On being busy...

I guess there are advantages to being busy. (I'm looking on the bright side here!)

Too busy to wallow in winter blues
Too busy to watch the stupid tv
Too busy to waste hours online
Too busy to clean house much -- and I have an excuse
Too busy to volunteer for everything -- learning to say NO
Too busy to snack too much
Too busy that its ok if I make a few mistakes along the way -- missed appointments, etc

In any case January is racing by and February is on its way! And February means Valentines Day!

This is a Valentine treasury on Etsy that I love. My new pair of red birds are included.

It's Monday .... another snow day!

Yes, another snow day. Yesterday it was so warm you couldn't believe that snow was coming so soon again. As I was sitting at the table I felt for an instant that it felt like maple sugaring time. Then in dawned on me that in several weeks we once again will be starting this arduous process. It does make the lingering winter months go by so fast and is so much fun too. But as with many fun things the process takes a lot of energy and time. I guess one more reason to hope that winter holds on a little longer.

The kids were out early with snow pants over their pj's. When I looked out they appeared to be stuffing their faces with snow.

I was busy packaging up things to go out in the mail -- hopeful that the roads would clear up a bit.

Here are some of my latest creations ...



another photo of my blue birds



and a few lovely treasuries too..

Nesting....

Our little zebra finch pair has laid a little egg. The girls are so thrilled about this too! With only one little egg in their nest the finches are not yet "sitting" on it. The girls are busy checking up on it asking all those important questions (when will it hatch?, how does it get food?, ....) I love watching their excitement.

I was also outside collecting nesting material. Using some bittersweet vine, grape vine curls, and even some gourd plant curls I made a little rough nest for my latest pair of birds (for a custom order). Shown is the sketch I did and the actual pair of birds. I haven't worked out the beak color yet.

Feels like spring! I'm loving the sun!

What a beautifully warm day even with the snow so deep that its uncomfortable to walk in! I had to sit out on the porch and work in the sun for a while just soaking up its warmth. Sad to say a few honey bees left their hive today and didn't make it back. When they get too close to the cold snow I think their metabolism slows down and they can't fly back.

I wanted to share this little fun story by Lovebug on http://www.weddingbee.com/ about the arrival of their little wedding birds. Its just too cute! I'm so glad they are happy in their new home!

Quiet january....

I am a little blue that Christmas is over and the house is quiet again with the girls off at school. But there is little time for that with my busy schedule of custom orders and I am looking forward to working on them. Of course it won't be quiet for long as my youngest is reminding me that her birthday is coming up soon. With 3 kids I do feel that I'm reaching my "birthday party" limit with the youngest. I will do my best to live up to the past parties

I got a little note this morning letting me know that my little bird was included in this little Etsy treasury. Thank you!



This is another one from last week that I forgot to include. I love the black and white!

A new year ...

I am looking forward to another year with even more exciting creativity. Last year was a first with my newly opened shop in Dec 2006 and has kept me pretty busy. I had sold my work locally at shops and galleries but my shop on Etsy was all my own. I really do love it. Lets hope the next year is just as exciting!

My bird cake toppers are featured on Etsy Finds today too! Wow!



I did manage to get most of "presents" made for my youngest daughter to some degree. Its difficult to live up to expectations but one can only do what one can. "Rosie" is our new addition to my daughters favorite baby dolls. She is pretty much Annie Ootie's twin with a few minor exceptions. They do look cute together. I sewed two matching hats but never had time to finish mittens and booties on Christmas eve.



My little fairy house and acorn cap fairies (dolls actually) was an improvised affair. I was planning on a house made of either tree bark or log rounds but with all the snow I figured finding materials would be difficult. So I made a house from an old felted brown sweater. I only managed to make 3 little dolls and no furniture and I will have to leave my dreams of decorating the fairy house to a free morning. I want to add felt flowers and vines along the walls and roof.

Happy New Year to All!

Another year goes by so fast! It's been a fun one though!

We woke to another lovely snowy morning with the pines weighed heavily in snow. It was beautiful! A snow plow had pulled our phone line off our house so no phone or internet all day. The kids enjoyed the packing snow and had fun with their snowman family making project. I worked on a few fabric bird sculptures while enjoying watching a BBC Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice. My husband gave me a collection for Christmas and even though I am familiar with these stories it is nice to watch these versions.

These are a few of the birds ...




A cute treasury to share!