Oh, the Feeling of Failure!

Look at my bread machine bread. Fallen like an old lady who can't get up. Don't know what went wrong... anybody have any advice? My husband received the machine in September so we're not that familiar with it. Anyway, it's a laugh ; ) Happy Friday.

Meet Millicent

Here's a little girl I painted a few days ago...love her braids and how she's holding the doll against her face. (oops, need to fix the black lines on her shirt!) She landed in the shop tonight (but I'll secretly fix her shirt and re-post the photos tomorrow...shhh, don't tell :)

Chapel Chairs

A new little drawing I did last night. My daughter fell asleep early (rarely happens!) so I was able to do some drawing and painting. Was so attracted to the 'crowd' of empty chairs... somber yet inviting. The bottom photo is the start of a picnic party painting. (8 x 10" very small for me so, it's a challenge.)

Feels so good to get back into a groove. It's hard to resume a routine though when reality has pushed you in a different direction. Just now starting to get to work after a summer and fall full of family and friends staying with us. Nothing like a quiet house to get the creative juices flowing again. :) Wonder why transitions are so difficult no matter how old you get?!

How do you get started again when you've hit a 'speed bump?'

Happy Halloween!

Believe it or not... these are the first pumpkins I've ever carved! Hubby has always done it in the past but he's workin' this weekend so, it was up to me. Besides the big gouge in my index finger I think they turned out pretty nice. Best part - the kids love 'em :) (the right one is a cat). And here's another shot of the dogs... can't help myself. They are getting along so well, playing a lot and causing all kinds of trouble.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

New Wool and Silk Mittens

Here are my second pair of mittens (the first was a bit wonky) made from a wonderful yarn called Grace Hand-Dyed by Lousia Harding yarns. 50% merino wool, 50% silk. Absolutely decadent... a real luxury if you want to pamper your hands this winter. (no, I don't work for their company :) I already used them yesterday on a nippy stroller ride and they were very warm. That's my son in his 'motorcycle jammies' helping the hand model.

Still working on the Xmas ornaments... the embellishments take more time than you'd ever think but, it's fun. Happy hump day! (we're supposed to awaken to the first snow in the morning. not ready for it!)

PS I added a few new things to the shop this morning... and free shipping on all cards and small prints. Stop by and say hi.

Birds and Babies

Brothers :)

Our new baby!

It's getting to be Christmas making season already and this morning I finally got started! There's a nice show which happens every year after Thanksgiving at a local gallery. Many local artists make one of a kind ornaments for the shop and there's a big party to go along with it. Usually, I make felted wool ornaments and this year is no exception. So, here are my unfinished owls - just a start to many in the flock. More little birds in the works too.

Some big news to share: Our Mr. Darcy (Welsh Corgi) now has a little brother to pal around with! Mr. Knightly came to us yesterday. We called the # from the ad and upon arrival, realized this was the same lady who had our Mr. Darcy! (she had moved, so we had no idea it it could be the same person) His name comes from the Jane Austen novel, Emma. The friend, neighbor and confidant of Emma... with whom she eventually falls in love. We like to just call him 'Knightly' as Mrs. Elton does in the book.

Car Trouble

Here's a fun painting I've been working on - just putting the finishing touches on it. Love these old VW buses... they came in such bright colors. My ballet teacher drove a turquoise one :) Have a few more in the works I'll be sharing soon. What have you been working on? Happy Thursday!