not gonna tell ya what I'm making though...saving that surprise for another day!

I have been doing a lot of early spring cleaning...went through every nook & cranny in my studio...got rid of stuff I haven't used, gave stuff to the thrift store....I can be such a knuckle head...I will probably end up going back to the same thrift store & not knowingly...buy some of my stuff back...get it home...& look at it & say....GEEZ...this looks awfully familiar. Why is it that artist's tend to be...well...hoarders...we go to the store...pick random things off the shelf & say, ohhhh I might need that some day....ohhhh these may be the last ones left...better grab them while I can....ohhhh I might want to try that one day...better buy the book, the DVD, & all the supplies you MIGHT need & then it sits there for months growing cobwebs & breeding dust bunnies...Like how many project books does a gal need. Other then my cleaning spree I am still busy working on my Valentines themed characters. I am definitely not use to working with such girly colors...I am a Tom Boy at heart...but I have to say I am tickled PINK at how they are turning out.

Speaking of Valentines...above is a Sneak Peek at this weekends offering which will be available for adoption on Sunday evening at 7pm eastern time. I was so excited last Sunday...I was nervous & had a bad case of butterfly's in my stomach. It was the first time I had ever offered one of my characters for sale on my blog & I was overwhelmed by all the folks who took the time to come by & have a look. My gratitude & appreciation go out to all of you...thank-you! for making my first blog sale so special for me!

Cheerio & have a mouse day!

Susan

Up For Adoption Valentines Rabbit

2011-01-16T16:00:00.005-08:00

I have been adopted...many thanks!

Mr. Lonely Heart...a sweet little Valentines Rabbit.

Mr. Lonely Heart told me to tell you that he would really like to give his heart to someone special...perhaps that special someone is out there...somewhere.

Could it be you?

Mr. Lonely Heart is a One of Kind wool felt Valentines Day Rabbit. He is partially painted & has black glass bead eyes, needle felted sheep's wool tail & chenille stem feet. I have embellished his wee fuzzy coat with a row of teeny tiny bead buttons. He holds in his paws a bouquet of flowers and a hand stitched wool heart. You can remove the flowers as they are not permanently attached. I have perched him on a pin-cushion made from hand dyed wool felt & cross stitch linen. The top of the cushion has been embellished with a tiny cross stitched heart & a banner which reads, "Be Mine". Numerous white glass headed stick pins have been placed here & there for your use. Under the bottom cushion is a wool felt hand-stitched penny circle with an antique abalone shell button in it's center.

Mr. Lonely Heart is 8" inches tall from the tips of his ears to the bottom pin-cushion. He will arrive snug in his wrapping with a hand signed & dated certificate of authenticity for your records.

PayPal only

 Email me to purchase 
 Click email me button on top right

Payment & shipping Information - After contacting me with your intent to purchase I will immediately send you a PayPal money invoice. After you have paid your invoice I will then ship you your item within a couple of days.

Mr. Lonely Heart is not a toy but is intended for the adult collector only! 

Thanks for coming by & have a lovely evening!

Susan

Reminder - New Valentines Rabbit up for Adoption tonight

2011-01-16T08:13:00.029-08:00

Valentines Day Rabbit up for adoption tonight here on my blog at 7 pm Eastern time

Come on by for a visit. 

Cheerio...Susan

"The Stocking was Hung" Primitive Style Rug

2011-01-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

Hey Strangers...A Very Happy New Year to you all...

I've been home for a while now...been hunkering down & hibernating. The holidays always play me out...meeting & greeting all those folks at Christmas, traveling, cooking etc just takes the wind out of my sails by holidays end... what do I have to show for it all...five extra pounds...all those Christmas cookies were good...& that Eggnog Latte everyday sure did tickle my tummy...the hazards of over indulgence...back to the gym for me & back to reality. Been busy in my studio designing some One of a kind Valentine's pieces...think PINK...I hope to share them with you soon.

One last thing...thought I would share my latest completed rug with you. It's another Lori Brechlin of "Notforgotten Farm" pattern called, "The Stocking was Hung" if you are interested in hooking one yourself you can order the pattern from Spruce Ridge Studio, they have a wonderful selection of Lori's Primitive patterns to peruse. It's "17x33" inches on a linen backing. All the wool strips were hand cut with a rotary cutter on a green quilter's mat. I found this to be a challenging rug to hook...especially the doll's face & hair...decided to use a mixed media approach with the addition of antique metal button eyes, stitched wool strip mouth & knotted wool yarn hair. I didn't stop there & also embellished the rug with an antique skeleton key & a rusty bell on the tip of the stocking toe. The rug looks a little washed out as it was a cloudy day when I took photos of it. I really wanted to turn the penny circles & half circles into little works of art that could stand on their own...each strip was placed with a lot of thought & attention...my brain definitely got a work out by the time this rug was done. I love how it turned out...I know it's not everyone's cup of tea...but it really does put a smile on my face.

Chow for now...

Susan

Merry Christmas Everyone

2010-12-19T16:23:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the best for a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

  I am off for a holiday and will be back in Blogland January 3rd. 

Be good while I am gone...

Hugs Susan

Lavender Bird Themed Gift Sachets

2010-12-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

I created these Lavender Sachets as Christmas presents for a few sweet friends and at the same time I made sure I had enough to give away as donations to raise money for Sherbrooke Home...the place where we have our bi-monthy Rug Hooking meetings. This was a fun project so I thought I would share it with you. 

1. Print out your favorite images onto photo fabric... I use the postcard sized template which allowed me to print two photos on one fabric sheet. 

2. Pick a fabric backing for your sachet... I used a bird themed complementary colored fabric. With right sides together sew the two pieces of fabric together...don't forget to leave an opening in the top to pour your Lavender buds into. Cut out sachet leaving a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

3. Turn sachet right side out & press with your iron.

4. Measure out your Lavender...using a paper cone I poured about 1.5 ounces of lavender into each sachet.

5. Hand stitch top opening closed.

6. I used clear cellophane bags to wrap my sachets. Twisting both ends & then tying them off with decorative fabric ribbon.

