Welcome to Scarlet Cord

Hello! My name is Kris Keese and thank you for visiting my little blog where I share my needle felted and now watercolor journey as well as a few of those life experiences along the way. Please let me know you were here-I would love to hear from you!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

One project done and another to begin...

I just finished making my first ever felt birthday crown. This is for my grandson Kaden who loves everything about cars. He will be having his third birthday this month and I am feeling a little pleased that I got it done in time. I then realized to be fair maybe I should do one for all my grandkids. Do you think a little seven year old boy and a nine year old girl would like a birthday crown? Hmmm! I may be doing a lot of crowns in 2012.

But first I need to work on a baby blanket for our new grandson. I loved the colors and cuddly softness of this yarn and it made me think it would be perfect for a Teddy Bear Blanket. I found a pattern at Michael's that I thought I will try.


Sunday, December 11, 2011

Christmas Decorating-Done!


Love it when the tree is up and everything is in order. 

Each ornament has a special memory.

Friday, December 9, 2011

The Button Factory

This last weekend was Open Studios at The Button Factory in Portsmouth NH.  John and I spent several hours there but we needed much more time to see everything. During Open Studios you can visit the many artist's studios as well as artists that are just there for the weekend.  One of the highlights was watching a wood turning demonstration by Michael Wise. We bought the very object that was made during the demonstration.

A baby rattle for our newest grandson due to arrive in February.
We also enjoyed visiting with Laury Nichols (L NICHOLS woodcarving) who has the cutest wood carvings. I loved how she had models of the process and did a bit of actual carving while we chatted. She was very encouraging and urged me to look into the jury process in the League of NH Craftsmen.

Monday, December 5, 2011

An Unsuccessful Acorn Hunt



My son is really interested in acorn cap hunting.

Kate's self portrait.
I have once again had the urge to felt acorns using real acorn caps. Last year there were so many acorns laying around and I did collect some but you know how when something is too easy you just do not value it like maybe you should. Well now I am looking at my acorn cap collection and thinking I need more so off we went to look with several bags to put all the caps in and we ended up with less than a handful. Kate got some good pictures and we both stepped in the poo, (dog poo) really!!!  Lesson learned--Don't take acorn caps for granted:)

Monday, November 14, 2011

Little Birds in a Row


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I have been working on birds this last week. This is the first time I have done several at once. The legs end up being the most tedious and messiest part so of course I saved it for last. So here are my birds lined up in a row waiting for their legs. They look a little sad:(
Much better, don't you think?

Monday, November 7, 2011

Craft Fairs

A little over a week ago, my daughter Kate and I had our first craft fair experience. We were part of a small fair at the Wiggins Library in Stratham, NH. We had a great time together. I love that my teenage daughter enjoyed sitting at a craft fair all day with me and is looking forward to our next experience this Saturday at the 'Not Your Grandma's Craft Fair' in Manchester. It was a great experience to meet other local crafters and to sell some of my things to appreciative shoppers. 

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Frost-nooo, SNOW on the Pumpkin!


Don't I wish that I had taken a picture of my pumpkin all covered in snow but no I was huddled inside my dark and cold home feeling humbled at how physically and emotionally dependent I am on electricity. I hate to admit that I did a lot of pouting as I tried to work in the dark. So this weekend was a first for me, a California girl, to see snow on green grass and autumn trees.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Exeter Fine Crafts


It was a scary thing to do! I took some of my work to Exeter Fine Crafts at the beginning of September to be juried. I was so excited to be approved to sell my felted creations there. I have always enjoyed looking around at all the amazing workmanship in this store and now I get to be a part of it too. AND in two weeks two of my birds sold!
              Saying goodbye to Early Bird and Snow White Owl.
       I love the connection to the town of Exeter, too. It is such a pretty place.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Flea Market Find

My Mom came out from California for a visit and our favorite thing to do together is antiquing so I thought I would share one of my little finds:



 A cast iron sheep to go with my little wooly ones.  I think they approve:)


Sunday, October 9, 2011

Summer Highlights-A little bit of remembering...

My favorite spot in the summer-the front porch
           
A short walk to a beautiful place to relax
                     
Beautiful Grandkids visiting
(The Beach Plum Lobster)
                     
Our trip to Virginia and Appomattox Courthouse
                            
My son and grandson on the drums at church
          
Son and hubby playing chess at our yard sale-glad that's behind me:)


Taking Kate to camp and
                                       
Hannah visiting during school break

Theodore going to Summit Ministries
















It was a wonderful summer.




Thursday, September 15, 2011

Wet Felted Coasters


This was not real easy for me but I love the results so much I'm already planning more. 
I love the feel and look of handmade felt. I love seeing the layers of color and I love the way wool works as a coaster. I want to see if I can get better at it so more wet felting this weekend:)
I also like matching colors to my seashell collection.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Wet Felting



I thought I would do some wet felting the other day. I love the results but don't love the process as much. I'm not sure why-maybe the standing and getting wet?
I'm loving the colors-I will post pictures of the finished product later.