by Susan | Jan 25, 2018 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns, Sea Life
Sightings of Beluga Whales are pretty scarce in this neck of the woods. This Beluga Whale pattern is super easy ornament to make. My whale is a pale blue, but white or off white would be more accurate. I so like their “smiles” – they seem such happy...
by Susan | Jan 21, 2018 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns, Sea Life
The Majestic Humpback Whale is number three in my whale series. He’s already off to grace baby Elijah’s room (my nephew). Found on both coasts of the United States, the Humpback is a summer visitor to the coast of Maine. Have fun! Download Now!...
by Susan | Jan 20, 2018 | Odds and Ends, Projects
Paul doesn’t get enough credit for things he does for me around the house. He’s a very handy guy. Ponds, duck and chicken coops, pot racks, you name it and he can likely do it. The only challenge is that Paul has one speed. He calls it “half...
by Susan | Jan 17, 2018 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns
This turtle design grew out of an email I received from Nancy. A fourth-grade teacher, Nancy raises two Blanding’s Turtle hatchlings with her class each year. Once grown, they release the turtles into the wilds of Massachusetts. This is my second attempt at the...
by Susan | Jan 15, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
After a long morning of problem-solving work issues, not budging from my desk, I needed to move. Hannah and I set off in the car without a destination and landed atop Pigeon Hill. At 19 degrees. Our last Pigeon Hill trip was with dad last June. Our last winter hike...
by Susan | Jan 14, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
A winter’s day Sunday drive. On this marsh, yesterday’s high waters flash froze before receding. The crackle and tinkling sound of breaking ice was like a background music score. A new day, a new beach to explore. Colder than yesterday with a high of 19...
by Susan | Jan 13, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
A January thaw has descended on the region. Temps in the 50s paired with high winds and torrential rains have all but washed away the snow and ice. When the rain tapered off today it felt almost balmy outside so Hannah and I headed to the beach for a walk –...
by Susan | Jan 9, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
It was a balmy 32 degrees Downeast today – a most welcome change from the sub zero temps that have lingered. Traveling the roads the past few days has been harrowing. Snow on top of ice is never fun. Today, rich with sunshine, gave the crews a chance to clean...
by Susan | Jan 7, 2018 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
As has become our tradition as the Christmas season ends, our Charlie Brown tree has another chance to bring a bit more joy. Hannah helped me bring it outdoors – strategically placed outside one of the living room windows. I dipped apple slices and pine cones...
by Susan | Jan 6, 2018 | On My Mind
Plan for the worst and hope for the best. That’s what we were thinking going into this snow storm. At moments it was wild with blizzardy snow whipping around. The wildlife was a bit nervous gathering food while they could. I haven’t seen Goldfinches at the...
by Susan | Jan 3, 2018 | On My Mind
Bombogenesis. The word alone sounds ominous. The forecast is enough to have us all planning for a snow day tomorrow. We’ve had storms with more snow accumulation than is expected with this one, but hurricane force winds along with heavy snow and an astronomical...
by Susan | Jan 2, 2018 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns, Sea Life
Whale number two in my whale series is the Benevolent Blue Whale, designed with love for my new nephew. He’s too young to appreciate them, but I’m having fun designing them for him. I hope you have fun with him! Download Now!...
by Susan | Dec 26, 2017 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns, Sea Life
When I learned that my new nephew’s bedroom was being decorated with whales, I went to work designing them. If you’ve been visiting for a while, you know that I prefer to design realistic looking ornaments. And while I tried to do this for the sperm whale,...
by Susan | Dec 25, 2017 | Family, On My Mind
Just yesterday I talked about family treasures. Today I have been gifted with new treasures. A couple of years ago Paul and I took a class on carving and printmaking. He put those skills to use in his gift for me this Christmas. He created this wonderful woodblock owl...
by Susan | Dec 24, 2017 | On My Mind
All is right in my world today. Hannah is home from college. We sit snuggled on the sofa enjoying an afternoon of Patriot’s football. Cookies are baked. A Christmas eve dinner of yummy appetizers is underway. I’ve got a puppy warming my feet. It’s a...
by Susan | Dec 22, 2017 | On My Mind
This year has been a rush to plan for Christmas. With Hannah away at college, I had no interest in searching for a tree on my own. Last weekend I made the trip to Ohio run to bring her home for the holidays. With just days to go, Hannah and I made our annual trek...
by Susan | Dec 19, 2017 | Out and About in Maine
I spied this bald eagle perched over the river today and paused for a photo. And then there were two. It’s so good to be back in Maine where the traffic is slow – it doesn’t matter if I stop the car in the middle of the road for a photo...
by Susan | Dec 13, 2017 | Out and About in Maine
As I was cruising about Downeast this week, I couldn’t help but notice the pops of red in the landscape. The snow created a wonderful backdrop for this winter berry tree. And the winter berry shrubs that tend to grow along the highway. A red lobster boat....
by Susan | Dec 11, 2017 | Felt Patterns, Other Patterns, Projects
I’ve wanted to find another way to use my felt birds for the holiday. I created this Christmas stocking just big enough to feature an owl and to tuck a few goodies inside. The possibilities are endless. Use a wool or wool-blend felt for a sturdy stocking in...
by Susan | Dec 10, 2017 | On the Farm
It’s official. We’re in winter mode. This was the sight greeting us this morning. We spent yesterday procrastinating, only moving into winter prep when the first flakes began to fall. Yard clear of stuff; check. Snow shovels distributed to all doors;...