7. Last but not least I went into Publisher & printed out some MADE ESPECIALLY FOR YOU BY SUSAN tags which I printed out on Sticker label paper...cut them out with decorative edge scissors & apply them to the front of the sachet packaging. 

8. Make sure you nibble on some of those Christmas cookies while you work...

You can visit the Graphics Fairy for these bird inspired images...thank-you Graphics Fairy!

I purchased my lavender buds from here...Aquarius Aromatherapy & Soap Inc.

Cellophane bags, ribbon & photo transfer fabric from Micheal's Craft Store

Label paper from Staples

Wishing you all the best for a New Year filled with Creativity. 

Warmly, Susan

Tom...Dick & Harry

2010-12-09T07:12:00.051-08:00

 I was in Facebook yesterday...I don't go in there very much as I spend wayyyy to much time on this computer as it is. While in Facebook I upgraded to the new format. After doing this I checked out the folks who wanted to become my friends...in Facebook. 

WHO THE HECK ARE THESE PEOPLE??? Manuel from Venezuela?  Miss Pea from Poland? Gosh darn-it...hows a gal supposed to be friends with all these folks...? Anyways...I came to the decision that I wanted to simplify & I want to applogize in advance...if I edited you from my Facebook.
Remember, its not you...just me trying to get a handle on the details that make up my life...trying to keep my sanity.

 . S . I . M . P . L . I . F . Y .

I decided my Facebook is going to be a place to meet & greet my family, relatives & my very closest friends.

For me...it is not going to be a place to meet 

Tom...Dick & Harry...

Tom

Dick & Harry

Have a Funny Fun Day!

Susan

Big Cry Baby...

2010-11-29T09:23:00.000-08:00

I am having a Cry Baby no sale Monday...instead of a Cyber Monday Sale which is taking place today after the Big Sunday Christmas Sale which took place after the even bigger Saturday Big Blockbuster Christmas sale which was directly after the Humongous Black Friday Sale...........I am saled out, & am feeling instead....discontent, malcontent & just plain miserable...there...I said it.

. M. I . S. E. R . A . B . L . E.  

. G . R . U . M . P . Y . 

...just plain blaaaaa...

. s . o . r . r . y . 

i can't help myself 

The sale of our home didn't happen

So now I have to endure more cleaning, more open houses, more disruption, more waiting.

. I .  A . M . F . E . D . U . P .

. P . E . R . I . O . D . 

 The folks from the states who so excitably said that they wanted to buy our house & everything in it have decided to wait till the new year...bah humbug!!!

What a let down...I was so excited & as usual I became too hopeful...now I am in the doldrums sitting in my studio & feeling just plain uninspired...trying to get things done...but instead I feel like I am just spinning my wheels and not making any progress. So I thought I would come in here & whine. I have to say it does help as there are an awful lot of online shoulders to cry on...right my friends? 

Anyways...sorry to blunt your Christmas spirit with my griping...but unloading this junk will help me get back to business. I won't be listing anything on TDIPT December 1st because I have been so preoccupied with this dang house *#*%$!#*....opps...sorry! 

I am however trying my bestest to become un-GRINCH like & I hope to have a new outlook & new creations for a New Year...am thinking of taking a wee break to do some Personal stuff, Christmas Stuff, Happy Stuff...just for me & my family.

I am sorry to have not replied to all of your comments the last few posts...being a grumpy bear, I just didn't have the gumption to put my mind to replying...I do love you all & I appreciate every one of you shining stars...

YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE! 

 Thanks for listening...

Susan

XOXO

Turkey Time & a Good Giggle

2010-11-24T06:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends down south...

May your day be cozy & warm & filled with the company of family & friends.

Thanks to everyone who sent me notes of care & concern while I was down with this nasty flu bug...hearing from all of you made my days brighter...the worst is over thank goodness & I am getting back into my creative groove & into the Christmas Spirit. 

Notes & News 

The PFATT artist`s group is having a Giveaway starting December 1st & ends with names being drawn shortly after December 7th.

Go to the PFATT Blog December 1st to look at all the wonderful pieces that have been donated for this occasion. 

 Last but not least I have given you a visual treat below...this clip has been circulating around our groups & I just had to share it with you...HUSBANDS BEWARE!

Click below to watch video clip...get ready for a good laugh!!!

REQUIRED VEIWING BY HUSBANDS AT CHRISTMAS TIME

CHEERIO...Susan

When it rains...it pours...

2010-11-12T06:18:00.002-08:00

Hello my friends...sorry I have been missing in action...lots happening on my home-front right now. As I have posted about before, we are in the middle of trying to sell our apartment so we can move back to the west coast of Canada...the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia to be exact. Anyways...we had a couple come through from another country earlier this week who not only fell in love with our place but who also decided that they want to purchase every stick of furniture, all of my nick naks, old books, benches, beds, bedding...EVERYTHING I have collected over the years...said they would be content if we just gave them the keys & walked out...even my studio wasn't off limits to their desires. Well we were both a little dumbfounded by this news...we have been struggling to sell our place for almost a year now & then THIS HAPPENS. Caught us off guard & was a little shocking to say the least. Soooo we spent yesterday making a list of things we could part with & things we couldn't...I know it's just stuff...but you don't know how much it means to you until you have to give it all away. It has become a Buddhist lesson in what its takes to let go of everything............I don't think I would make a good Buddhist....couldn't do it...had to keep a few things & hopefully this won't put a halt to the sale of our apartment. I wish it could have been simpler, but I believe it will become a bit drawn out. Such is life & at this juncture I will just be content to move out & get on with our life...so please send us some good vibes that all will go smoothly & that we will be moved out by the new year.

