Spin of Color Pincushion

A spin of colors is a good way to describe this pincushion. It is 5" across and 3" tall and able to hold a lot of straight pins and sewing needles. A pewter button was attached firmly in the center to finish the spin on this wool/blend garter knit pincushion. It is the largest pincushion I have made so far...but, I beleive the one I am still working on might be just a little larger.

Pincushion Patch?

Whoever said that pincushions do not grow in a patch? I don't know..not me, because it is looking like these are starting their own winter garden patch!These garter stitch pincushions are very attractive to the eye because of all the different colors. In the center of each pincushion { on top} a cool button was attached in the center of the spiral. I bet a tiny knitted ball could be attached with a black cord like some pincushions have those little "strawberries" things where you an sharpen your sewing needles. Anyway, these pincushions are really not difficult to make, just more time consuming. But if you do not make too big of one, not really. Also it a good way to use small amounts of yarn you may have hanging around, waiting to become something unique! And they are nice pincushions....the straight pins go in and stay in. I made one these pincushions that can be seen on an earlier post...I use it all the time. Hey, it works and is pretty, too.
There is a really big pincushion that is "growing" in my kniting bag that is probably going to make it's debut one day on our blog. It just might be be "The Great Pincushion". Oh my....you could make a HUGE pincushion made from orange yarn that looks like a pumpkin. Step back, Charlie Brown.

Some Yarn, Beads, and Buttons...

This button/trinket bracelet is my latest work in progress. A wool blend yarn by Paton's was used to crochet the band of the bracelt itself. Then a brown perle cotton was used to single crochet around the entire edge. The really fun part was looking through our button box stash and hunt for all kinds of buttons for it. I also added some beads....some are round and a few glass flower beads A lightweight ultrasuede will be sewn on the back as a backing to finish it off. The final touch is a very cute gold cherub button that has to be sewn in place as the button closure. Yarn, beads, buttons, some thread and something to use as backing and you have a nice project to work on while watching TV. or a movie....and it is fun to do, too. Create a bracelet!

I'm trying to sleep, here....

Robin was nestled all snug under the Christmas tree when someone kept taking snapshots and disrupting her much needed sleep before Santa's arrived.
Her expression looks like:I'm trying to get some sleep, here....if you don't mind!!!

Hey,would you turn the tree lights on?

This is my cat, Robin. My camera batttery is charging..otherwise I would have tried to get a photo of Robin snoozing under the Christmas tree, which is her favorite spot to take a nap lately. She must like the warmth from the Christmas lights!!!

Lumberjack Bears for Christmas

These little handcrafted Lumberjack Bears with the colors of Christmas they look sweet sitting under a Christmas tree....and are very "northwoods". These are the last two bears available. They are completely hand crocheted and then stuffed firm so they can sit up...and measure about 8"tall. Perhaps, some crocheted baby black bear cubs will be showing up in Spring!!!!
These little guys are inspired from the black bears in this area.

Garter Stitch Picushion

The pincushion that I had been using was too small and so small that it kept tipping over, so I decided to try and knit one that was bigger and more stable. This one is about 4 inches in diameter and the weight of it makes it have good stability. You know, I like it. If I had some wool yarn, I would have used it...but, since this was just something I just tried I used what I had available at this time. Wool yarn could be used for the next one. I started it last evening and finished it, this evening. It is all done in garter stitch and on size #1 knitting needles. I used Vanna White yarn and then casted on 3o stitches and used my judgement on how long to make it. Keeping into consideration that it was going to be rolled, so it has to be long. My completed knitted piece was about 18-20 inches long. I folded it lengthwise in thirds....tacking it in place to hold it in place. I then rolled up the long folded piece { like a cinnamon roll or a snail shell }, tacking it in place to hold the "roll" in place till I had it completely tacked and held in place where it looked the best I could do...and then trimmed off the yarn ends and put the straight pins in it. With all the nice yarns out there, a person could make some real a real awesome pincushions!

