Introducing "Harris"...

 Ta Daaaa!

I finally finished my pattern project and I can now introduce

"Harris" The Tweed Rabbit 

to you. "Harris" is a very debonaire and useful pincushion.

After all those bunnies were made and sold for my blog BFF, Shell May

at the Raspberry Rabbits, requests started pouring into the Bunnyville for

a pattern. It took me a little while, but I finally created "Harris", took

step-by-step photographs and then wrote the pattern.

 Just like the whole hutch-full of bunnies I created before,

"Harris" has a pocket to hold your scissors, and a cute poofy tail.
(He stands 5" tall x 3" wide at the base, but is 7" tall with upright ears.)

So now, you can purchase a pattern, choose your favorite fabrics

and make your very own, little bunny pincushion!

Here's the link to my first Craftsy pattern!

Careful now! Just like real bunnies, you'll have them 

running all over your sewing room before you know it!

A special thanks to Shell for the kick-in-the-pants I needed to do this!

New In The Boutique...

 If you're new to Brynwood, perhaps you don't know yet that I was born in

Great Britain. I'm a U.S. citizen by virtue of my father's citizenship, and

actually a British citizen by virtue of my birthplace just southwest of London.

(England recognizes my dual citizenship. Isn't that cool?)

From time to time, I like to give a little nod to my roots, and this is one of

those times. I have created scissors fobs and attached them to some very

special embroidery scissors I found for you. The scissors are 6", made in 

Pakistan. They're high quality and nice and sharp for doing close work.

I've created two felted flags...One for "Stateside" and one for "Across the Pond".

Each flag measures approximately 3" x 2" and is hand assembled and stitched 

using pearl cotton thread. I then attached a split ring and lobster claw so they 

would stay securely attached to your scissors. You can also choose a charm to

embellish your scissors instead of a flag. Either way, you won't have to worry

about losing your scissors in the bottom of your sewing kit, or confusing your

embroidery scissors with those belonging to someone else if you in a class.

Scroll down to see your scissor fob choices...

US Flag - Felt

UK Flag - Felt

Phone Booth Charm

London Charm

Underground Charm

Big Ben Charm

 If you're interesting in purchasing your own, just go to the Boutique under 

the "Other Creations" link to order yours. Some of the charms are limited 

quantities and I won't be able to reorder them, so don't delay if you have a favorite!

You can always go to the Boutique by clicking on the link at the top of my blog.

Once you're there, I have links in the Boutique for different categories.

You can use the direct link below to find the scissors/fob sets.
(http://brynwoodneedleworksboutique.blogspot.com/p/other-creations.html)

Why not explore a little while you're there? You might find something you can't resist!

The Raspberry Rabbits Limited Litter

 One more thing before I leave today...
Remember when I shared a selection of beautiful wools and threads with you?
I promised to show you more later.

I have created a Limited Edition Raspberry Rabbits Litter for my blog buddy,
Shell May! Tag is busy working overtime this week over at The Raspberry Rabbits
for his sweet Aunty Shell, so when you're finished here, just hop over to visit!
Tag will tell you all about these little bunns...and you know how chatty he can be! 

It Started With Cake...

My Sweet Chocolate with ButterCreme Birthday Cake!!!

Just when you think your life can't possibly get any better, 

along comes a Birthday...complete with family and friends 

to show you just how loved and special they think you are.

I'm warning you right now...I took pictures of almost everything!

From our granddaughters. Handcrafted goodness!

My first package arrived on Monday of last week. Handsome said, "It's not your

Birthday yet." To which I giggled and replied, "It is now!" 

as I opened the gifts from our granddaughters.

 I opened the wrapping to uncover a sweet, little wooden purse that reminded me of

the style of Queen Elizabeth II. The girls had embellished it with corgis and beads...

and Birthday glitter!

When I opened the box, I found a little fabric pouch.

Inside were two real acorns with faces and smiles, a tiny beaded pin,

and a bead that Granddaughter #2 had created that she called her

"Erf" button. See the oceans and the land? Yup. Erf!

From my friends, Kathy, Nora, Brenda, Flo, Fay, and Joni

When I got to our coffee group on Saturday morning, 

I was greeted by Kathy, Nora, Joni and Flo.

They had gifts and treats! 

(Remind me to get the recipe for Joni's Brownie Cheesecake. It was awesome!)

