by Susan | Dec 19, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
My latest bird was inspired by Julie who wrote: My grandfather used to feed the scrub jays peanuts. They would fly in and land all over him-from his head to arms to be fed peanuts in the shells. If he was late feeding them they would peck at his screen and doors. They...
by Susan | Dec 18, 2013 | On the Farm
For the second time in four days we had to dig out. This second doozy of a storm dropped another 12 inches. The white stuff is beginning to pile up – and it’s not officially winter. This is the view out the French doors. Somewhere out there are my raised beds and a...
by Susan | Dec 15, 2013 | Family, On My Mind
This is the view from our bedroom window. The first thing we do every morning is peak out and see if there is “happy smoke.” Happy smoke from the chimney means that all is working well, we didn’t run out of wood overnight, and the house is toasty...
by Susan | Dec 14, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Waterfowl and Seabird Patterns
The King Eider is a sea duck prized among hunters. A sighting in this neck of the woods is rare. The male is spectacular with his bright, bold coloring. Our hike last weekend where we spotted a variety of ducks reminded me that this guy was on my “to do”...
by Susan | Dec 9, 2013 | On My Mind
December is here and the holiday festivities have begun, but the Christmas Spirit hasn’t quite settled in yet. Maybe it’s my crazy schedule or something else, but I find myself searching for that essence of Joy. We made a concerted effort this weekend to...
by Susan | Dec 8, 2013 | Out and About in Maine
Yesterday, when it was somewhat moderate outside, Hannah asked if we could go for a hike today. Today turned out to be a frigid 27 degrees with a crisp breeze added to the mix. Still, we motivated and hiked the Hollingsworth Trail at the Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge....
by Susan | Dec 7, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Waterfowl and Seabird Patterns
Not long ago, a Mrs. Ruddy wrote and asked me to make a Ruddy Duck pattern. Not being familiar with her namesake, I googled it. Once I saw how fun he was, I knew I had to make him. His blue bill makes him quite unique! Right click here and select “Save Target...
by Susan | Dec 6, 2013 | On My Mind
I created this Owl Be Home For Christmas tree (pictured far right) for the Women’s Health Resource Library’s Christmas Tree Auction & Festival. For weeks I worked on these owls in snippets of stolen time here and there. When I delivered my finished tree to the...
by Susan | Dec 2, 2013 | Family, On My Mind
Her first high school basketball game. Funny, I thought I was done with basketball bleacher warming after elementary school. Not so. Tonight she was a Narraguagus Lady Knight on the JV team. She was nervous and excited and so proud to wear her uniform. So here’s...
by Susan | Dec 1, 2013 | Felt Patterns
A number of readers have written asking for more detail about how I make the feet for my felt birds. There’s no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to making these little birds! In fact, I tend to make things up as I go along. So...
by Susan | Nov 30, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns
I first designed a saw-whet owl last year. I was never particularly happy with with the way he turned out. As I was working on my Owl Be Home For Christmas Tree for a local non-profit auction (read more about this here – you can bid on this tree through 6:45...
by Susan | Nov 29, 2013 | In the Kitchen
This Thanksgiving I decided not to make a pie for dessert. Paul is working hard to lose weight and Hannah doesn’t like pumpkin pie. So why bother? Yesterday morning, as things in the kitchen were gearing up, Hannah asked, “Aren’t we making a...
by Susan | Nov 28, 2013 | On My Mind
The turkey is roasting and the pie has been baked. I sit here at my spot on the sofa, reflecting on this Thanksgiving afternoon, my family enjoying a quiet day beside me. It’s been a busy couple of weeks and I’m liking this sojourn together. I appreciate...
by Susan | Nov 26, 2013 | On My Mind
I have created this Owl Be Home for Christmas Tree for an auction that will benefit a local non-profit group. This 3′ tall table-top Christmas tree features ten of my original felt owl ornaments. Each ornament is double-sided with feet fashioned from wire and...
by Susan | Nov 23, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns
This short-eared owl’s heart-shaped face makes her appear simply sweet. Right click here and select “Save Target As” to save this free Short-eared Owl pattern to your computer (on a PC). Purchase a complete kit with expanded instructions to make this updated...
by Susan | Nov 20, 2013 | Family, On My Mind
Hannah’s excitement of the day was catching this moose with her iPod camera. I envision every kid on the school bus crammed over to one side with their iPods and phones pressed to the bus windows!
by Susan | Nov 17, 2013 | Odds and Ends, Projects
Jean at?Bluebirds Living in the Meadow has taken my bluebird pattern and made a? fabulous paper ornament. She cut the pattern pieces out of gelli printed paper rather than felt. Gelli printing is something entirely new to me. Thank you for this lovely idea!
by Susan | Nov 16, 2013 | On the Farm
We headed out on this mild November morning with plans to continue our efforts weeding out the woods along the power line. Waiting for Paul, I pondered this tree out front. We’ve been worried about it for some time. It’s big. It leans towards the house....
by Susan | Nov 15, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns
You won’t find the boreal owl in the woods of Maine, but as I work my way through patterns for owls (my favorite birds to design) I couldn’t pass up making this little guy. So, to the ladies in Alaska who brought him to my attention, thank you and enjoy! Right click...
by Susan | Nov 11, 2013 | On the Farm
Yesterday was a raw, rainy day. Yet, I still found opportunities to take pictures from the comfort of home. Rain didn’t keep the chickadees away. The kitchen window is the perfect spot for bird watching. This blue jay always visits alone. Aren’t his colors...
