These are an extra set I made for my shop, Harvest Moon by Hand. I made fabric-covered buttons and then affixed them to a tack. They are 3/4" metal buttons covered with 100% cotton fabric.
More sets of thumb tacks will be added soon.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Fabric Covered Button Thumb Tacks
Olivia has a new corkboard in her room and I wanted to make some pretty thumbtacks for her. Her favorite color is blue, so I made her a set of thumbtacks.
These are an extra set I made for my shop, Harvest Moon by Hand. I made fabric-covered buttons and then affixed them to a tack. They are 3/4" metal buttons covered with 100% cotton fabric.
More sets of thumb tacks will be added soon.
These are an extra set I made for my shop, Harvest Moon by Hand. I made fabric-covered buttons and then affixed them to a tack. They are 3/4" metal buttons covered with 100% cotton fabric.
More sets of thumb tacks will be added soon.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Canned Peaches
Finished canning two crates of Colorado peaches. They are so good this year - full of flavor. This is one fruit that Olivia could eat at every meal.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Sitting in a Tree Watching Bailey
The girls are in the tree watching Bailey eat. This is another one of their favorite climbing trees. They also like the two apple trees in the backyard.
This tree, though, gives them a great view of the miniature horse and pony eating.
Bailey (the pony) and Hoss (the miniature horse) were adopted from the Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation, and were delivered on Thursday, August 13th.
Bailey was bought at a horse auction when she was a baby and has been in foster home after foster home. The last one she was at in northern Minnesota the other horses in the herd ate her mane.
Hoss was from a neglect situation. He and another miniature horse came to the MHARF. The other mini was blind in both eyes and had a brain tumor. Apparently the owner did nothing about it.
We are so happy that both Bailey and Hoss are together as part of our family now; and are grateful for the work that the MHARF does on behalf of horses.
This tree, though, gives them a great view of the miniature horse and pony eating.
Bailey (the pony) and Hoss (the miniature horse) were adopted from the Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation, and were delivered on Thursday, August 13th.
Bailey was bought at a horse auction when she was a baby and has been in foster home after foster home. The last one she was at in northern Minnesota the other horses in the herd ate her mane.
Hoss was from a neglect situation. He and another miniature horse came to the MHARF. The other mini was blind in both eyes and had a brain tumor. Apparently the owner did nothing about it.
We are so happy that both Bailey and Hoss are together as part of our family now; and are grateful for the work that the MHARF does on behalf of horses.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Snowflake Ornament
This is another Christmas ornament I made that is available in my shop, Harvest Moon by Hand.
The design is stitched on white 22-count Aida cloth. It is hand-stitched onto two layers of blue felt.
The design itself on the aida cloth is 1 1/2" x 1 1/2". It is hand-stitched onto two pieces of dark blue felt that is 2" x 2".
There are four different designs that I made using either light blue or dark blue floss. All are sewn onto dark blue felt.
The design is stitched on white 22-count Aida cloth. It is hand-stitched onto two layers of blue felt.
The design itself on the aida cloth is 1 1/2" x 1 1/2". It is hand-stitched onto two pieces of dark blue felt that is 2" x 2".
There are four different designs that I made using either light blue or dark blue floss. All are sewn onto dark blue felt.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Storm Clouds and Summer Produce
One of the reasons I like living in the country is the open space. This is the view looking east one morning. There have been a series of storms recently.
On Monday, there was a severe storum, but most of it was south of here which was a relief. Watched the weather report until almost 11 p.m. due to the threat of a tornado and high winds. Ended up getting a lot of lightening and thunder, and some rain.
This storm was all rain - things are definitely green around here now. The corn across the street is well over six feet high. The trees are loaded with plums, pears, cherries, and apples now. Days filled with canning and preserving the summer fruit is right around the corner.
On Monday, there was a severe storum, but most of it was south of here which was a relief. Watched the weather report until almost 11 p.m. due to the threat of a tornado and high winds. Ended up getting a lot of lightening and thunder, and some rain.
This storm was all rain - things are definitely green around here now. The corn across the street is well over six feet high. The trees are loaded with plums, pears, cherries, and apples now. Days filled with canning and preserving the summer fruit is right around the corner.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Halloween Garland of Stars and Pumpkins
This is my entry for the July Craft Challenge for the Halloween Year Round group on Swap-Bot.