On the other hand I obviously haven't been able to get any work done in my studio...my pieces sit in suspended animation till all this home sale business is complete...so I don't know what or if I will have any pieces available on TDIPT December 1st. I will keep you posted & hopefully things will have settled down enough for me to get back to work. Plus I am full of stitches from having a number of freckles & moles removed...& it is just to uncomfortable to sit on my studio chair for long periods of time if you know what I mean... 

Till then I hope everyone in getting in the Christmas spirit & I want to thank everyone for all the kind comments you left on my previous post....much appreciated!!!

Cheers, Susan

Merry Ho Ho...My November 1st TDIPT Offerings

2010-10-27T13:47:00.001-07:00

Adopted Thank-you
Santa's making a list & checking it twice...

gonna find out who wants some mice...

But don't forget rabbits...cause rabbits is nice.

Rabbits & Mice...so huggably nice...

Lil pot belly's...Lil wee feet.

To have one to hold is always a treat.

Cause I like rabbits & mice!

Cause I like rabbits & mice!

Hello my fellow friends...just wanted to introduce you to three little Christmas characters that will be made available for adoption starting the evening of October 31st on my TDIPT Mercantile page...

Adopted Thank-You

Adopted Thank-You 
Don't forget...TDIPT is having their annual open house in November with chances to win some wonderful pieces created by our TDIPT'S artists. 

You can go to the TDIPT Blog for more information on this Open House celebration.

Have a Mice Day!

Warmly, Susan

Almost Finished my Halloween Hooked Rug

2010-10-24T16:12:00.002-07:00

Hello my Ghoulish Fiends...I mean friends...thought I would show you what I do when I am not busy making wee fuzzies. One of my favorite activities is sit quietly in the morning...coffee by my side, hook in hand, my rug set up in front of me. This is my magic hour, especially on those cold days when the wind & snow go howling past my window & I can sit cozy & warm and hook for an hour. 

Spring, summer, sunshine & warm days have come & gone...once the weather changes & the leaves have fallen to the ground...this is my time to hunker down & begin my winter projects. 

I started this piece at rug camp this year and am now in the process of figuring out how I want to finish the edges. I would like to do a braided border...probably about three rows...I think this would be a really nice look for this rug. I haven't attempted to do any rug braiding yet but am sure I can learn from my girlfriends book & DVD on this subject. The strips for this rug were all cut by hand with a rotary cutter on a mat...I used all sorts of different widths of cuts...never measuring but just incorporating what I thought would look best.  I love the look of strips cut this way...to my eyes it gives the rug instant age and a bit of character. Primitive Folk Art style rugs are my passion & I don't think I would be happy hooking anything else. This rug was designed by Lori Brechlin of Notforgotten Farm...I adore her patterns & am actually in the process of completing one of her Christmas rugs. You can purchase this Bittersweet Pumpkin pattern from Spruce Ridge Studios.

Almost forgot...you are welcome to visit the TDIPT Blog...there is a new posting about our November Open House & the special Give-Away we are hosting.
Thanks for stopping by.

Susan

Tdipt's Annual Christmas Open House

2010-10-20T09:25:00.004-07:00

Just spreading the news...TDIPT Mercantile is having their annual Open House during the month of November.

In celebration numerous TDIPT Artists have donated works of art which will be placed in a draw. 

TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN

1. Sign up on the TDIPT Mailing List..if you are already on the mailing list you are automatically entered into the drawing.

2. Make a purchase from the Marketplace this November. Each purchase classifies as an entry.

Drawing ends November 21st...winners will be notified that day.

GOOD LUCK & HAVE FUN!

TDIPT has chosen "A COLONIAL CHRISTMAS" for the theme in November...so be sure to stop by & peruse all the old fashioned Colonial inspired art. 

Currently I am busy in my studio & hope to have three or more pieces for your perusal on November 1st. I will post photos & details shortly before the 1st.

TDIPT MERCANTILE

To Dwell in Primitive Times - TDIPT BLOG

Have a warm wonderful day!

Susan

Rug Hooking Camp Part Two

2010-10-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

At our annual Hooking Retreat this year we put on a show of the Grain Elevator Rugs that will be touring Saskatchewan for the next three years...the first Gallery show will take place at the Regina Legislature Building. 

As we know our Grain Elevators are becoming a scarce fixture on the prairies because of neglect, fire or just being torn down to make room for the new concrete grain silos of the future. It is so heartbreaking to see such an important part of our farming history turn to dust...so it was decided that in memory of these landmarks we would put out a call to folks across Canada to hook a Grain Elevator Rug. Below you will find a small sampling of the rugs created for this show...I apologize for not listing the creator's name...I was madly dashing about trying to take pics before the hoards of hookers came to view them. If you would like to find out more about this traveling exhibit please go to our blog where you will be able to find a link to our group & any information you may need.

Heritage Rug Hookers of Saskatoon

I hope you enjoyed looking at the rugs...so much attention to detail...the amount of work put into each rug, the color planning, dying, cutting etc. it just overwhelms me when I think about it...& if you aren't a hooker...while...just enjoy them for what they are...incredible rugs that will serve as reminders of days gone by. 

Cheerio, Susan

TDIPT October Halloween Offerings

2010-09-27T12:27:00.005-07:00

Twas the night before Halloween, & all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except for a mouse...
Adopted - Thank-you

"Lil Squeaky"

There was a Black Cat...Slim Jim was his name...he liked to eat mice...even on Halloween...
Adopted - Thank-you

Thank-goodness for "Sammy"...a well behaved bat...he saved "Lil Squeaky" & gave heck to the cat...the end.
Adopted - Thank-you 

Bub-Boo...Sammy's Pumpkin...