When each of our group celebrates a Birthday, we create a quilt which holds

meaning for each recipient. Each person does a different part of the quilt so it's

a group effort. The girls made one for me this month and I can't tell you how much

I love it.

It has a December theme with Christmas trees in the corners, a wreath above the 

roaring fire, a mittened-Sunbonnet Sue (who is in every quilt in our group) and

 a corgi reclining on the rug in front of the fire!

It's simply perfect for me...and of course, they knew it would be!

Joni made a Candle Cradle for my new candle

 Joni created a Candle Cradle for my new Yankee candle to sit upon. 

She picked a perfect fragrance for the candle, too.

Brenda's Handmade Fabric Card

Brenda makes the sweetest fabric cards, too...

Inside Brenda's card

 and if you know me and have heard the story, you'll laugh when

you see the inside of this card! We all roared when I opened it.

Acorn ornaments from Denise in Vermont

When our mail arrived on Saturday, not only were there cards from 

our sons and their families, but a package from my sweet friend, Denise in Vermont. 

Inside were these felted acorn ornaments to hang on our tree.

A Kit from Shell at The Raspberry Rabbits

 I've had my eye on this kit since Shell first debuted it on her blog.

When I opened the package from her, there was the entire kit inside!

I danced a happy dance, because everyone knows you're not

supposed to cry on your Extended Birthday!

A gorgeous bracelet from Sherry at Createology

There was one more package on Saturday from my dear friend, Sherry at Createology

As if her friendship and uplifting notes to me weren't enough of a gift, she found

a quartz bracelet (with an acorn) that she felt had to belong to me! What a generous gift!

Flowers from my BFF, Lee

Around mid-morning on the Big Day (my actual Birthdate), the doorbell rang.

Tag ran barking to the front entry, and when I got there the poor delivery woman

was running away from the front door...until she saw "Killer". She started to laugh.

She said, "When I heard the barking, I thought you had a much bigger dog!"

We shared a laugh and Tag was friendly all over her as I signed for this arrangement.

It was a beautiful greeting (with a loving note) from my Best Friend Forever, Lee.

She never forgets. (((hug)))

My Beautiful Dreamer

 Handsome gave me something I had my heart set on from the moment I first saw it.

When he, our friend Richard and I went to Sarasota two years ago in search of

the perfect salvaged item to turn into a kitchen light fixture, I saw this sweet face.

I never said anything about it then, but whenever I'd go exploring the salvage yard's 

website, I'd wish for her again. About four months ago, I sent a link to Handsome's

email inbox with a hint that he might like an idea for my Birthday gift this year.

When he took me out to the back of his truck. There was something wrapped in 

big, fluffy towels (his protective wrapping 'paper'). He said I should 

unwrap it where it sat because it was a "little heavy". I had no idea what I might find.

I actually squealed with delight when I saw it!

Handsome thought we might decide where she should go before lifting her.

She's made of cement, so she's pretty heavy. I was concerned about protecting 

the patina, so we decided against having her out by the pool 

(as I'd originally considered).

My Beautiful Dreamer from Handsome

Rather, we decided that she would be perfect on the built-in bookshelves 

in our living room. These shelves are right next to the hallway to the studio,

so every single time I head back to play, I pass her and look at her peaceful face.

After she was settled in, Tag seemed quite curious about her, too.

Being the good blogger that I am, I caught a picture to share with you!

Wonderful gifts from Marydon at The Blushing Rose

 Even though it's already Thursday, I've managed to extend my celebration 

long past the actual day. Thanks to the gifts that arrived from Marydon, the

festivities have managed to stretch through Wednesday when the mail arrived.

Marydon sent a feed sack kitchen towel to which she'd machine embroidered

a corgi (beautiful, at that!) and two angels...one that's embroidered in a favorite

blue, and the other is a sweet, little quilting angel ornament which will be

treasured for years to come.

I also stopped to see the Panera's group before coming home from the guild

Christmas party. All of them had signed a card for me, and they gave me a 

box of malted milk balls (a personal favorite!) You weren't expecting a picture,

were you? I started eating them that night!

Thank you to Tammy, Margaret, Adele, Krisann and the 

rest of my Panera's friends who signed the card to me.

You're a treasured part of my life.

If you've read this far, (and you're like Shell) you're already saying, 

"Wow. What a spoiled brat!"