Starry, Starry Night

We woke up to blowing snow and a temperature of only 1o degress. The wind blew all day and tonight was Starry, Starry Night.
Starry, Starry Night is an annual Christmas Celebration in Grand Marais where gift shops or any business that decides to be open the night after Thankgiving. We thought for sure people would not be venturing out on such a night....but, human spirit and the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Grand Marais...it was a great success! People are tough in The Upper Pennisula....I was happy to see that "spunk and spirit" is still in it's people! This snapshot of our red and gold decorated little Christmas tree glowed so pretty with red lights, in the night.

Little Handknit Hat

You may not have much yarn on hand to make something something big, perhaps you could make a little hat like this, though. It would make a cute gift for a little girl's doll. I used just straight size 2 knitting needles, also for the ribbing. ....using smaller amounts of yarn. I casted on the amount of stitches that I thought would be a good amount and started decreasing at the crown when it seemed long enough. I then drew the yarn through the remaining stitches and fastened off.

Prancer?

When what to my wondering eyes should appear , but a minature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, with a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.~ Clement Clarke Moore
Twas the Night Before Christmas....such an enendearing story about Santa and his eight reindeer!
That reminds me, I still have a little Twas' The Night Before Christmas book with all the illustrations by Holly Hobbie. My nephew, Brad when he was just a toddler would love to look at the pictures and hear the story about Santa.

Colorful Holiday Bundles

Above are just a few of the colorful knitted dishcloths that Dorothy has handknit. We bundled, and tied them with either red or green glitter ribbon...and then added a green homespun tag for Christmas. These really are the best dishcloths! We got this great pattern from my sister, Nancy. My mom sold many of these holday sets at the Christmas craft show we in this past weekend.

Natural Pinecones

These waxed pinecones make cute natural table setting markers for your holiday table. The pinecones were dipped in cranberry scented wax, and then a tag made from green cardstock was tied to each pinecone with a natural cord. The edges of the tag were distressed with green Distress Ink. A name can be written on the tag to mark a person's place at the dinner table. Later, they can also be kept in a basket for starting fires in your fireplace. Really kind of sweet!

Shake a Turkey Tail Feather

Early this morning I found this feather laying under one of our big pine trees. It had to be from the wild turkey that visits the area quite often. It can be found scratching the ground and looking for whatever turkeys are looking for. { Seeds and what not } Turkeys are huge birds!
I know that the turkey is a hen, she must have " shook a tail feather" and left this handsome feather. How fitting.... so close to Thankgiving. Thank you!

Frosty Ice Scene Ornaments

These ornaments have a "frosty ice" look to them, so with the handpainted winter scenes on them, they seem to come alive with past Christmas memories. They are each different, from a scene with a covered bridge or a little country church, to two people dragging a Christmas tree home. There is even a lighthouse scene with smoke coming out of the lighthouse keeper's cozy little house .....they are indeed quaint handcrafted Christmas ornaments. They can be personalized with a name, date or both!
Handpainted by Dorothy.

Handmade Creations

In between painting glassware and Christmas ornaments, Dorothy can be found
knitting. This is yet another example of one of her handknit creations she has made. This snapshot does not quite capture the true color of this light colored, almost hemlock green color scarf.






The potholders pictured above are done in a subdued color theme....yet, very much the colors that come to mind of a rustic north country Christmas!

Clown Bear made with.....

This little clown bear is made with fabric yo-yo's, the body, arms and legs..that is. The head was made with just a regular teddy bear pattern { this pattern that I used was for very small teddy bear..but, just used the head part of the pattern}]. I had extra fabric yo-yo's leftover from a previous project and decided to to see if I could make a little clown. The yo-yo's were strung on a heavy thread that was doubled. It is a good way to use extra fabric yo-yo's if you have any. This little guy sits on a woooden chair...and has a bit of a sweet and innocent expression....maybe because he is so small.

Keeping Cozy with Handknits

The weather has been just so very nice it is hard to beleive that before you know it the wind will be blowing and snow flurries will be in the air. You will be needing a hat and scarve, maybe something like this set that Dorothy Woropay has handknit in this beautiful and colorful yarn in rich autumn colors. On your way to Grandma's house for Thanksgiving, they would sure keep you cozy. Grandma would probably love them also!

