Fungi...

Image property of Sophie Wheatley

I belong to the Felted Fungi Club curated by Sophie Wheatley from the UK. These are some of the designs she offers in her club. I've belonged for a while, and have learned many great techniques from her. However, I've yet to actually create one of her fungi designs myself...so far.

My list is long, I know, but after I finish the bluebirds (no, I haven't forgotten them), then I'll play with one of these designs.

I had a really great day at work yesterday. We got a lot accomplished, and that's always rewarding. My knees held up well until after I got in the truck at the end of my shift. Handsome dropped me off and picked me up late afternoon. I was tired and a little sore. It's okay, though. I'll rest today and work on getting my April artist trading cards done so I can share them with you. So, if you're looking for me, I'll be sitting in my studio.

A Gift For A Friend...

I was recently browsing on Instagram and came across a lovely Protection Pocket on a page belonging to @marielle. I really liked it and shared it with a few friends. My sister, Di's best friend, Brenda commented on how much she loved it. 

@marielle "Hope's Protection Pocket"

Sorry for the blurry photograph. The original image was on a video, and I screen capped it after Brenda commented about it. I just want to be sure that no one thinks I'm taking credit for an original idea that belongs to another.

Brenda had surgery yesterday, so I sat down and created my version of the pocket to send to her with get well wishes. Rather than a bird charm, I used a vintage bird pin with the pin back removed. I've also tucked a small heart charm into the heart pocket for her. Of course, I added my signature acorn charm to the back.

It's going out in today's post and will wing its way to Minnesota for her. I sure hope she loves it.

Today's my work day, so I'm going to go get ready. Another busy week on the calendar. I'm sure this week, as usual will simply whistle by. Yippee. See you tomorrow!

Sweet As A Daisy...

I had all sorts of suggestions for my future spool animals, so I started Saturday night. Meet "Daisy the Skunk"!

I told this story on Facebook, but I want to share it here, too. When I was a preschooler, my Dad - who was also a college student/veteran with two daughters and a wife - owned a pet shop in Stevens Point. We had lots of fish in aquariums, budgies (like parakeets), and even a pet monkey. 

I've heard stories of how I fell into a salt water tank (right after a fish delivery, no less) and needed stitches above my eye. I also had to have my young stomach pumped because I'd eaten a container of water purification tablets (chlorine). Not too bright then, I guess. The monkey tried to pull out my mum's long hair in a fit of pique, and when someone asked me  what my name was and where I lived, I'd reply, "Donna Uby, Budgie Shop". (My maiden name was Newby, but hey. I was only about three.)

So, among other critters, Dad also had a de-scented skunk he named "Daisy". My grandparents lived on a the south side of Stevens Point, and I vividly remember our family visiting them with Daisy in tow. Somehow she got loose, so Dad went out looking for her. My grandparents lived near a dump, so naturally, Dad headed that way. 

When he saw Daisy, he was so happy. He ran up to her and scooped her up. Thing is...that wasn't Daisy. He got sprayed...a lot...and came back to the house, stinking to high heaven. Mum, my sister and I all squealed at the smell, and Grandma flatly refused to let him in the house to take a shower. She made him strip down outside and handed him a big container of tomato juice. I don't think we ever saw Daisy again, but Dad managed to get back into Grandma's graces after a tomato bath. This is my little tribute to Dad's little skunk...the one that didn't smell. 

I have more animals on my list now, but this is the only one I did this weekend. I also completed Bobbi's travel sewing case which shipped today, but I'm not going to share photographs of it until I know it's in her hands. (I sure hope she loves it!)