Truth is, I've always considered myself "well-loved" by my husband, 

our sons and their families. Spoiled connotes a level of "expectation".

I sometimes joke about that, but I really never take anything for granted.

Our granddaughters called and sang Happy Birthday to me (cha cha cha) and then

we talked about how they're prepariations for Christmas...and a mid-winter trip

to visit Grandma and Grandpa. (We can't wait!) They giggled when I told them

I was delighted with their artwork and that I'd treasure my gifts from them forever.

Our grandson called to wish me a Happy Birthday, and I spent a little time teaching

him the concept of the Extended Birthday. It was another gift to hear his laughter

as I promised to teach him the finer points in years to come so that 

when he's an adult, he'll be a Master of the Extended Birthday, too!

Thank you to all of you who wished me Happy Birthday in your comments, 

sent cards or gifts.

Thanks to Sherry, Denise, Marydon, Shell, Lee, 

the girls from our coffee group and my dear family.

In a world with so much "ugly", you help make my little corner of it a beautiful place.

I'm forever grateful to each and every one of you.

My Buttons Are Poppin'...

I'm so excited for my friend, Shell May, that I just have to crow about her latest accomplishment! Shell's business and blog are called The Raspberry Rabbits. Many of you have visited her in the past, but just in case you have yet to meet her, allow me to introduce you!

This is Shell's beautiful face. She's a self-described textile folk artist and an all around talented woman. She's about as "big as a minute", but her heart is as huge as the whole outdoors. I'm honored to call her my friend.

She runs her business from her home, so her staff is small but dedicated. They write guest posts on her blog from time to time. I know you can understand how a person could share their blog with their pets...er... staff (you visit Taggart and me, after all!), so you'll surely find Sir Harrington and Lady Hannah sweet and amusing.

Why am I so excited to talk about Shell, Harrington and Hannah today? Well, Shell and her staff have just published their first book called "Briarside Lane". I have my very own copy and it's fabulous!

Shell shares her Folk Art Fusion method and then features a series of fabulous designs so that you can perfect her technique in your own home.  I love every single design, and I'm having a bit of trouble trying to decide which one to make first!

Here's a link to The Raspberry Rabbits blog, and a direct link to purchase your own copy of her new book, Briarside Lane.  You might as well look around her shop while you're there. She has all kinds of great things!

Congratulations, "Shelby Marie". 

I'm so happy for you!

A Corgi Ornament...

I received a Christmas package from my blog bestie, Shell at The Raspberry Rabbits. It came as a surprise, and when I opened the package I actually started to cry!

Staring up at me was this gorgeous, glass corgi to hang on my tree, and then reside year-round in the studio.

I mean...Look at this face!!

Shell included one of her annual handcrafted cards (I smile when I get those bunnies each year!), and to keep my corgi ornament safe, she also sent along a soft, felted wool acorn ornament.

How good was I this past year to have received these special gifts from my beautiful friend? I know my corgi friends are all going to want one, but this one is mine and I'll treasure it forever.

Thank you, dear Shell. You really hit the mark on the head when you chose my gifts this year. Sending long distance hugs filled with gratitude for you!

New Birthday Books...

Two new packages arrived...For Me!!! I didn't just tear them open. I took photos of the wrapping and everything, but to tell the truth, my pictures left a lot to be desired, so I'm going to spare you those images.

The first package came from my beautiful friend, Shell in North Carolina. I was so surprised! I hadn't expected a package from the Raspberry Rabbits. What could this be?

I started by opening the envelope (that's what I was taught to do...always, envelope first!) to find the coolest card (I just saw this card on her blog this week when she showed us some of her haul on a grand day out with our mutual friend, Sharon. I was jealous that I missed the outing!).

Her card explained the gifts I would find inside the package, and I couldn't wait to see what she'd chosen for me. Two new books to inspire me, get the creative juices flowing and offer some new ideas. I haven't put the books down since I opened them!

One book is titled, Living The Creative Life by Rice Freeman-Zachary. It's filled with the artwork of various artists and how they embark on their creative processes. The images are really tantalizing!

The second book is titled, Taking Flight (to give your Creative spirit wings) by Kelly Roberts. I will be telling you more about this book another time, but let me just say that the stories (I've read a few already), images and techniques have already given me ideas for future projects.

