Merry Christmas, everyone!

How the Grinch stole Christmas

This is one of my favourite Christmas stories. I love the rhythm of the poetry, the intentions of the story, the nastiness of the Grinch and the purity of Little Cindy Lou Who, who was no more than two. if you get a chance, get the book out and read it, watch the cartoon (my favourite version) and enjoy! Absorb the fun and the message.

Merry Christmas!

Polar bears heading your way!

I finally have my latest project ready to share with you. I am so excited! First, I made a whole gang of these little guys, to test out the method and make it as simple as possible, so that anyone can do it.

Somehow, the polar bear has been associated with Christmas. I guess they live near the North Pole, so they must know Santa, right? A better symbol than the penguin, which lives at the South pole!

Needle felting is fun and simple. Children can do it too, though not the very young. Under age ten would need adult supervision for sure. Felting needles are very sharp, that's why! This would be a good project to make together. The older person could do the actual felting needle work, while the little ones wrap the wool.

I am busy today, adding this to my web site and Etsy.

All you need is less than 1oz of wool fibre and a felting needle, some chenille stems and you are set to go! If you want one, I can put a kit together for you. Just send me an email through the web site!

Dragons!

I have now listed these dragons on my Etsy store. The first guy is made with polymer clay for his head and feet. He is so cute. Since these are Christmas dragons, they come with a removable beard, so they can be in disguise once Christmas is over. The body is cloth, filled with beans, so they cane be posed on the shelf.

This one has a needle felted head, feet and tail. Shown here while in disguise.

Here's the polymer guy with his beard. I also made a green dragon. Can't believe I didn't take his photo. he was being so good, too!

Stuff I have created

Today I am creating a few ornaments using my free Bonbons pattern. I thought I'd write it up as a tutorial to share with you. You can download the free pattern on my web site.



There is so much going on lately that I want to get out there and share. I have two online classes coming up. the first is on Cloth Doll Connection. Join me as we create Dylan the Celtic Elf. This class will show you how to needle sculpt and paint a character face, as well as make simple joints to pose the doll.



The other class I am very proud of I created using new online software. . You can sign up for it on my web site. It's all about Costuming an 1812 doll. In this class, I lead you step by step through the process of making a pattern and clothing a doll, including shoes!

Show time!

Busy, busy with my felting needle! This week I created some needle felted penguins, a polar bear and a sheep. I am very pleased with the penguins, which I haven't tried before. How many to make, that is the question? I saw the idea on Martha Stewart's site. Of course, many people make penguins, but I felt it right to give credit for the idea.

My sister loves penguins and has quite the collection. They seem to be associated with Christmas now. I am not sure why as they have no relation to the North Pole, Santa or Christmas, but there you are. They are creatures of the snow, is the only connection I can make.

I am almost ready for the next show at St Stephen's Church in Ottawa, on Watson street. It takes place on November 27, from 10 to 3 pm. It's my first time at the show and I hear it's a good one. If they don't sell at the show, look for them in my Etsy store. It's called "NotCarvedInStone" if you are looking for me.

I am also selling my needle felting and dolls at the Fisher Park craft show on December 4. It's held at the school on Holland Avenue, Ottawa. I hope to see you there!