All three of these Halloween pieces will be available for adoption the evening of September 30th on my TDIPT Mercantile page. You will find more details about them that night...hope to see you there & have a ghoulish day! Susan

2010 Rug Hooking Camp Part One

2010-09-25T10:40:00.002-07:00

I went to the Chiropractor yesterday to get the kinks worked out of my achy body from rug hooking all week...told him I had spent a lot of hours hookin & a strippin...strippin & a hookin...he replied, "Is the leader of your group a pimp?" I laughed a good belly laugh & said no, we are traditional rug hookers who strip wool fabric which is then hooked into a linen or burlap fabric base which is stretched over a frame...we create rugs much like the ones our pioneer ancestors made years ago. He surprised me by saying that he remembered hooking a sailboat rug as a child...his eyes grew distant & he recounted that it was his grandmother who taught him to hook. I was flabbergasted...as it is so rare to hear these stories from men. I promptly asked him is he would like to join our rug hooking group....he said he would think about it...

Heritage Rug Hookers of Saskatoon

Our Rug Camp celebrated it's 10th anniversary this year...it was so heart warming to see women who had been to every camp during the last decade...& such a pleasure to hear them reminisce about the classes they took, teachers they've had....memories made. Some instructors have come & gone now, but I am happy to say that five student teachers graduated this year...teachers who will follow in the footsteps of the ones who have gone before them...

This year rug camp was held at Cedar Lodge which sits on the edge of Blackstrap Lake about 40 minutes from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I have to say that the staff at Cedar Lodge spoiled us rotton...I am sure we all gained 5 lbs from all the home-cooked meals...never mind the scrumptious deserts that we ate after almost every meal. Truly a place that warmed your heart...as well as your tummy!!!

Fall was in the air & I did manage to get outside to take a few photos of all the autumn splendor...frost was in evidence on the surface of tiny leaves & lichens...

Canada Geese making their annual migration across our skies...their honking & bleating could be heard miles away...flying in formation...the flap of their wings brushed the air as they drifted past me.

Harvest fields, hay bales & autumn leaves surrounded the lake...

A Saskatchewan Sunrise

Tangled Thicket

A U T U M N C O L O R

Cabin in the woods

Chopped wood for the old stove

W A T E R C O L O R

S O F T

In a couple of days I will post part two...I will tell you all about our Touring Grain Elevator Project; show you photos of our Rug Show as well as some class pics.

I do apologize...I was so busy snapping photos at the rug show that I forgot to write down the names of the rug's creators. This is just one of the many Grain Elevator rug photos that I will post later on...till then...Susan.

Back from rug camp

2010-09-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends...just got home from Rug camp with some great photos to share with you...will post them sometime in the next couple of days...for now it is a chiropractor appointment for me...rug hooking for hours on end has done me in...I loved every minute of it!!! Cheerio Susan

Hey Strangers

2010-09-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

I have been busy getting ready for Rug Hooking Camp....color planning, picking out wool...I have chosen a small Halloween rug to hook & hope to have it completed by the end of the week. Camp this year is being held at a Lodge located at Blackstrap Lake...a large prairie lake in a beautiful valley surrounded by Trembling Aspen & Birch trees...I can't wait to take some fall photos as the colors should be spectacular...hoping we have sunny weather & that our prairie wind stays asleep for a while.

Just a note...on the evening of September 30th I will be listing a few pieces on my TDIPT Mecantile page...hoping you can come by & peruse all the wickedly good Fall & Halloween goodies created by our TDIPT Artisans. At the end of the month I will post a preview of the items I will be listing...for now...Happy Fall....Happy Harvest....Susan.

Feeling Blue TDIPT Mercantile Offerings

2010-08-31T06:33:00.002-07:00

These three wee mice will be available for purchase on my TDIPT Mercantile page tonight between 9 & 10 pm EDT. Hope you can pop by to peruse all the wonderful pieces created by our TDIPT Artisans...There is sure to be lots of Fall splendor with a dash Halloween spookiness & perhaps a bit of Christmas too.

PFATT is having there annual September Giveaway...sure to excite your senses...head on over to the PFATT blog to add your name to the draw...fabulous one of a kind pieces to be won! Starts September first...see you there!

Orange Crush Pumpkins & Stuff

2010-08-28T09:22:00.004-07:00

Paper-clay pumpkins & other Halloween delights are slowly coming to life, black gesso, primer, wire spider legs, clay candy corn, black beady eyes, frightful fun furry things coming your way.

Halloween Blog Show & Sale date to be announced

In the meantime make sure you pop by the TDIPT Mercantile on September 1st...since I had so many comments on my "Feeling Blue" Mouse Giveaway I decided to have a "Feeling Blue" Theme this month on my TDIPT page. There will be three pieces for you to choose from including another blue mouse on a white spool. My TDIPT listings start the evening of August 31st between 7:30 & 8:30pm Mountain Time ...come on by for a visit as there is sure to be a wonderful selection of Folk Art for you to peruse...

Susan

Creativity Happened...

2010-08-19T07:29:00.001-07:00

Flying furballs Batman...

scissors cutting...brushes painting...fabric shaping...broom sweeping...

ideas churning...character creating...pencil sketching...

deadlines looming...

Studio Chaos...

Happy....Happy...Happy...

Susan

Drumrole Please...& the winner is...

2010-08-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

I want to thank everyone for taking part in my first ever blog give-away...it was a blast. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing from all of you, your kind words & comments sent me over the moon, reading them each day as they came in reminded me of why I love to create...

I gave my husband the job of picking the winning ticket out of a big old peanut jar...all hand written on little pieces of paper.

Sorry gals...your time will come...figures a guy would pick a guy. No offense Wayne but out of 200 or more entries (I lost count after a while) I think I had only five guys enter & the rest all girlies.

Wayne you are the lucky ducky!

Wayne is the creative dude behind Wayneston Bears of Sengkang, Singapore.

I have never shipped internationally before so this should be a little interesting. Looks like my wee mouse is in for a bit of trip...Bon Voyage...I don't know if they have cheese & crackers over there...say hi to Wayne for me when you get there little buddy.

Well I am off to email Wayne the good news.

Thank you everyone for making this a memorable 1st blog-giveaway!

Susan

Feeling Blue Mouse -Blog Give-away

2010-08-07T07:19:00.001-07:00

Blog giveaway starts this morning August 7th & will end the morning of Saturday August 14th with the Winner being announced that evening.

