An Avian Architect...

Baltimore Oriole Nest

Look at the wonderful gift from last season's Baltimore orioles! Handsome and I were working in the yard to winterize the place before the rough weather sets in and I saw this dangling from a low branch of one of the trees between the farmhouse and the north field. Now that the tree has dropped all its leaves, the nest was visible.

It's the most perfectly constructed pouch to protect, hatch, and grow wee birds to fledglings. When I dragged Handsome over to the tree to point it out to him, he said he'd been ducking it most of the summer when he was cutting grass (and he never told me?!). No matter. It was completely intact, and I wanted to keep it that way. 

I ran and got my clippers and removed the section of branch to keep the nest intact and undisturbed. (I don't believe they return to the same nest every year, so no harm removing this one.) It now hangs in our dining room, close to a Baltimore Oriole carving I've had for years. 

You may notice the bracket it's attached to. Yes. It's acorns and oak leaves. I found it in an antique shop and you know I had to have it. Sometimes I hang a potted plant from it, and sometimes it's just empty to enjoy its shape. Now, it is the anchor for this lovely nest. Two lucky finds in one place. squeeee!

Look What I Found!...

I recently found these squirrel and acorn zipper pulls, and bought a bunch! (These are only a sampling.) I have something special in mind for them, and will be using them soon. Once I've produced a few for my online shop, I'll share photos. Hint: It will involve acorn print and cork fabrics.

I'm going to begin work on Winter Song today, so I'll have photos to share with you tomorrow. This piece has a deadline, so I won't be putting it off any longer.

Look What I Found...

Acorn & Oak Leaf Dresser

While perusing Marketplace last weekend, I came across this dresser. See the motif? It matches the motif on the bed I purchased and painted last fall! Handsome and I picked this piece up yesterday, and will add it to our bedroom set.

I haven't decided yet whether or not I'll paint it white. My thinking is that the top (which is scratched) will be painted, and I'm going to change out the hardware to update the look. I may end up painting it white, but I'm not inclined to completely cover the wood. I'm going to start with a good cleaning and make decisions from there. 

The weather was unseasonably warm yesterday for Wisconsin. It was 62º! If the weather stays like this for a few more days, I'll be able to get some work done on this piece while it's still out in the garage. Fingers crossed.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Gifts From Krisann...

Brynwood Needleworks - All About Acorns

 

When Krisann sends a package, I can always count on finding the most perfect surprises inside. Imagine my glee when I opened my package to find a "box of acorns"! (I placed them on a beautiful acorn doily, embellished with acorn artwork done by my talented friend, Michelle Palmer.)

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Acorn Thanks

This lovely acorn dish, while appearing wonderfully vintage, is more modern. I don't love it any less for its youth. I love the colors, the textures, and its size. This sweet dish now sits on my dressing table.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Vanilla Nutmeg Soap

  When I saw (and smelled) this box, I couldn't wait to see what would be inside.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Vintage Bath Bar

  This is vintage, and even though it's not new, it smells just as sweet as the day it was made.

There was one more gift in the box - an acorn stuffie for Tag (or Bella or Carly) - and that was swiftly stolen by one of said dogs. That was really appreciated, too!

I'm always grateful for Krisann's friendship, but her surprises always warm my heart. I hope she's as tickled with the packages I send her way. Long distance hugs from one grateful friend to another.

Thank you, dear KA. I love my surprises!

 Smooches,650 

Ready For Assembly...

Brynwood Needleworks - Ltd. Ed. BW Woolen Acorn Pincushion - Detail

 

I did a little needle dancing yesterday, enjoying a restful afternoon and evening. I'm going to be spending less time at the computer, and more time in the studio doing what I love.

Brynwood Needleworks - Ltd. Ed. BW Woolen Acorn Pincushion

I'll be starting my day today with a routine trip to the vet for Tag's vaccinations, and a little check-up for Bella, but when I get back home, I'll assemble this embroidery into one of my limited edition woolen acorn pincushions for a client. It will be on its way to the new owner tomorrow.

I have a few things on my agenda to complete in the coming weeks, so I think I'll make a checklist. It's always so exciting to be able to tick off finished projects and see my progress. I'll do that first when I get back home.

Have a great week everybody. Spend some time doing what you love, and join me as I tune out all the tumult of the outside world. I've decided to cocoon myself here at the farmhouse...my happy place and create beautiful things.

