Saturday, December 26, 2009

My Christmas Eggs

A long time ago, in our first house, I had a wonderful neighbor and we became great friends. Her name is Ida. She taught me how to make egg ornaments. Many times, in the evening when the children were asleep, we would get together and work on them.

We would take apart old jewelry and look in all the stores to collect tiny things to put into our eggs. There was a woman who owned a very special store called "Crescent Landscaping" where we would buy rolls of gold cord and extra beads and do-dads. She had everything.

After blowing them, letting them dry and applying the gold cord, we would use a tiny scissor to cut openings in the eggs for special things to show through or sometimes leave them as they were and decorate with the finest embellishments.

Each one was a treasure to us, and as soon as we finished one we were on to another, thinking that one would be the best.

They have lasted all this time, about 45 years now. I love them as much now as I did then. And I love the memory of that time. I guess that's what I love most.

Monday, December 14, 2009

It's that time of year...

This was the first Christmas Mouse to come out this year. She is enjoying visiting with the other forest animals on my buffet.

This bunny I found in an antique shoppe and the others in a gift shop in Door County one year. I love forest animals.

These are beautiful, I think, and they stay on my buffet all year long.
When we got home from Door County that year, my husband called back and had this one delivered as a surprise! The biggest!

Now yesterday while shopping, I just couldn't resist one more. This squirrel and his acorn.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Pilgrims and Indians

My favorite pilgrim. Julie made her years ago in grammar school. She's made from an empty paper towel roll.

Complete with her cute little wire-rimmed glasses.

A basket of apples in one hand...

and her fresh turkey in the other.

Here are the Indians.

And the pie-baker.

Memories of Thanksgivings Past. These paper decorations were around in my house since I was a child. They are all stamped 8 cents on the back.

The beautiful pilgrims.

Getting worn over the years, but I still love them.

Monday, November 9, 2009

"Frederick"

This is my Boyds Bear. Several years ago, I visited my cousin and her husband in Maryland. One of the days, we drove to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to see the Boyds Bears. I fell in love with this mushy one. He is so soft and he kind of just hugs you when you need it. He flew home with me, with his head sticking out of my backpack. I think I will name him "Frederick".

Just look at those piggies!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Grandpa Bear

Well, I think he looks like a grandpa bear. He is also a handmade bear. He has a beautiful vest. All he needs is his pipe and his newspaper.

I think any little boy or girl bear would love to sit on his lap to listen to his stories.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

"Gene"

Introducing "Gene". I bought him many years ago in Michigan and, according to the papers that came with him, he was handsewn by Jennifer Reeves. He is "A Twin Lakes Bear". I bought him for my mother. As I said before, she loved bears. When I brought this one home to her, she said it looked like a German circus bear and she loved him.

With each bear that Jennifer made, she lettered a little book to tell about each one. This is Gene's story.

"Gene was born on December 12, 1992.

The entire Bear Clan moved here from Montana over two years ago. They found that the woods, near Twin Lakes, in Dowagiac, Michigan proved to be an ideal place for Mama and Papa Bear to raise their cubs.

Gene is the newest addition to the Bear Clan. Mama and Papa Bear are counting on your love and devotion to Gene and ask that you provide him with a cruel-free home and an occasional jar of wildflower honey. In return, Gene will keep any secrets safe, won't judge you for anything you might do, and will be loyal and love you forever.


If you ever get around the Twin Lakes area, maybe you will be able to catch a glimpse of Gene's brothers or sisters playing in the woods or swimming in the water. Be careful though because they will run and hide if an uprighter is near them. Each one only allows one special person into their life. Their devotion is forever. Hopefully, this means you! "


Friends

I seem to have aquired so many teddy bears and puppies over the years! My mom loved teddy bears, especially ones that looked like German circus bears (i will have to take a picture of him), and Danielle loves puppies (and cats and deer and bunnies and...and...and...).

Before Danielle was born, and we were planning the baby shower, I designed the drawing for the invitation and then later had gift cards and prints made from it too. They come in handy, but I also need to make a card that is appropriate for a boy. I dug around in Danielle's bedroom and decided on these two friends. I love their sweet faces.

Isn't this little guy just the cutest thing? Hmmm...looks like he's been into the markers!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Leaf Fairy

Made her a few years ago. She says she loves the new leaves that I have brought in and wants some friends! I guess there was more than one reason for me to save them.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Let me out!

Matryoshka dolls (Russian nested dolls). I guess that is what these are called, although they were made in China. I bought them many years ago, probably when Brent was little. Anyway, they say "let me out"!

They want to join in the Halloween fun!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Would it be a boy or a girl?

Twenty-one years ago, I made these babies for my daughter's baby shower. I was sewing and sewing and stuffing and stuffing for months before. I have pictures of all of them somewhere. I must look. They were all lined up, like a parade, until the day of the shower came. Everyone got one to take home.

We didn't know if it was going to be a girl...

or a boy. I wonder what happened to all those babies? I loved them, but I sometimes wonder where the others are. Did anyone care?
And...it was a boy! A prince.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

I love colored pencils

My colored pencils are happy. They love their tomato cans! Here are the greens.

Reds and oranges.

Pinks and purples.

Browns and golds.

Yellows and whites.

and blues and silvers. I love tomato cans too! Aren't they pretty?

Thursday, October 15, 2009

And one more...

She found the best seat in the house!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Here come the witches!

The witches are ready for a party today and soon Halloween! October! Their favorite month!

Pictures are a little dim, but I was trying to take them in their natural surroundings. This is the sweet witch. She is shy.

Party Girl!

Pretty witch.

And here are their dancing shoes!

Let's party!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Baking day

Most of my mother's recipes I have on cards in her own handwriting. That makes them very special and I feel like we're baking together. And today is a special birthday. My granddaughter's. My daughter has requested that I make "grandma's" Milk Chocolate Cake. She remembers that as the traditional birthday cake for her, with white frosting (made with Crisco) and colored shot (sprinkles) on top. Let's continue the tradition!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Fairy gifts

The woods are full of fairies;
The sea is full of fish;
The trees are full of golden leaves;
Let's make an autumn wish. Anon