These ear warmers are hand knit by Dorothy Woropay and made from the a soft and bulky type yarn. When the air becomes brisk they will keep your ears toasty warm while taking your dog for a walk or just being outside in general. They can also be used as a neck warmers. Either way, they are a must have for you or make a nice gift!

Looks a lot like Santa

This little black bear sitting in an evergreen tree looks a lot like Santa.. just minus the white beard. He is completely handcrafted right down to his red jacket and hat with white trim. He is about 8" tall.

Fun Little House

I recently posted a photo pretty simlilar to this one...but, I went back to the "drawing board" and changed this house key chain. I was pretty proud of it , until someone asked me... what is that?
I said " a house"... like, are you kidding? Obviously, I then looked at this house key chain it in a different way, because I changed it around. I did not feel it was unrecognizable before ...it looked like a house..maybe too much junk in the attic, though.
It is a fun little house for keys. AnywayI like it much better, now...it fits in my purse better,too.
Before I had it stuffed way too much, it was like I was carrying around a small loaf of bread or a mango at the end of my key chain! Change is good.

Kind Little Friends

Funny how a picure of a snowman can melt your heart. Snowmen are always a friend to little birds. So many times birds are shown sitting on a snowman's hat or his carrot nose. That is a pretty good friend when you will let someone sit on your nose!
The Christmas season is around the corner!

Blue Spruce in the Evening

This a blue spruce is just a beautiful tree. I could not resist taking a snapshot of it. It almost looks like it has frost on it..but, that is the color of it.

A Softie for Keys

You know that feeling when you misplace your keys? Well... this softie house key fob is big enough to find them at the bottom your purse, and hopefully easier to find if misplaced. This is my first key fob of this type. I created the pattern,...but, after the house was sewn and stuffed .. I wondered if the roof part should be "remodeled". So I drew up a new pattern that has less of a peak to the roof. All of the fabrics that were used are recycled, except for the fabric the window is made from. A tiny button was used for the doorknob. The loop at the top of the roof could be the the chimney...yeah, why not? I added a a white colored metal trinket charm with the #43, a wire mesh bead and a colorful glass bead. I am going to be making more of these house key fobs in various color combinations for our gift shoppe and an upcoming Christmas craft show.

Little Book of Spells

This little "Book of Spells" ....is part of our Halloween decor. My sister, Nancy created it and gave it to me. I just love it...the images are so awesome with the women with witch hats!

Spooktacular was a great success! The night was beautiful, crisp air and a glowing moon that shone in the dark night sky. We had treats, candy and hot coffee for the people that came out on this night of fun! We even had some cute little children that were checking all the Halloween lights out and "spooky" stuff. They liked the cookies and the talking trunk that contained candy bars!!!!

Swamp Ghoul

This evening an early swamp ghoul came out so I caught this snapshot, and the jack o' lantern is not even lit. I tossed him a popcorn ball, he nodded and said " I'll be back"as he hobbled back into the woods!

Trinket Memory Pouch

This is a Day of the Dead trinket memory pouch. It was made so it can hang on a wall. It is made from new and recycled fabrics and has a pouch or pocket so that trinkets or photos can be tucked into the hanging itself. The skull is amade of fabric and has been stained with coffee to add depth. There are 5 fabric roses sewn on the top of the skull. It has bead trinkets attached to the hanging itself ,buttons and a big fabric flower is in the corner...but, additional trinkets could be just pinned right on. There is a loop on the left side for placing a favorite flower of a deceased loved one. It measures about 9" by 15" including the hanging loop.
Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 2nd. It not meant to be a sad time but, a time of celebrating and remembering lost loved ones and bring tokens to remember people that they loved. The holiday is very colorful and flowers are a big part of this holiday!

Along came a spider....

Along came a spider whose name was Stiletto, just crawling along and looking for candy that one afternoon. It sat down on a leave, no candy to be found...it will have to come back when the full moon is out on Halloween!
This little spider is made from PAPERCLAY, dried and then painted with acrylic paints. Black wire make it's long legs.

