A Bit Of Art

I have been busy working and gardening and only making small progress on quilts this week. I shot a few photos of some of my other work to share.

For a long time I was really into needle felting. Another fun way to work with wool, which is such a versatile and amazing material.

I made this little scene for an art show last winter, themed "Little Houses".

This big felted bag cried out for decoration so I felted a scene from my own life.

I still have a few paintings kicking around from when I used to paint with oils and acrylic. Most of the better ones I gave away as gifts. The rest, I'm not sure if I like them. I don't want to hang them up in my house but I also don't want to throw them out.

Maybe I'll hang one up in the outhouse :)

This one was always my favorite.

I have a nice little collection of paints and maybe someday (retirement?) I will pick it up again. Painting is something I enjoy but I've never stuck with it enough to be great at it.

I pressed some violas in a homesteading book. I hope they turn out and I can use them to make cards.

This guy continues to be my joy and has discovered the game of "Hide and Seek".

I love to hear him counting, even if he is peeking a little!

You mean I'm not supposed to peek?

Little Red Hen is looking for a hiding spot.

I'm downsizing the herd and moving 3 goats this weekend - two billies and a milking mama, Nemo. They are going to a new home on the island. I'm even considering boarding out my other two milkers for a little break from the daily commitment. I love my goats and milking them is one of the best moments of my day, quiet, meditative, fruitful. However between all of my obligations and other commitments I would welcome a reprieve. I could actually sleep in on my days off! I am lucky to have other friends with milking goats who would welcome a bit of extra milk for a while.

Last night I slept outside with a warm breeze and frogsong. It was lovely.

The time keeps trucking along, the trees bursting into flower, berries forming.

Wishing you a deep breath of fresh air.

Small People Sew-Along

My small person.

In trying to get connected with the online craft community I have dipped my toe into the vast pool of collective projects that are available on other blogs and websites.

I am participating in Struggle Sews A Straight Seam's Sew-A-Long for Small People and I'm planning on sewing up a sock monkey, and also a teddy bear kind of like the one in the photo. If I'm really ambitious I might knit up a hat for my little guy, too.

There are some great patterns and links over at Leah's blog. We have until May to finish up so there is lots of time to scheme and sew.

Some of my favorite things I've made for my own small person are...

This little crocheted vest

Crocheted fuzzy booties with leather soles.

David was really into zebras at the time and he loved this shirt! The patch is from an old sweater and I needle-felted the zebra. I made a few more like this for some friends' babies.

David is modelling the little owl.

See the cloth diaper sun-drying in the background? Those were the days...

And a little mobile that I made while teaching a Needle Felting workshop. The ring at the top is an embroidery hoop wrapped with yarn. This was super easy to make and is a great first project for beginners to needle felting.

Right now in my world there are 3 week old chicks running around the house. David has the hiccups. My four goats are pregnant and are due in the next few weeks.

This photo was taken a few days ago. Tonight the poor goats are all huddling together under cover and it is pouring rain and windy. Here's hoping for smooth birthing and healthy kids!