Shell has been a great cheerleader for me, and more than once, she's been my sounding board when I have an idea I need to bounce off her. I, then, am not surprised in the least to find that she'd know just the perfect gifts to send to me for my Birthday. Did I say what a good friend I have in her? She's just the best!

Thank you, Shell for remembering my Birthday and taking the time to choose such wonderful books to add to my creative library. I have a feeling they won't be spending any time on my shelf for a long while. I'll be devouring the contents of their pages.

The second package was from my mum. As her first-born, I have a special bond with her. There have been times when I just felt that I needed to talk with her, picked up the phone to dial her number and there she was before I even punched the numbers in! Other times, she or I have long-distance sympathy pains only to find, days later, that one or the other of us was sick, sad or otherwise in pain. It's really uncanny.

Mum also knows how much I love books, and she found two that really struck a chord with me. The first is called "Grandmas Are Special People" illustrated by Susan Winget. There are sweet sentiments, verses and stunning illustrations, but I think the most beautiful part of this book is the inscription from my Mum. I smiled as my eyes welled with tears.

Now, if anyone is bewildered by the second book, you haven't been around Brynwood very long. Mum chose "Corgiville Christmas" by Tasha Tudor. Yup. It's a children's book, but it's filled with all those adorable little Tasha Tudor Corgis and I have just the granddaughter who will love sitting on Grandma's lap to turn the pages with me!

There was one more item in my gift box from Mum. She gave me a warm hug in the form of a British cardigan that she bought last time she visited relatives in England. It fits me perfectly, and with our current "chilly" snap, it's going to get immediate use! I promise that I'll ask Handsome to take a picture of me wearing it so you can see it.

Thank you, Mumsy. Everything you chose for me is just perfect. I'll think of you whenever I wear my new cardi...and if I need a pep talk in the middle of the night, I'll just read the inscriptions you wrote in the front of my two new books. I love you...from your #1.

Gosh...I think Handsome is going to be right. "Spoiled Brat" is starting to fit, don't you think? He told me that I'm supposed to stay out of...now where was that? Great! I guess I don't have to worry about snooping around for the gift he's already chosen...and hidden for me. Dang! I can't remember where he told me I shouldn't go. Guess I'll just hang out in the studio 'til tomorrow and I should be alright.

Man, I love, love, love my life! I'm still such a lucky girl, living a truly blessed life. Thank you for being a part of it.

PS. Happy Birthday, Larry. I love you and know that you're watching over me.

Fezzik Friday - 44 Weeks...

Hi, everybody!

Hope you're ready for another Fezzik Friday.

You may notice I'm spending this week lying low.

First, Mom told me that Miss Shell
lost her beloved Sugie this week.

Miss Shell, I hope you feel better soon. I'll miss hearing
Mom read your stories about your sweet girl bunny.
Mom and I wish we lived closer so that
we could come over and help you feel better.

We're all very sad to hear this news and Mom, Kessie and I
send love and hugs to Miss Shell and Harrington.

On Tuesday, Mom told me that she made an appointment with my doctor for a little operation next week. Something about the "family jewels" and jokes about my voice changing. I don't think that's funny! I've been awfully proud of my Big Boy voice, and I don't want to end up with a little, yippy voice...ever. Woe is me. (Or is it, "woe is I?")

My surgery is scheduled for next Thursday, and will be a bit more extensive than a run-of-the-mill neutering. Mom said we can thank my greedy, disreputable, selfish breeder who knew she was breeding boys that don't drop their little boy hardware. Mom said that my doctor is going to have to look a little harder to find them so they can be removed.

Mom said she's having this done because she loves me and doesn't want me to get sick when I get older...and because she loves corgis, she doesn't want me contributing a breed flaw to the gene pool. We're being responsible pet and owner.

All that being said, it's still a major surgery , so it means I'll have to stay overnight at the clinic. I won't be home in time to write my own post next week, so I hope you'll come back and read Mom's post-op report. I promise I'll be back as soon as I can to let you know how I'm feeling. Wish me luck! 'til then,

"More wagging, less barking."
Fezzik Inconceivable

PS. Mom asked me to add this little reminder for everyone, too:

MONDAY, April 25th is our next Memory Lane Monday. We hope you'll have a story to link to the party. Mom will have her post up around 10 pm on Sunday to make it easier for you to link up and join in the fun.