SPOOKTACULAR..A Halloween Event

Our annual Spooktacular HalloweenEvent is going to be October22, 2010..Friday Night. The Crystal Pinecone gift shoppe will be open from 5 to 9pm. on this night. We will have homemade Halloween treats , candy and hot coffee. The pumpkins will be lit and there just may be a witch that likes little kids, giving out candy or a spider or two. It is nice night out for some Halloween fun!

She is a witch...

The definition of a witch is: an ugly old hag credited with supernatural powers by practicing usually black magic witchcraft.

However this little witch does not fall into that catagory. This witch softie is, from the point of her black hat to the tip of her toes about 11" tall. She is made is made from black wool, her face and arms are a green almost suede-like fabric. Her hat is made with a black satiny fabric. The striped stockings are a knit fabric. On each black boot there is a square green button that resembles a little buckle. Her droopy eyes and the jack o' lantern she carries are both made from Sculpey. I painted her eyes and tried to match the color of her droopy eye lids to match the color of green fabric of her face. She is all dressed up for Halloween and ready to just do some trick or treating for candy.

POOF...the Snicker candy bars are gone!

"Who ever is bitten by a werewolf....

"Who ever is bitten by a werewolf and lives becomes a werewolf himself"~Maleva, the gypsy woman played by Maria Ouspenskaya.

Lon Chaney Jr. starred as the Wolfman in the indisputed horror classic.. Wolfman, which was released December 12, 1941.

This werewolf softie is made from wool fabric with a felted wool and fur face. He has little fur ears that are lined with brown velveteen fabric. His teeth are made from Sculpey. Brown eyes peer out through his furry face! He wears a green check jacket made from a brothcloth blend fabric with distressed buttons. His shirt is made from a lightweight canvas with a pistachio nut logo on the front. He wears black wool fabric pants and even has a rope belt!

"Even when a man is pure of heart and says his prayers at night, may still become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright"~ Curt Siodmak

Vampire Pumpkin

A Halloween vampire pumpkin made from a grey and black print velveteen wears a black netting around her stem and also has fangs that are made from Sculpey. She patiently waits for some unsuspecting orange pumpkin to get her fangs into!

Don't be Somebody's Zombie!!!!!

A zombie appears in spooky books, films and popular culture. They are typically depicted as mindless and under the control by someone or SOMETHING by the casting of some magic spell.
Is there a possiblity to be under such an influence in everyday life { just not in the way we visualize it would be }... like in films ? Would you know if it if you actually were under such an influence? If you can be affected by love...why not evil?

This little guy, thankfully is a "good zombie" and made from new and recycled materials.

Keeper of my Keys

I have a keeper of my keys! I made this little zombie key fob for my keys and it is made from both new and recycled fabrics....old and new bottons, too. He will do well...crazy little zombie!

Creation of a Monster

In the original horror classic film, Frankenstein which was released in 1931 the monster was created by Dr. Frankenstein himself. Boris Karloff played the part of the monster. My inspiration for creating and making this monster softie came from that very movie. He is completely handcrafted...knit from yarn except for his scarred face...and is fabric backed. He stands about 14"tall with button "bolts" on the sides of his neck. He is waiting for you!

Spooky Lighthouse

This gourd was handpainted by Dorothy Woropay. A spooky scene, the waves crashing against the rocky shoreline with bats flying in the moonlite night sky.

Pumpkin Head Fairy

The season of Halloween is drawing near! It has inspired me to create this pumpkin head fairy.
It was made with both new and recycled fabrics. The front of the body was knit with various colors of wool yarn. Vintage buttons adorn the little sweater. I was not able to capture the full sheer black wings that are attached on it's back. It is as though the wings got lost in the photo!

Figure in the Upstairs Window

I am sure most people in Grand Marais are not even aware of this deserted home, and have never even noticed the figure in the upstairs window. This is about the time of year when the sightings of the figure occur. Who is that anyway? Those appear to be ravens flying in the moonlight...they are ravens!!!

