A "Little" Snowstorm!

Over the weekend, we had a little snowstorm.

(A blizzard, actually)
I happen to live in the town that is on record of having the most snow...40 inches!!!
Lucky me!

In fact, according to our mayor, this is the worst snowstorm in over a century.

I have been in lots of snowstorms, and I can honestly say, I think the mayor's statement is right on target.



Here's my deck about three hours into the storm.

Here's my deck about six hours into the storm. Notice I had to move on to a yardstick.
The snow was falling at about 3 to 4 inches an hour.

Here's my deck after the blizzard was through.

I had quite a time getting that door open.

My front stairs

My hubby making a path down the backstairs.

Oh, that's my car underneath there...

My son's car... he won't be driving until Spring! 

 Jonas had to check out the snow.

And, of course, Jonas had to pose in the snow.

I may be tired from shoveling...

but I still love a good snowstorm!

No use complaining.

You can't control Mother Nature.

Smiles everyone!

♥

Tiramisu Cupcakes

Recently, my daughter asked me to make tiramisu. The thing about tiramisu is that once it is made you pretty much have to eat the entire tray within a day or else you will have a gloppy mess. On a positive note, consuming the entire tray is not hard to do because once you taste tiramisu, you want more. The negative side to eating the entire tray is that you will have to lay on your bed to zipper up your jeans. Oh come on, admit it.We all have had to do that at some point in our lives. Ugh!! Well, I have found an easy fix to this. I made tiramisu cupcakes!! Each cake is a single size serving of the delicious traditional Italian dessert immersed with coffee and topped off with a marscopone frosting. You certainly can eat more than one if you want tighter clothes, or you can spread the love by sharing with family and friends. Enjoy!

♥

Meet Eli Thomas

I've been spending the past month trying to finish projects that have been in the works for awhile. Most of the unfinished works are patterns that I bought because I thought they were too adorable to pass up. Patterns from other designers are interesting to make because I can learn a lot from them, and they also get the creative wheels in my head going. I recently finished up this handsome fellow, a snowman by Aunt Manny's Creations.  Other designer's patterns usually do not speak to me like my own designs do but this little guy did. Sadly, in light of the horrific tragedy that happened here in my state this past week, I can't seem to write his story. I have tried and tried but my heart is too heavy at this time. I felt I still needed to share him with everyone though. When I look at my winter buddy, he brings a smile to my face. Hopefully, he is able to do that for all of you. Smiles are definitely needed now more than ever.

♥♥ So I introduce you now to Eli Thomas.♥♥

 

♥ Peace ♥ Love ♥ Hope♥

♥

A Dark Day in Connecticut

“There is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. We sometimes lose sight of this force when there is suffering, too much pain. Then suddenly, the spirit will emerge through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call and answer in extraordinary ways.”

 -Mother Theresa

Prayers, love, and light for all the families in Newtown, Connecticut

♥

Here Comes Santa Again!

If you go way back to the beginning when I first started this blog, I spoke about making a wooden Queen Anne doll. I took an online class in which I purchased a kit. I haven't finished the doll. In fact, I think I have been working on it for two years. The reason I haven't finished is because of the carving involved. The kit has the hands and body cut already in a basic square form but I have to take the knife and actually carve the little fingers and hands to make them look more round. The whole process intimidated me so much that I never could actually get myself to even make one cut! Now I understand how fear can be paralyzing.

I am proud to say that I have overcome my fear of the knife! I recently took a woodcarving class at the local high school through the Adult Education program. What a fun class! The instructor, John Bontatibus,  was so helpful and so encouraging. My other classmates were a fun mix of experienced and novice woodcarvers. Mr. Bontatibus started us off with a square like Santa form ( I wish I had taken a picture!!), very similar to the way my Queen Anne doll is cut. He also carved the face and eye area so I can't take credit for that but I can say that I did the rest. Here's Santa:

What do you think? He's a cutie, isn't he? Thanks to Mr. Bontatibus and Mr. Santa, I am looking forward to working on my Queen Anne after the holidays are over. I am quite confident that she won't sit around for another year.

♥

Happy Thanksgiving

A little note: 
Pilgrims and turkey sewn, stuffed and fluffed by me.
 Pilgrims are a Sweet Meadow Farms pattern.
Turkey is a pattern by Pam Gracia.

Here Comes Santa Claus

Has it really been two months since my last post? Like everyone, I have been busy with the daily grind but on a positive note, I have been nurturing my creative side. I am currently taking a wood carving class through my town's adult ed program, and I recently just finished teaching my mother-in-law the basics of quilting. I also have been working on a couple of dolls that I had started last year and never finished. Oh, and then there is the knitting! Old Man Winter has already visited with an early Nor'easter, so of course I had to break out the knitting needles and yarn and get all cozy on my couch with a very cute project that I will share with you in a later post.

What I really want to tell you about today is the needle felting class that I am taking online at  Roses On My Table. Needle felting is a process of jabbing natural fibers repeatedly with special needles until they form a fabric. In this class, I learned how to make a beautiful hand felted Santa out of wool. The process is quite magical! I had so much fun poking that needle and watching my Santa emerge. The class, Homespun Santa Ornament, is taught by the very talented Judy Johnson. Judy makes the most wonderful felted miniatures of cats. You can see her work on Etsy; her shop is Bay Colony Designs.  If you ever have wanted to learn needle felting, this class is perfect. Judy's approach to teaching is fun and informative. As a bonus, you will also meet some really sweet artistic people. So go have some fun!!

♥