My first ever blog giveaway...bout time me thinks! I have had a lot of requests for blue mice so I thought I would create one just for this occasion.

Hope you all come on by & enter for a chance to win.

Me thinks this wee guy is a bit pudgy around the middle...sort of like his thread spool...to much cheese & crackers...

This Piece will arrive signed & dated on the bottom of the spool...as well there will be a few secret goodies sent along with it. This contest is open to everyone.

I want to thank you for taking an interest in myself & my work...my quirky posts...my rants & raves...blogging has given me many new friends, inspired me, encouraged me & given me a chance to meet others from all over the world...this is a place with no borders, no boundaries...a place to learn & reflect...

Susan

Three ways to enter & increase your odds of winning my Feeling Blue Mouse...do just one or do them all...its up to you. You do not have to have a blog to enter...just email me your entry with your email address/name - click the email me button on the top right of my blog.

1. Leave a comment here...leave an email address & name so I can contact you if you win.
2. Become a follower if you aren't one already.

3. On your blog or website write a small Post about my giveaway with a link to my blog.(leave your blog address & your username)

Good-Luck my friends.

NOTE - I WILL BE LISTING AVAILABLE PIECES ON THE TDIPT MERCANTILE SITE SEPT. 1ST. 

Saturday Aug 7th - My first blog giveaway

2010-08-05T05:21:00.000-07:00

Just a heads up that I will be hosting my first ever Blog Giveaway...make sure you pop by to read all about it.

Starts Saturday August 7th & your invited!

On the Road Again

2010-07-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

Only been home for a couple weeks it seems & now I am packing my bags again. Hubs & I are going house hunting in Gibson's which is located on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, Canada.

Gibson's is a stunning coastal area that you can only get to by ferry from Vancouver...you may have heard of the place as it is where that old TV series the "Beach Combers" was filmed for many years. Back then it was just a fishing & logging village...but now it is a hot spot for tourists & locals alike who seek quaint vistas, peace & quiet...time away from hub-bub of big city life.

See you back here in a couple of weeks...

Susan

It's Magic

2010-07-14T05:43:00.001-07:00

I just put the finishing touches on this rabbit yesterday...thought I would put him in the morning sun to warm him up...

It still amazes me how a bit of fabric & a little hard work can turn into something that has it's own personality...where does that come from?

I think...when you love what you do...the magic just happens...

The Little Old Church - Drumheller Part 2

2010-07-12T20:29:00.008-07:00

The little church was standing, silent on the hill

It`s woodwork old & rotting, doors bang to at will

The old bell tower was cracking, the bell it had no rope

To call the folk to church with it you did not have a hope

The seats were broke & splintered, timber all mildew

Holes in Backs & bottoms, you could fall right through

The graveyard long deserted, the vicar slept within

Although in church his missing, it did not seem a sin

As I stood there just looking wondering what to do

A shaft of light shone over me, & seemed to pass right through

I felt a mighty presence, my soul it cried out loud

I knew the lord was kind to me & then my head I bowed

The moral of the story, though it`s crumbling like a clod

In this little old church, you are always close to God.

A. Ed Bollington 

I came upon this little church in Dorothy on the final leg of my journey home...it was perched on a hill over looking the remnants of an old brow-beaten town...tumbleweeds, sage & swallows.
Click on the Dorothy link above to read all about this church & the pioneer ghost town it resides in.

Gopher holes are treacherous...when taking photos...try to watch where your walking...or you`ll end up on your ass like I did...legs & arms sprawled all akimbo...holding my ankle...biting my lip trying not to swear...camera was OK...that's a good thing!

Next post...we go to a wild west saloon.

Till then...

Susan

The Ragged Old House - Trip to Drumheller

2010-07-09T13:22:00.005-07:00

As I passed by that ragged old house

the shingles all rotten & battered,

Most of the windows were still in their places

But some were all broken & shattered 

As I looked longingly at the old house 

a tear formed in my eye,

No one lives there no more the old house is empty

& then I began to cry

The owners moved out a long time ago

& the old house is there all alone, 

The Grass is all dead the porch broken down

& the weeds, oh how they have grown

I walked to the porch then opened the door

it's hinges were old & rusty,

Some cobwebs were hanging up high on the walls

& the room was all dirty & dusty

The curtains were torn the pictures all crooked

the mattresses were old & rotten,

There were memories in this old house

Memories that were somehow forgotten.

This house that is ragged battered & worn

& its hinges all rusted & old,

 Belonged to my Grandpa & Grandma back then

This ragged old house I was told.
Author unkown to me

 On my way back home to Saskatchewan(after my Farm Chick's trip)I took a detour to explore a small part of the Alberta Badlands...Drumheller & it's neighboring towns are located in a desert valley much like a miniature Grand Canyon.

This area is one of my favorite places, rich in aboriginal history...broken down mines...quaint little towns with tumbled down houses & false fronted stores...a place where dinosaurs & other prehistoric life lived millions of years ago...if your interest is in Fossils & natural history it is well worth your time to plan a visit to the Badlands.

This was a solo trip for me & I spent a blissful few days wandering up & down the valley...hiking the hills looking for abandoned homes to explore...I found more then one...& would like to share those pics with you as well...but that is another post for another day...This is part one of about 3 posts I will create on the Drumheller area...

Thanks for coming by & have a sunshiny Day!

Susan

Note ~ If you love Old Places I have a few older posts in my blog archive on this subject..

Side By Each They Was

2010-07-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

Business of bear making...

poked fingers...pondering personality

fur flying...scissors clipping...

pattern cutting...seam measuring...

Practice, patience, reward...

Lovable...Laughable...Me...

