Christmas Decorating-Done!

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

Each ornament has a special memory.

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.

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:)

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?

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. 

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.

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.

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:)

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.

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.

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.

Nana Time

Our oldest daughter Sarah and her two small children came for a visit last week. It was a wonderful week together but my favorite moments were taking my grandkids to the beach. They loved it so much  and it gave me a lot of joy watching and playing with them. I got wet:)