A Finish And A Meet-Up...

BW Linen Clothesline Bag

Yesterday was perfectly delightful. I completed my second linen Clothesline Bag as planned, and spent part of my day meeting an online friend with whom I've corresponded since 2013. (You can find the handbag listed in my shop HERE.

Jacque of BrownDogPrims.blogspot.com

I first "met" Jacque when we were involved in an online strawberry pincushion swap that I wrote about HERE. I later learned that she had a sweet chocolate Labrador who shared his name with a certain short, criminal Corgi. Both our dogs were named Tag! 

She lived in Madison, WI, so I figured we could get together when I moved back up north. Shortly before we came back, Jacque moved from Wisconsin to Colorado to be near her mum. Wonderful for her, but it thwarted my plans to meet with Jacque.

Some time ago, Jacque made vacation plans to visit Wisconsin and we made plans to meet while she was here. With so much in common, I knew we'd hit it off and I was anxious to meet her. I couldn't have been more right.

Felted Acorn Pins

We met for lunch, and I'm sure we sat at the table for nearly two hours. I took a jar of Hickory Hill Farm pears and Fresh Basil Pesto for her, and she gave me a set of gorgeous, hand felted acorn-topped pins for me. They have real acorn caps that have been sealed. Aren't they fabulous? I brought them home and installed them in one of the pincushions I made. They'll sit in a place of honor in my studio.

 

After our extended lunch, we left the restaurant and traveled a whole half mile to a Royce Quilt Shop in West Bend, WI. Of course, we both found a few things we had to have!

We visited, we shopped, we hugged and too soon went our separate ways. I'm so glad that Jacque made time for me during her vacation. It was a truly grand day with a beautiful friend who I feel like I've known forever. I'll look forward to our next visit when Jacque again vacations in Wisconsin.

Back In Wisconsin...

Brynwood Needleworks - Wisconsin Acorns

 

We're back in Wisconsin! I managed to find a handful of acorns right outside the door of the Flying Cloud in our overnight campsite at Breezy Hil.

Today is a big day for us. We have an appointment this morning, and then we'll be taking a little drive with the dogs. We're here to sign papers and pick up the keys on our new, old home! We found the perfect place when we were here last month, and today is the day we make it officially ours.

I don't have photos to share with you until tomorrow. I'll be taking many of the outside this afternoon, when we move the camper to its new parking place. Then, in the coming weeks and months, I'll share "before" and "after" images of the interior as we put our own signature on it.

Come back tomorrow for my first installment of "Photos From The Farm". I've already started working on a new blog header to include our new place!

There are so many changes in our future. It's going to be a wonderful, fabulous, next adventure for Handsome and me...and our sons and their families are more than a bit excited to have Grandma and Grandpa back in Wisconsin! Likewise, we're looking forward to reconnecting with old friends.
I guess we're officially Cheeseheads again...and we couldn't be happier.

Diane Knott's Acorn Bag...

Brynwood Needleworks - Diane Knott Acorn Bag

This sweet, little acorn bag was created by my friend, Diane Knott - and now it's mine! Diane does beautiful work and this piece is perfectly made.

Brynwood Needleworks - Diane Knott Acorn Bag and Lavender Sachet

In addition to my new bag, Diane also made a dress-shaped lavender sachet for me. Not only is it pretty, but it smells delightful, too! Thank you so much, Diane! I love everything you create.

 

If you'd like to visit Diane's website, you can click HERE. Diane is a talented watercolor artist, fabric designer and needleworker. Once you visit her page, you can also join her Facebook page to see what she's creating next! Have fun exploring, and HAPPY WEEKEND!

One Hundred Dresses (So Far)...

Two more boxes arrived yesterday!

 

These twelve dresses arrived from Linda S. in Clermont, Florida. Linda made all of them, and three of her friends donated funds to purchase fabric for three of them. She made one in each size, and these twelve dresses put us at the ONE HUNDRED DRESSES mark!

The most exciting thing is that I know there are more! Remember, I said there were two boxes yesterday. One of my oldest (not age-wise) blog friends, Lucy Galgano, joined our effort and made six dresses, too! (That makes 106!!)

These eighteen dresses will join the others I already have...and the additional dresses I know are (or will be) on their way. I can hardly contain myself...waiting to see how many dresses we end up taking to Orlando before the end of August. One hundred six already, and we have over two weeks left before the deadline.

