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Downeast Thunder Farm Logo
  • Home
  • SHOP!
    • Pattern Books
    • Felt Kits
    • Felt Sheets
    • Floss, Needles, Beads, and Wire
    • Wreaths
    • Shabby Chic Owl Kits (New!)
    • Note Cards
  • About
  • BLOG
    • On My Mind
    • On the Farm
    • Odds and Ends
    • In the Kitchen
    • Out and About in Maine
  • Susan’s Free Patterns
    • Susan’s Felt Patterns
    • Susan’s Bird Patterns
    • Susan’s Critter Patterns
    • Susan’s Sea Life Patterns
    • Susan’s Insect Patterns
    • Christmas and Other Seasonal Felt Patterns
    • Reader Projects
    • Suggest a Pattern
  • Susan’s SVG Bird Patterns
  • Contact

Downeast Thunder Farm

Our Little Patch of Woods in Downeast Maine
The Bountiful Red-wing Blackbird

The Bountiful Red-wing Blackbird

by Susan | Feb 16, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns

The red-winged blackbird is one of the most abundant birds – found virtually everywhere in the United States. He’s also been very popular in the request list. Enjoy! Right click here and select “Save Target As” (on a PC) to save this free...
The Territorial Eastern Towhee

The Territorial Eastern Towhee

by Susan | Feb 14, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns

Another snowy day, another project! Eastern Maine may be a little too “east” for the eastern towhee, but he’s such a pretty bird. His distinctive pattern makes it easy to create his likeness from felt. Right click here and select “save target...
The Retiring Boreal Chickadee

The Retiring Boreal Chickadee

by Susan | Feb 9, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns

The Boreal Chickadee is not as gregarious as it’s cousin, the black-capped chickadee, which we see here daily. The Boreal Chickadee seems shy in comparison and doesn’t seem to enjoy being caught on camera. Right click here and click “save target...
The Gregarious Evening Grosbeak

The Gregarious Evening Grosbeak

by Susan | Feb 5, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns

If you live anywhere in the northeast, you should probably be home, safe and sound out of the weather today. So what to do with an unexpected snow day? This evening grosbeak is the perfect project. They are year-round residents in Maine, but you’re lucky if you...
The Gentle Northern Flicker

The Gentle Northern Flicker

by Susan | Jan 30, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Tree Clinging Bird Patterns

When readers suggested that I create a northern flicker, I didn’t know where to begin. Although they’re native to this neck of the woods, I’ve never seen one. With this pattern, you can make a yellow-shafted flicker, found in the east, or a...
The Gaudy Ring-neck Pheasant

The Gaudy Ring-neck Pheasant

by Susan | Jan 19, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Ground and Game Bird Patterns

One of the most requested birds at Downeast Thunder Farm is, surprisingly not a feeder bird, but a pheasant. After spying one strutting about the edge of our drive the other day, I decided to take a stab at designing it. Their color pattern is quite intricate –...
The Pretty Purple Finch

The Pretty Purple Finch

by Susan | Jan 12, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns

Not long ago a visitor pointed out that what I thought was a house finch was really a purple finch. So, of course I had to make a felt purple finch. This is the only one I’ve seen on the farm lately! Right click on this link and select “Save target...
Sprightly Tree Sparrow

Sprightly Tree Sparrow

by Susan | Jan 5, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns

I’ve so enjoyed the tree sparrows who are wintering in our yard. Sprightly with an endearing musical twitter, they have been frequent visitors to the feeders and provide much entertainment. Right click here and select “Save target as” (on a PC) to...
The Precious Pygmy Owl

The Precious Pygmy Owl

by Susan | Jan 1, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns

I ventured into this work of creating bird patterns three years ago with my Downeast Thunder Farm owl family of ornaments. So, it seems appropriate that my first pattern of 2014 be another owl. Although no self respecting pygmy owl would be found in Maine – especially...
Happy House Sparrow

Happy House Sparrow

by Susan | Dec 29, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns

The house sparrow seems to be everywhere. Lately he’s been a frequent visitor to my feeders. In his honor, I’ve created him out of felt. Right click on this link and select “Save Target As” to save this house sparrow pattern to your computer...
The Curious Scrub Jay

The Curious Scrub Jay

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...
The Spectacular King Eider Duck

The Spectacular King Eider Duck

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”...
The Blue Billed Ruddy Duck

The Blue Billed Ruddy Duck

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...
Northern Saw-whet Owl 2013

Northern Saw-whet Owl 2013

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...
Simply Sweet Short Eared Owl

Simply Sweet Short Eared Owl

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...
The Beguiling Boreal Owl

The Beguiling Boreal Owl

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...
The Elegant Trumpeter Swan

The Elegant Trumpeter Swan

by Susan | Nov 9, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Waterfowl and Seabird Patterns

A reader recently requested a trumpeter swan – the first such request I’ve received. I loved the idea and had fun coming up with the design for this double-sided felt swan ornament. I think he turned out quite nice! Right click here and select “save...
The Tiny Elf Owl

The Tiny Elf Owl

by Susan | Nov 3, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns

This little elf owl is among the tiniest of owls. You’re not likely to see one in Maine, but Hannah and I fell in love with the sweet Gylfie elf owl from the Guardians of Ga’Hoole movie. Right click on this link and select “Save target as” (on...
Spiffy Barn Swallow

Spiffy Barn Swallow

by Susan | Oct 27, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Swift and Swallow Patterns

I’ve read that male barn swallows must always put their best foot forward or the females will move on in search of a new guy. So does that make the females fickle or simply smart to keep those boys on their toes? Either way, a Barn Swallow for you to fashion out...
The Quaint California Quail

The Quaint California Quail

by Susan | Oct 8, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Ground and Game Bird Patterns

This humble little bird has the honor of being the most requested bird pattern at Downeast Thunder Farm. We don’t have these little birds in our neck of the woods, but I certainly had fun designing him. Enjoy! Right click on this link and select “save...
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Posts by Month

Random Posts

Taking some time away!