Depending on where your are...good morning, good afternoon & good evening. Been a busy summer...lots of traveling, time spent with family, going to our cabin, bug swatting...lots of bug swatting...& rain...of biblical proportions...storm watches, twisters & tornadoes...holy humidity I want the sun to come out & stay out...want blue skies & butterflies...what the heck is happening to our weather.
As you can see I have attempted to get back into my studio...the fur was flying for a few days while I created some bears from a couple of Vivianne Galli patterns. The odd Blue bear is my first try at using long mohair...was very challenging & I have to say I prefer creating critters with the shorter mohair...at least until I am more experienced.
I will be making more mice, rabbits & critters as summer moves on...but again...at a slower summer pace as I just can`t be inside when its nice out...apartment living makes you appreciate those sunny days...gotta get out while the goings good!
Chow for now & have a sunshiny day!
Susan

My "Farm Chicks" Adventure

2010-06-15T09:47:00.003-07:00

Well...I finally made it home from my "Farm Chicks" Vacation down in Spokane Washington...fun fun fun!

These vintage shopping carts were all the rage...it was a virtual feeding frenzy of people madly shopping & in a most hurried fashion...putting all their new found treasures into these carts. I have never seen anything like it! I stood in the middle of a sea of humanity...rubbing my eyes from the sensory overload that was taking place. Eye candy for acres around me...I was dumbfounded & struck down by the enormity of this show!

The group my cousin & I were traveling with called "Come Junk With Us" was allowed to enter early & through the back door...thankfully avoiding the line up that was about two blocks long & growing longer by the minute...the first two photos above were taking before the crush of humanity came piling in.

I wish I could have taken more photos of the vendors but within a few minutes we were shoulder to shoulder with people & I couldn't get a clear shot of anything.

One of the other perks that our "Come Junk With Us" group received was tickets to attend the gala "Farm Chicks" dinner that was put on by "Chaps". All the vendors & invitees were given a sumptuous feast of the most creative kind...the presentation was amazing & the food divine!

Y U M M Y

Flowers & tempting delectables...handmade frills & decorations were everywhere...

Music...Magic...Mood...

Two gal pals in Martini heaven..."Come Junk with Us" family...

The decor was inspiring...colorful...fun...

Local law keeping the frivolity at an acceptable level...just kidding...

A good time was had...new friendships were made & memories forged...

Thank-you Timi for putting together such a wonderful excursion!

You can read all about "Come Junk With Us"here.

"Come Junk With Us"

2010-05-30T06:14:00.018-07:00

FARM CHICKS HERE i COME

I thought I would tell you about my Girlfriend trip that I am taking with my cousin Laura...a while ago she invited me to the "Farm Chicks" show that is held every year in Spokane Washington...I happily said yes...then she informed me that we had to buy tickets to the join this group "Come Junk With Us"...I happily said yes. Now I live way up in Saskatoon smack dab in the middle of Saskatchewan, Canada. From here I have to drive way down to Coledale Alberta to Laura's place, then way down & to the right to Spokane. Thank God for the three C's of long distance driving...Caffeine, Cruise Control & Air Conditioning. Now as a typical women will do...I got to thinking...what the heck am I gonna wear? I am not a fashionista but I do like my bits & bobs. So I looked up at my muses who sit on my studio shelf...various mice & rabbits...then the light bulb went off, I made this...

Soooo...if you my fellow bloggers are planning on attending the Farm Chick's Show...I would love to meet you...just look for the rather quirky brunette (a little on the pudgy side) with all her wee fuzzies hanging from her neck...that will be me. I made a rabbit necklace as well so I will be easy to pick out of the crowd. I am looking really forward to this trip & the chance to meet so many interesting folks. I plan on treasure hunting for bases I can place my critters on...will take lots of pics to share with you later. Till then...
Forgot to mention my Cousin Laura has a blog called "All About Pretty"...make sure you pop by to read all about her "Vintage Chicks" show that will take place in Priddis, Alberta, Canada a week after the Farm Chicks extravaganza...it will be filled with reloved, restyled vintage treasures & lovely art beautifully presented by a number of vendors. Cheerio

News & Veiws

2010-05-27T08:11:00.001-07:00

Just sitting here in front of my puter...pondering...thinking...and wanting to thank everyone who has sent me words of encouragement & care.

A family member recently had a cancer scare which resulted in much worry & anxiety...after additional biopsy's the doctor has given us an all clear & we now have reason to celebrate!

Needless to say I haven't been very productive in the art department lately & will probably take the summer off from listing any pieces. I know if I force myself to create my art will suffer & my heart will not be in my work...& that is so very important to me...that each person receives a piece that is filled with joy & represents all that I love. I would be lying if I didn't tell you how disappointed I am at this time...I so wanted to be productive & give my best to you...the only thing I enjoy doing right now is my rug hooking as it brings me comfort in repetition and quiet moments.

My goal this summer is to do some soul work, get my health back on track & come back in the fall good as new with lots to share & new designs to tickle your fancy.

I will continue posting on my blog through out the summer but just not as often...I am going on a girlfriend trip shortly & then will head up to our little cabin to spend time with family.

I leave you with a little quote

"Things do not always go according to plan evokes the archetype of synchronicity, which reveals itself in a felt meaningful coincidence. To say yes to this given is to trust that the universe has a plan for us and that things are unfolding in this life just in time for us to grow into the beings we were meant to be"

David Richo

2010-05-11T07:44:00.002-07:00

Just a little note...I've been sent a few curve balls lately so I have decided to take some me-time, family-time, vacation-time...life-time...

Hugs Susan

PFATT Spring Giveaway

2010-05-01T06:52:00.000-07:00

http://pfatt.blogspot.com/

Come on by to enter our PFATT Spring Giveaway.

Here is your chance to sign up for some adorable art from some of the talented artists of PFATT!

Happy Spring to you all!

TDIPT Mercantile Update tonight

2010-04-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

My May 1st TDIPT Offering

One Lucky Rabbit complete with his wee cloverleaf charm & a couple of tuffets I created from a Scottish Kilt.

Details to follow tonight on TDIPT.

Hope to see you there!

