Turning 37 on the Brooklyn Bridge

Happy Birthday to me! A weekend in NYC and a pilgrimmage to Etsy Headquarters in Dumbo (!!!) Craft bliss! Best birthday, EVER. More photos to come.

Grey Gardens-esque

Hi friends! Well, terrarium business has slowed down in these parts (though I still have some special orders to fill). But of late I've had my creative inspiration kicked back into high gear with a one-off wonder: party hat. This year's staff and volunteer party, "the Haberdash Bash" required us all to think tops. So here's my entry. I'm not one to stray far from the woodland, and my mum gave me this woodsy owl ornament for Christmas. Armed with a hockey knee pad, a hairband and my trusty glue gun, I constructed a nest from an old basket, and here's the result. Good enough to win the People's Choice Award (thanks, work pals!)

psst.... I'm over there

Another resolution, met - I'm back on flickr. I've uploaded a whole slew of new terrarium pics. Take a peek!

Guy's Tie

Guy and I met for dinner for our usual midweek date, and TA-DAH! he suprised me by wearing the tie I made him for Christmas. Isn't he the cutest? Soooo handsome!

Okay, okay, back to business...
I learned how to make this tie in one of Karyn's fabulous workroom classes. So far, I've taken the zippered purse course, as well as the men's tie workshop. Karyn is such a great teacher. I'm one of those students who is painfully challenged in the pattern- reading department, which explains why I only knit scarves. (I also never learned how to program my VCR, and don't get me started on my mapreading skills). I just don't have that kind of brain. I was concerned until I discovered so many of my crafty pals have similar stumbling blocks (like Shannon!) Maybe it's the sign of a creative mind. Nevertheless - craft success! Thanks Karyn for helping me embrace classroom learning, once again! (More on workroom courses, here).

Handmade Holidays

Before we move too far toward February, here's two of my favourite holiday shots. I was knee-deep in terrariums leading up to Christmas day, but my doodled wreath - drawn late at night to unwind post-stitch - worked wonders to spruce up my door (excuse the pun).

And my very best presents were so hard to unwrap! That's all my Guy's doing. A squirrel treetopper! We are meant to be.

Hollyday recap

Handmade gifts are just the best, so I was happy this year to have a little time to fill my friends' and family's stockings with little treats made with heart and soul:



A merino wool knee-socks monkey for wee Linden (super luxe!), and some home baked biscotti from the Golly Manor kitchen (my Guy designed those labels - I'm lucky to have a cartoonist in the family!)




Missing here, a couple of "true-to-life" pinecone pins for two wee sisters, who, (I'm told) wore their buttons to school on Wednesday, and before bed asked if they could do the same on Thursday. It doesn't get better than that!

Next up: my nieces' doll family. More on this, tomorrow!

Resolutions 2011

1. I’m going to make the leap from home-sewing to HP-sewing. I would love to sew myself a garment or two (I’m thinking an easy shift dress or tunic). I’m looking here, here and here for inspiration.
2. *Really* open my Etsy shop.
3. Apply for an exhibition.
4. Understand my pension and RRSP statements.
5. Consume less sugar.
6. Exercise more.
7. Organize my craft supplies.
8. Go to bed earlier.

I was trying to make it to 10, but this is a good start. Most of all, I know I am so lucky to have this life. I am thankful for true love, family and friends who inspire me, Cedarvale Park, craft blogs, contentment, creativity and imagination. This year, I am happier than I've ever been; I can't wait to see what 2011 brings.

Happy New Year!