The Curious Gray Catbird

A buff in the box with the Canon EOS 3Ti

A Buff in the Box Revisited

Cooking With Giant Pumpkin

mother's day blueberry pancakes

Smile, It’s Mother’s Day

downeastthunderfarm

Susan’s life in Coastal Downeast Maine

The joy of spending time watching bees and pumpkin The joy of spending time watching bees and pumpkin blossoms on a Saturday morning.
This year‘s garlic harvest is a mixed bag. With th This year‘s garlic harvest is a mixed bag. With the exception of flowers, I’m planting almost exclusively in raised beds. For the first time, I planted garlic in a 16 inch tall, wooden raised bed. Some of the heads right in the middle grew large. However, most of those around the edges are quite small. Planted on time and mulched with straw, it’s not my best garlic harvest, but we have garlic. And isn’t it amazing how nature sorts itself out when you plant the garlic clove upside down?
A great spangled fritillary butterfly on my new sw A great spangled fritillary butterfly on my new swamp milkweed plants. The new milkweed are looking strong and beautiful. Sadly, they’re also attracting yellow jackets. 😑
Our pumpkin trellis planted June 6 in Downeast Mai Our pumpkin trellis planted June 6 in Downeast Maine. Tomatoes and zucchinis are coming along slowly. We’ve had an odd mix of very cool nights with a nice days.
Murphee snuck in on my porch nap. 😂 Murphee snuck in on my porch nap. 😂
The story of Dad's 90th birthday. Mission accompli The story of Dad's 90th birthday. Mission accomplished. 😊
https://www.downeastthunderfarm.com/2026/07/dads-90th-birthday/
(Visit the link in my bio for the story on my blog.)
My first carrot of the season! I only plucked it b My first carrot of the season! I only plucked it because the greens could not stand straight anymore. It was delightful. These were so slow to start. I was beginning to wonder earlier in this season if they were ever going to make it. They did. 🥕
Today marks 29 years coming home to this fellow. 😊 Today marks 29 years coming home to this fellow. 😊 Happy anniversary, Paul!
We had 21 beautiful@birdhouses in WHRL’s summer si We had 21 beautiful@birdhouses in WHRL’s summer silent auction. Hannah’s “Coastal Maine Marsh” bright in the highest bid ($280). 😊 Yay Hannah!
A Sunday morning hummer from my spot on the porch. A Sunday morning hummer from my spot on the porch. It’s my first porch day in two weeks and it’s glorious. 😊
The @womenforhealthyruralliving Summer Silent Auct The @womenforhealthyruralliving Summer Silent Auction is live! Most items in the auction will ship (including the birdhouses Hannah and I created). 

In addition to 21 artist designed birdhouses, we have some other fabulous items and experiences, including a $1,050 Kayak package from Wyman’s, a Beginner Weaver’s Experience with Pat Olsen, a stunning Jelly Roll Rug from Elisa Ferrell ($200 value), a Geri Valentine original hat, a Massachusetts Air B&B Stay, Coastal Maine Botanical Garden tickets, and more!

The proceeds of this event support WHRL’s Incredible Edible Milbridge program and Milbridge Commons Wellness Park. Please share and help us spread the word!

https://www.32auctions.com/whrl
Ahh to be home. I arrived home last night and spen Ahh to be home. I arrived home last night and spent the hour before work in my garden. ❤️

The last picture shows an Eastern Redbud seedling sprouted from my mom’s tree. I planted two tiny seedlings I brought home from PA last fall and they survived the winter! The upside down trash bin is to protect them from the rabbits and deer.
Flying home today after a 90th birthday weekend wi Flying home today after a 90th birthday weekend with Dad. 😊
Pennsylvania bound for a short trip to celebrate D Pennsylvania bound for a short trip to celebrate Dad’s 90th birthday. 😊 It’s the first time in 23 years that I’ve flown on an airplane! 😬
The first Monarch of the season at Downeast Thunde The first Monarch of the season at Downeast Thunder Farm! #monarchbutterfly #mainemonarch
Little Murphee is not too sure about thunderstorms Little Murphee is not too sure about thunderstorms. She landed in my lap after the second rumble.
Stunning colors on a gray, overcast afternoon. Stunning colors on a gray, overcast afternoon.
Today’s bouquet from the garden. Today’s bouquet from the garden.
We're having a Judy explosion lately! I've lost co We're having a Judy explosion lately! I've lost count, but Murphee is on duty!

More at: https://www.downeastthunderfarm.com/2026/07/a-judy-explosion/
It’s been a long time since I have posted on my bl It’s been a long time since I have posted on my blog. Life just seems to get in the way. Here’s a bit of insight into the birdhouses Hannah and I created this summer.  https://www.downeastthunderfarm.com/2026/07/for-the-birds/
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Milbridge, Maine

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