I made a 9 foot Halloween garland using ribbon (for the garland itself), kite paper (for the 5 translucent origami stars), cardstock for the 4 pumpkin outlines, and 4 vintage image stickers on different colored printed paper (scrapbook paper). The stickers feature a jack o'lantern, cat, and owl.
Here's how each component is represented:
~ A Jack O' Lantern - There are 2 Jack O'lantern stickers
~ A Piece of Printed Page (No size requirement, no subject requirement. Can be from a book, newspaper, scrapbook paper.) - Each of the stickers is on top of patterned paper
~The Shape of a Star - There are 5 stars that are made with translucent kite paper. Each point (of each star) is folded 11 times, and then glued to another point. So, to create one 6-pointed star, I needed to do 66 folds. With 5 stars...that's 330 folds.
~ The Date "October 31st" - The date is handwritten on the ribbon in permanent blank ink.
This is available in my shop, Harvest Moon by Hand.
I made a 9 foot Halloween garland using ribbon (for the garland itself), kite paper (for the 5 translucent origami stars), cardstock for the 4 pumpkin outlines, and 4 vintage image stickers on different colored printed paper (scrapbook paper). The stickers feature a jack o'lantern, cat, and owl.
Here's how each component is represented:
~ A Jack O' Lantern - There are 2 Jack O'lantern stickers
~ A Piece of Printed Page (No size requirement, no subject requirement. Can be from a book, newspaper, scrapbook paper.) - Each of the stickers is on top of patterned paper
~The Shape of a Star - There are 5 stars that are made with translucent kite paper. Each point (of each star) is folded 11 times, and then glued to another point. So, to create one 6-pointed star, I needed to do 66 folds. With 5 stars...that's 330 folds.
~ The Date "October 31st" - The date is handwritten on the ribbon in permanent blank ink.
This is available in my shop, Harvest Moon by Hand.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Cecropia Moth Caterpillar
The Master Gardeners were at the Washington County Fair and had an interesting display with different caterpillars and plants.
Both Sophia and Olivia were fascinated with the cecropia moth caterpillar. This is one that I remember seeing when I was growing up - but much larger - in our backyard. I liked how colorful it was - all those little red and yellow bumps on its body.
Sophia wanted to hold the caterpillar and feel it walk on her hand. Olivia was more than content just watching the caterpillars eat leaves.
Both Sophia and Olivia were fascinated with the cecropia moth caterpillar. This is one that I remember seeing when I was growing up - but much larger - in our backyard. I liked how colorful it was - all those little red and yellow bumps on its body.
Sophia wanted to hold the caterpillar and feel it walk on her hand. Olivia was more than content just watching the caterpillars eat leaves.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Garland of Translucent Origami Window Stars
Vote for this item to win the HandmadeMN's July challenge (Circus is the theme). Visit HERE and then scroll down. Vote for "Harvest Moon by Hand" and this entry. Thanks!
A little about this item: Each star is folded 18 times per point. With 8 points per star, that's 144 folds per star. There are 6 stars on the garland which means there are 864 folds to create this garland of stars.
When I think about the circus, I think of bright, cheerful colors. Immediately, the window stars came to mind.
Wanting to do something different - something I had never seen before done with the window stars - I created a garland of them. Hanging between two pines in the backyard, the sun illuminated the pattern in each star as they waved in the breeze.
If you are interested in purchasing this item, please visit my shop HERE.
My daughters came up to see what I was doing. Both responded with, "WOW! That's really pretty, Mom." That's always nice to hear.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Sophia Laying Out Her Quilt
This is the quilt that Sophia is working on for the county fair. She picked out the fabric, measured, cut, pinned, and is sewing the pieces together.
The top of the quilt is made from 100% cotton fabric; and the backing is flannel - so she has two different textures to her quilt which is nice.
She's very excited to see it come together. It's the largest quilt she's made to date.
The top of the quilt is made from 100% cotton fabric; and the backing is flannel - so she has two different textures to her quilt which is nice.
She's very excited to see it come together. It's the largest quilt she's made to date.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Olivia Cutting Fabric for her Quilt
County Fair preparation are underway. The big project Olivia is entering this year is a quilt. She picked out the fabric at a quilt shop in Pella, Iowa and at Joanns.