Pumpkin-like Creatures

When the Old Hillstate Castle was purchased by a mysterious and strange doctor, odd pumpkin-like creatures began to be sighted walking around the grounds of the castle. It really was quite harmless, it was afterall just, a few of these "monster"pumpkin creatures with patched up crooked eyes, wearing dirty crumpled up garments, zany socks and scuffed up old shoes. Even so what was going on at the old castle? Weird colored pumpkins that walk were never seen in the area before!

Celebration of Lost Loved Ones

Day of the Dead { Spanish: Dia los Muertos } which is celebrated in Mexico on November 2nd.
This bracelet is my way of celebrating my dad, grandpa and grandma who have passed away. The bracelet contains little charms that serve as remembered times for me, while they were alive. I celebrate their lives through this bracelet I made it as a rememberance to all of them. It was kind of hard to find just all the right items to make it. I wanted it to be very colorful.
A seashell for my dad since he served in the South Pacific during World War II. A very tiny lock and key since grandpa gave me a really small padlock and key when was a kid. Colorful flower beads for grandma since she made beautiful flowers from colorful paper!

Trinkets & Buttons

This is a closed view of a bracelet that I recently completed. The sun was going down and I thought this old cement pillar might be a nice spot for the photo. It is a chunky cuff-style bracelet encrusted with trinkets, beads and favorite buttons. Some of the trinkets are old and some are new. The base of the bracelet is crocheted from wool sock yarn and edged with a varigated Knit Cro Sheen.




While my sister, Nance and my brother-in-law, Chuck visited us here in Grand Marais, we went to the Soo. My sister and I were on a shopping spree for beads, buttons and various other trinkets to create some bracelets that were in a magazine, Belle Armoire Jewelry. Once we got home we were busy little elves as we created. No patterns, we just started creating!!! It was so quiet in the room as we crocheted, sewed and stitched beads on our creations. We were not able to complete our bracelets during their visit, so this is my "bracelet debut". This bracelet means a lot to me, since we worked on them together.

What, No Ruby Shoes?

No ruby shoes were on this unlucky witch that a house fell on, as portrayed in this photo.
In the movie, The Wizard of Oz..which was released in August of 1939 there were a few witches. So which one was this one?
The evil, green-faced, and wicked witch that harrassed Dorothy & Toto was from the West.
Glinda was the good and beautiful witch with the lovely pink gown. She arrived on the scene, floating in a HUGE bubble light-type thing...and left the same way.
The witch that the house fell on in the movie, was from the East, and she was sister of the witch of the West, and she melted, remember? Which could not have happened soon enough. Ding Dong!
So then this witch in the above photo was either from the South, or she was just your "average" witch, nosing around way too early for Halloween. And if not, there should be some more flying monkeys looking for a new witch!

Sitting on the Porch

What a great day to just sit on the porch. It seems as though this crocheted teddy bear I made has the same idea. Sometimes it is good, to do...just nothing!

Little Green Man

This is not the best photo of this green beaded necklace with glass beads, green agate beads, silver leaves and the little green man bead. I was not able to get a very good photo...I need more practice. The mosquito's had their own plans, hanging all over and making the process not as fun. In fact, that almost looks like a mosquito on the leave on the right side of the photo. The expression on the little green man is probably what my expression was out there, trying to get this shot! Grrrrrr.

In Full Bloom

This cactus is in full bloom now. The flowers are so cute and the hummingbirds love to go and get a sip of nectar from each tiny flower. I have had this cactus a very long time and every year it blooms. Flowers from cactus are so special!

A Dragon...

Dragon's appear most in fairy tales and myths. In most cases the dragon is the keeper of some treasure, either gold and precious jewels or a maiden in despair. There is something magical about dragons that has kept our intrique over many centuries. They are thought to have wings and breath fire. They can be found in caves, fire, or anywhere dark and damp.
This one is painted on a rock.

Mushroom Scout

After scouting around in the woods, Vergil finally found a tiny spotted mushroom! Extremely happy it now appears as though Vergil is ready for a long afternoon nap. His eyelids are getting heavy he can't keep his eyes open any longer. He begins to squint and blink as if the sunlight is just way too bright for him. A few snorts and small burps later he is fast asleep in the dirt, content to be a pig.
Sweet dreams. I always did like pigs!