Thank you, Linda and Lucy! Eighteen little girls will be tickled to receive one of the dresses you made. Your dress could change their life, and each will certainly change their outlook.

Sweet Lucy surprised me by tucking a little something extra in the box with her dresses. She included a pocket-size devotional book (which I will keep with me and cherish), and a box whose contents were wrapped in raffia.

On closer inspection, I couldn't help but smile. See? My thoughtful friend included a box of acorns for me! These will be safely tucked in the studio until such time as we move and I set up in a new creative space. Then, they'll be front and center with the rest of my collection.

Thank you for thinking of the girls, ladies...and thanks again, Lucy, for adding a little something special for me. Every day is a gift that we can share together. 

 

I'm grateful for every single dress that has arrived so far, and every dress yet to come. You're all generous and loving people who are willing to share your talents. These children will be blessed by your gifts, and I'm so honored to be able to do this with you.

Always Room For A New Idea...

All of these treasures have been packed away for now. They're patiently waiting for their new home. 

 

I have a reason for showing them to you today, though. See the beautiful, brass acorn in the center? It's a vintage cigarette lighter. Recently, I posted a link on my Brynwood Facebook page that caught my eye. It's a link to a tutorial on Todolwen by a blogger names Karen B.

What she did with a vintage strawberry cigarette lighter is genius...and after we've moved and settled into our new home, I'm going to do something on the same order with my vintage acorn.

Here's the link to her tutorial.

I especially love the little ruffle and blossom she added to her design. I'll be contemplating what embellishments I might use to make mine a little sweeter, too.

Karen has no idea that I'm sharing her tutorial here today, so if you leave a comment for her, I'd appreciate it if you mentioned I sent you.
 

This is Father's Day weekend, so I'm going to be pampering the best Dad I know...my Handsome husband. I'll spend a little time in the studio, but I've got  a few special things planned to show him how much he's loved and appreciated.
 

If your Dad isn't around anymore, I hope you have someone in your life that you will pamper. How about a cookout? You can enjoy the weather and celebrate fathers.

  Happy Father's Day Weekend.

Getting Organized Again...

Saturday was the perfect day to make a new organizer - just for me.

The last one I made that looked like this one went home with my friend, Carol from Serendipity blog. I took it to a lunch date with Carol over a year ago, and she insisted on buying it from me, right then and there. She wrote a check on the spot and I ended up emptying it and carting my tools home in my handbag.

I pulled out the same fabrics I used in the original, and another set of Michelle Palmer artwork (from my "Palmer art-filled tin"), and by the end of Saturday, I put the last stitch in the binding. Done!

It's the same, right down to the acorn charms on the zipper pulls.

The organizer only stayed empty for the few minutes it took for me to take photos, and then I put everything away that's been sitting in a basket since that lunch date.

Oh, yeah! Doing my happy dance.

Everything is right with the universe again. (giggling)

I have three commission orders to finish in the next week...one tablet cover; seven matching mug mats; and a wallet...and I also have two classes to teach in the evening. This is "busy" just the way I like it! I can see a great week ahead. How about you?

A Warm Gift From Cold Illinois...

Not too long ago, I received an email from one of my blog girlfriends asking for

my address. I knew there was something on its way to me, but didn't know what.

Then, late last week, the package arrived and I was so wonderfully surprised!

My friend, Gloria M. sent a parcel loaded with the most beautiful, luscious wools!

She sent me lovely large pieces of earthtone, neutral and warm colors that I can't

wait to use in one of my projects! I'm positive that I'll create a little something

 for her to show my gratitude, too. Can you even imagine such a generous gift?

  Tucked in with all these fabrics was a bag loaded with decor acorns! (You know they went right into my fall-themed arrangements, don't you?)
Receiving these gifts from Gloria caused me to pause to contemplate how truly blessed I am. Not only am I surrounded by the love and loyalty of my own family, I am also gifted with the best of friendships in my life.    Then, when I began blogging, I never quite understood the depth and longevity  of the new friendships I would develop through my writings. (I was surprised that you would even take time out of your busy days to read what I wrote!)   Dear Gloria is one of those friends, and I hope the time comes when I'm  able to visit her in her home state of Illinois so I can thank her in person.
Thank you for these wonderful, thoughtful gifts, Gloria. Words are never  enough to adequately express my gratitude for your kindness. Please  know that you'll be in my heart whenever I use these fabrics, as well as  each and every time I look at the colorful acorns you sent my way. Thanks, and thanks again, my friend. Blessings to you and yours, xo

Embracing The Season...