The central focus is the dog print fabric from Pella. The other fabric she chose ties into the dog print fabric (red, white, and black).
With the exception of measuring and pinning, Olivia is doing the quilt herself. She selected all her fabric, is cutting it into strips, and will sew it by machine. The finished quilt will be 48" x 72".
The central focus is the dog print fabric from Pella. The other fabric she chose ties into the dog print fabric (red, white, and black).
With the exception of measuring and pinning, Olivia is doing the quilt herself. She selected all her fabric, is cutting it into strips, and will sew it by machine. The finished quilt will be 48" x 72".
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Olivia and Hoss the Miniature Horse
Finally...a horse that is Olivia's size. Adopted Hoss on Sunday, July 19th. He will be coming to the farm as soon as the girls and I get the barn ready.
Hoss was rescued and taken into the care of the Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation. Adopted him from MHARF.
He stands 31" at the withers...so he's very small. He's calm, stood patiently while he was groomed, let Olivia lead him on a walk with no problems.
His body has been shaved because his coat was pretty heavy and the weather was hot. His normal color on his body looks more like his face.
Because he is young and healthy, Olivia can do obstacle courses, jumping, and other activities with Hoss. From a homeschooling perspective, this is great for phy ed as well as learning about responsibility and caring for an animal.
She's eager to start doing chores, she said. Already on Monday morning, she asked twice about when she can start working in the barn to get it ready for Hoss.
Also would like to see if Hoss may be good for visiting nursing homes and seniors who have memory loss issues, like Alzheimer's Disease. Have seen this done in other states, but nothing like this exists in Minnesota (to my knowledge). He certainly has the perfect temperment/personality for it.
Hoss was rescued and taken into the care of the Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation. Adopted him from MHARF.
He stands 31" at the withers...so he's very small. He's calm, stood patiently while he was groomed, let Olivia lead him on a walk with no problems.
His body has been shaved because his coat was pretty heavy and the weather was hot. His normal color on his body looks more like his face.
Because he is young and healthy, Olivia can do obstacle courses, jumping, and other activities with Hoss. From a homeschooling perspective, this is great for phy ed as well as learning about responsibility and caring for an animal.
She's eager to start doing chores, she said. Already on Monday morning, she asked twice about when she can start working in the barn to get it ready for Hoss.
Also would like to see if Hoss may be good for visiting nursing homes and seniors who have memory loss issues, like Alzheimer's Disease. Have seen this done in other states, but nothing like this exists in Minnesota (to my knowledge). He certainly has the perfect temperment/personality for it.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Sophia and Cocoa Jumping
Sophia is doing jumping with a miniature horse. This horse isn't hers...it's one that is owned by a family who helps the Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation.
Sophia is trying to find either a miniature horse or small pony that would fit two needs: (1) riding - both trail riding as well as jumping; (2) doing obstacle courses/jumping like is shown in the picture.
From a homeschooling perspective, this provides a child with lessons about responsibility, caring for an animal, and exercise.
The MHARF is looking for a miniature horse or pony that fits these needs. The other good thing...a horse or pony that was once neglected or abused goes to a loving home. Everyone benefits which is the ultimate goal.
Sophia is trying to find either a miniature horse or small pony that would fit two needs: (1) riding - both trail riding as well as jumping; (2) doing obstacle courses/jumping like is shown in the picture.
From a homeschooling perspective, this provides a child with lessons about responsibility, caring for an animal, and exercise.
The MHARF is looking for a miniature horse or pony that fits these needs. The other good thing...a horse or pony that was once neglected or abused goes to a loving home. Everyone benefits which is the ultimate goal.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Gingerbread House Christmas Ornament
This is a gingerbread house Christmas ornament that is my own design. I found a picture of gingerbread house cookie that I liked and modified it to be a Christmas ornament.
The ornament is made from wool felt and cotton embroidery floss. It is about 3 1/2" tall and 2" wide. It is hand-embroidered using the blanket-stitch.
I posted this ornament in my shop on Etsy, Harvest Moon by Hand. Within an hour...it was gone. So, I've made another one and it is available in my shop.
The ornament is made from wool felt and cotton embroidery floss. It is about 3 1/2" tall and 2" wide. It is hand-embroidered using the blanket-stitch.