Warmly, Susan

News & Views

2010-04-20T08:05:00.003-07:00

Spectacular Nature

Dino & I explored more of Saskatchewan's country roads on Sunday & on our way home...Nature decided to give us a show. From one end of the horizon to the other were millions upon millions of Canada Geese & Snow Geese traveling North to their nesting grounds...the air was filled with the sound of beating wings... I stood there mesmerized by the sheer numbers of little hearts flying above me...never have I seen so many birds flying at once...an experience I will never forget!

Latest Find

I couldn't pass up on giving this old piece a home...found it at my friends antique store & promptly fell in love with it...the patina, old finish...lovely color just sets my heart a flutter...gave it a good oil polish...a little dusting & filled the top with some of my favorite things...I made the little log cabin about 10 years ago...love my birds nests, wasp nests, feathers & such...

What stories this pieces could tell us...

Tdipt Mercantile Goodies for May 1st

Hot of the presses...I just designed these three old style pin-keeps this month...my theme being the love of pets...one for horse lovers, one for dog lovers & last but not least...one for cat lovers...

There will be more details about them on my May 1st Tdipt Mercantile update. Hoping to have a wee fuzzy for you as well.

Till then...

Have a sunshiny day!

Susan

Mundane But True

2010-04-07T08:30:00.001-07:00

Would someone please design a studio chair with wheels that don't have to be de-fuzzed...de-linted & de-threaded every other day...I would really appreciate it...

"A House I Once Knew"

2010-04-04T09:21:00.005-07:00

"There are mars on the doors and walls
Its rooms are empty and wide.

Here and there is a broken pane

Where the night wind creeps inside.

The front porch has fallen to ruin
With vines in possession there.

A shed is tumbled and strewn
And rubbish is everywhere.

Somehow it softens in moonlight
And my fancy wanders free.

That old house is more than a house
It once was home to me.

I can see a place by the window
Where firelight once played inside.

I can picture the porch as it used to be
And grounds so clean and wide.

Doors with well-oiled hinges
Let in our willing feet.

With everything in place as it should
And everything trim and neat.

I see it in mellowed reflection
Until years have changed it to be

A house with a memory; it’s more than a house
It once was home to me.

I’d give so much to live again
In that house when it was young.

Then it knew our laughter and tears,
With its memory only begun.

I was unwise to have left it, I know
All I got for my pains

Was a heap of things I thought worthwhile
And desire to be back again.

It might be made home again, who knows?

I watch the moonlight slant through a tree,

And know that old house was more than a house.

It once was home to me."

Poem By Leo VanMeer

1907 - 2006

Took a road trip Friday...traveling up & down dusty highways...stopping here & there...lunch in a greasy spoon...old turquoise counters worn smooth with age...farmers in greasy caps...talking weather & gossip...gopher shoot notice on the bulletin board outside...more driving & finally a stop to take in the air...to look at an old house...an old soldier...of life gone by...Swallow's nests in the rafters...Coyote den in the cellar...a house full of character...memories float like dust in the air...Saskatchewan...her past is evident along her highways...abandoned & fallen... old homesteads return to the earth...

Warm Easter Wishes to You & Yours
Susan

TDIPT Mercantile Update tonight.

2010-03-31T09:03:00.000-07:00

This wee fuzzy will be listed on the TDIPT Merc tonight...I've been a busy girl...soooo I only have this one piece to offer. Make sure you come on by for a visit as there are sure to be some wonderful Spring offerings.

I have decided it is high time to start having blog sales of my work. I've had a lot of requests by folks who are frustrated at missing out on purchasing my pieces from the Merc. Ideally I would like to have a sale every couple of months where I will feature a grouping of pin-keeps, make-do's etc. all created around a central theme. Hopefully this will give folks more opportunities to purchase a piece...as always I welcome your comments & suggestions. I will send out an email notice to let folks know when these sales will take place...don't forget to join my mailing list.

April 1st tomorrow...Stampington's "Prim's" magazine should be hitting the bookstore shelves...still waiting for my copy...still sitting here staring at the mailbox...patience...patience...patience...

Cheerio...Susan

2010-03-17T07:57:00.002-07:00

Waiting patiently for Stampinton's Prim's Magazine to arrive...some gals have already started getting their copies in the mail. This is the first time I have had an article/artwork published & I have to say it is so very exciting...I have heard through the grapevine that this Premiere issue is jaw dropping beautiful & the photography is nothing short of spectacular...

Click on the link below for a sneak peak...

Prim's Magazine

Cheerio!

Susan

News & Views

2010-03-09T13:57:00.000-08:00

I deleted my last post...enough lolly gagging about...back to work...thought I would show you what I have been up to besides hiding under my blanky...afraid to look out...& still see snow on the ground...

I have been creating all sorts of pincushions...the graphics I have been using were gleaned from free clip art sites such as the "Graphics Fairy" & the "Vintage Moth" as well as my collection of antique books.

The wire wrapped heart cushions can be hung on your wall...each one has cross stitched details & a fabric bird scene sewn onto the front...there is also a plain fabric patch where you can keep a few needles & pins...twisted wire hangers were made for each one...

These ones are also made for hanging & look great as a group of three...I have them displayed on the side of my old jelly cupboard...

& last but not least...this little guy keeps me company while I type away on my computer...he has made himself at home in one of my vintage Fenton glass bowls...

Have a mouse day!

Susan

Show & Tell

2010-02-23T09:28:00.002-08:00

Lone Star Crow

Hooked with Lopi Super Chunky Icelandic Wool Yarn

Height 22" x Width 21.5"

Designed by Susan Pilotto 2010

My inspiration for creating this rug comes from the Cowichan Sweaters that are created by the Coast Salish People who reside on Vancouver Island in Canada. Cowichan Sweater History

I traced around one of my metal barn stars to get the star pattern onto the linen backing...then I printed out a very small crow & used my projector to get it onto a large paper sheet I had taped to the wall...I then transferred the crow pattern to red dot paper & from there onto my linen backing...I also wanted to add more visual interest so I hooked random shapes around the star & whip stitched the edges in varying colors of the same Lopi yarn...Was supposed to end up as a pillow but it turned out a tad to big for that purpose.