I made this Patchwork Pumpkins Table Runner (from Shabby Fabrics) last year,

and I couldn't wait to put it back on our table this season. I love it that much!

Last week, my friend Beula (from the Paneras group) gifted me with some of her

wonderful treasures. She loved the little "Memories of Wisconsin" wool book I made

and decided that I should have some of her trinkets to use in future wool books.

 Beula is in her 90's and a vital, creative woman in her own right, so you can

imagine my surprise and delight that she should choose me to receive some of her

treasures. I was speechless to find that she also had given me two Russian amber 

and silver bracelets, a matching amber necklace, six little worry dolls from  

Guatemala, an agatized coral pendant, and even a genuine Indian arrowhead!

(You'll definitely see some of these items again when I make my next wool book.)

I wanted to give her something to show my appreciation, so I made another fall

pumpkin mug mat just for her. Then, I added a trio of acorn candles and a few

other little items selected with her in mind. I gave them to her at Paneras last night.

When I got home, I found that I'd received an envelope in the mail from my

friend, Jacque of The Doodles of My Mind blog. Remember, Jacque's pup

is a sweet, old chocolate Labrador named Tag E. Butt. We love him a lot!

I opened the envelope to find special selvages for my Selvage Quilt project. I

was so excited to see them! First, Deb Strain is one of my fave fabric designers.

And, look at the color registers on the edge...ACORNS!!!   Thank you, Jacque! You knew I would love them and you were so right. I think I'll have to do one set of blocks that will be devoted solely to acorns, with your selvages as the focal point. I know I'll have to leave more than the skinny 1/4" extra pattern, too. I may leave them as wide as you've cut them!   Goodness, Fall is my favorite time of year (north or south), and these are a few of the things that helped me get in the spirit yesterday. I'm blessed, indeed.
What are you doing to enjoy Autumn?  How are you decorating? What are you making? I'd love to know!

With Love From Vermont...

 My beautiful and generous friend, Denise sent a wonderful package to me! I opened the mailbox on Saturday to find a complete surprise from Vermont. I couldn't wait to get back to the house to open it. I love surprises!   Denise, I can't tell you how much fun I had opening all the little packages  inside. Wrapped around all those smaller packages was this lovely tea towel.  1985. You don't even know how special this was to me.

Handsome and I were married in 1984, and that first two weeks in January, 1985, we were on our honeymoon in Grand Cayman in the British West Indies.    There are so many fond memories for us. Our honeymoon, our first year of  marriage, and the beginning of our life together as husband and wife. I know Denise chose it because of the acorns and oak leaves, but  I love it for many more reasons!

Then, I opened another package to find these beautiful spoons and acorns. She packed actual real acorns along with all my other gifts. I felt like a giddy kid.

They really are spoons with acorns! Just look at the beautiful pattern on the handles! Complete acorns and oak leaves adorn the fronts of each one. They're so perfect.

Then, I turned them over to find more details on the back. There are  more oak leaves, but on the back, you'll only see acorn caps...no acorns.

  They really are wonderful and I'll treasure them forever.

Denise also tucked in another fabulous find. Goodness, this girl knows me so well! It's a Guide to American Needlework from the Winterthur Museum. It's stuffed with great reading and photographs of beautiful, historic needleworks.   I'm going to savor every, single page! I'll brew up a pot of tea and put up my  feet to spend an afternoon engrossed in the pages of these books. Heavenly!

 Denise always adds some tasty Vermont maple candies, which I then share with Handsome. (He said, "Thanks, Denise!") Her message was on the back of this restful, peaceful image. This is a picture she took of her and her husband's favorite place to get away. I can completely understand that. That's a stunning sunset. I can almost feel the warmth of the setting sun on my face. aaaahhhhh.
Thank you, my friend for thinking of me, yet again. Whenever I think of you and Neil, I thank God for the friendship we've forged over all these years. I'm so very grateful that we were brought together, and hope someday to be able to hug you in person. Until then, know that you're always in my daily prayers. xoxo