My latest find...I could not resist purchasing this Victorian Era metal cradle from one of our local antique shows...I love the well worn little cushion & mattress someone made so long ago...I think it needs a well worn bear to sit on it...

2010-02-15T05:07:00.003-08:00

Penny Feather Tree PFATT EBay Auction
Click link above to go to the auction page

Ya all come by & check out the Penny Feather Tree Charity Auction. Read all about in on the PFATT Blog.

Ohhh Edward...you look so hot in that sweater

2010-02-14T07:13:00.000-08:00

Ohhh Edward...You look so hot in that sweater!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope in our Hearts Doll

2010-02-09T07:22:00.001-08:00

Dogpatch Primitives

A couple of weeks ago my TDIPT sister Patty of "Dogpatch Primitives" held an EBay charity auction to raise money for the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah...I felt very strongly that I would like to help this charity, so I bid on Patty's doll hoping that the bids would escalate & that a sizable donation could be raised...it didn't happen...I won the doll...which I couldn't be more happy about as I have coveted Patty's creations forever...& I know how much work & love she puts into all of her art...Bittersweet was how I felt...EBay just isn't what it use to be when you could count on having a lot of people pay attention to your auctions & the subsequent bidding was fast & furious...not anymore...not with this economy...

After all was said & done...the auction was over & about a week had gone by...I felt terrible...sad...Winning this beautiful doll & being able to help this charity didn't turn out the way I had hoped...& I knew Patty was struggling with the same feelings...to me, it felt more like a grab then like giving...so I thought...& thought some more...& came to the conclusion that I had to do something...so I sent Patty an additional donation...now I can look at my doll with warmth in my heart & a smile on my face...knowing that in the wide circle of life...things have been made a bit better...Patty is happy...but most of all...the animals at the santuary will have a little extra to see them by...maybe one of those dogs that nobody wanted will be trained to sniff out victims in the rubble of Haiti...

Please go to Patty's blog...she has written a wonderful post about why she chose to create this doll to raise donations for the Best Friends Animal Santuary...read all about her hopes & wishes for the People of Haiti...

Please support charity auctions...

Warmly, Susan

TDIPT Mercantile Update Tonight

2010-01-31T13:47:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder that there will be a TDIPT Mercantile Update tonight...hoping you can all pop by & check out all the wonderful Handmade hearts created & donated by my TDIPT sisters to raise money for Haiti. Below are a few photos of the heart that I will have available for purchase. Hope to see there...

Have a heartfelt day! Warmly, Susan

Peter Cottontail

2010-01-28T13:22:00.004-08:00

Peter Cottontail hopping down the bunny trail...

Adopted

P is for Peter

You will be able to read all about Peter on my TDIPT Mercantile page the evening of the 1st. Please feel free to contact me if you should have any questions...I would love to hear from you! This is probably going to be the last of my offerings for the February 1st Tdipt Mercantile update...I am pretty pooped out from sewing up a storm & have quite a few critters & other projects on the go...none of which will be completed before the 1st...unless I decide to burn some midnight oil...time for a few days off...my house is a disaster...I look like I have been pulled through a knot-hole...so I will say adios for now...

Click here to go to the PFATT BLOG to read all about our Penny Feather Tree charity auction

Thanks to all who have written in commenting on my work...you are all so thoughtful & I appreciate you coming by for a visit! Your the best!!! Warmly, Susan

La Petite Lapin

2010-01-27T10:36:00.001-08:00

No I haven't jumped off the face of the Earth..I am here...barely...but I am just about ready to pull my hair out...I believe my problem is that I have WAY TO MANY projects on the go...WAY TO MANY things I want to try!!! & WAY WAY WAYYYY not enough time to do them, learn them...perfect them...Yay Yay...I know it is my own fault & you have heard it all before...ya I know you are all in the same boat...a very full boat probably...ready for capsizing...full of creative folks jammed bow to stern with creative ideas bursting out of their heads...crying, "Save me...save me from my creative self." O Ma Gawd! Hurry throw me a boy...er bouy, I think I mean life jacket...mayhaps a boy would be better...but my husband wouldn't approve...

La Petite Lapin

Tiny Cross Stitch on Primitive Linen

My Febuary 1st TDIPT Mercantile offering

A tattered & torn wee rabbit for your sewing room

Adopted

Available for purchase Febuary 1st on the TDIPT Mercantile website. A hand-painted wool felt rabbit with glass bead eyes, chenille stem feet, needle felted sheep's wool tail. Last but not least..I have given him a tea stained ribbon to adorn his little neck. The cushions he is perched on are made of aged & stained primitive linen & quilter's cotton. "La Petite Lapin" is cross stitched on the top cushion in teeny tiny letters...a couple of raggedy patches, an antique metal button & black stitching can also be seen around the edges & on the bottom of the cushion. This piece measures 6.5 inches at its widest point & stands 5" inches tall from the top of the rabbit's ears to the bottom cushion. It is a wonderfully old looking piece with charm & character a plenty & would look great sitting in amongst your antique collectibles. Please email me if you should have further questions as I would love to hear from you!

$115.00 US plus $12.00 US for shipping with insurance.

Have a sunshiny Day!!! Warmly, Susan

News & Views

2010-01-13T08:52:00.002-08:00

Been Busy making bears...or at least trying to...they are so much work...the pattern cutting...measuring seam allowances(at least in my case I do...the care & attention you put into them & then when you are finished sewing it all together...you have to deal with the joints...the stuffing...the plucking...the aging...the dressing...the brushing........oh...ma....gawd...I am exhausted from creating just one little bear!!! But ohhh the satisfaction when you are done...& he is sitting on your shelf with his little black eyes staring at you...I am in love...

I want to thank all of you who popped by & made a comment on my last post about my Allsorts candy project...I enjoy every word & I appreciate your taking the time to come by here & share your thoughts with me...warmly, Susan