I posted this ornament in my shop on Etsy, Harvest Moon by Hand. Within an hour...it was gone. So, I've made another one and it is available in my shop.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Eco-Friendly Envelopes Made from Wallpaper
How many trees worth of paper have you used in your lifetime?
It's not a question that most people think about...or WANT to think about. It is so easy to waste paper. Yet, by making a conscious effort, you can reduce the amount of paper you consume each year.
One way to reduce the amount of paper you use is to make envelopes from wallpaper that is in wallpaper sample books.
I had several wallpaper sample books on hand, and wanted to find a use for them rather than just having them sit in my closet. Looked through the wallpaper, and chose some pages that I thought were pretty.
I hand-cut, folded, and glued each envelope. Made three different sizes of envelopes, and then wrapped each set with a bow.
If you don't have the time to make your own envelopes - or prefer to purchase handmade items for yourself or as gifts - the envelopes are available in my shop, Harvest Moon by Hand.
*~*~*~*~*
Letter writing is a great way for children to practice their writing skills. It's even better when the envelopes are pretty and make an environmental statement!
The envelopes are great for bill paying, book making, scrapbooking, or organizing craft supplies. Tuck an envelope with a special note in a lunch bag, a suitcase for a young adult headed off to college, or under a pillow.
It's not a question that most people think about...or WANT to think about. It is so easy to waste paper. Yet, by making a conscious effort, you can reduce the amount of paper you consume each year.
One way to reduce the amount of paper you use is to make envelopes from wallpaper that is in wallpaper sample books.
I had several wallpaper sample books on hand, and wanted to find a use for them rather than just having them sit in my closet. Looked through the wallpaper, and chose some pages that I thought were pretty.
I hand-cut, folded, and glued each envelope. Made three different sizes of envelopes, and then wrapped each set with a bow.
If you don't have the time to make your own envelopes - or prefer to purchase handmade items for yourself or as gifts - the envelopes are available in my shop, Harvest Moon by Hand.
*~*~*~*~*
Letter writing is a great way for children to practice their writing skills. It's even better when the envelopes are pretty and make an environmental statement!
The envelopes are great for bill paying, book making, scrapbooking, or organizing craft supplies. Tuck an envelope with a special note in a lunch bag, a suitcase for a young adult headed off to college, or under a pillow.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sophia and Me Playing the Gongs
We went to the annual Dragon Festival at Lake Phalen this year. The event showcases the 2,400-yr-old tradition and sport of dragon boat racing. There also are performances, displays, and activities that help increase cross-cultural understanding.
One of the performances was by the Sumunar Gamelan Ensemble led by Joko. When I use to run Create & Cultivate Art Camps for children at the farm, Joko was one of the artists who taught the children. He's a great artist/educator, and I was so happy that Sophia and Olivia were able to see and hear the Gamelan Ensemble.
At the end of the performance, Joko asked if anyone from the audience wanted to learn to play the gamelan. Sophia and I volunteered. We were guided to the gong section.
I started out with the little gongs and Sophia was going to play the large one. She wanted to switch, though, and play the smaller ones.
It was such a fun experience, and one that both of us will remember for many years.
So, what is a gamelan? Here's the definition from Wikipedia:
A gamelan is a musical ensemble from Indonesia, typically from the islands of Bali or Java, featuring a variety of instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, drums and gongs; bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings. Vocalists may also be included.
The term refers more to the set of instruments than to the players of those instruments.
A gamelan is a set of instruments as a distinct entity, built and tuned to stay together — instruments from different gamelan are generally not interchangeable.
One of the performances was by the Sumunar Gamelan Ensemble led by Joko. When I use to run Create & Cultivate Art Camps for children at the farm, Joko was one of the artists who taught the children. He's a great artist/educator, and I was so happy that Sophia and Olivia were able to see and hear the Gamelan Ensemble.
At the end of the performance, Joko asked if anyone from the audience wanted to learn to play the gamelan. Sophia and I volunteered. We were guided to the gong section.
I started out with the little gongs and Sophia was going to play the large one. She wanted to switch, though, and play the smaller ones.
It was such a fun experience, and one that both of us will remember for many years.
So, what is a gamelan? Here's the definition from Wikipedia:
A gamelan is a musical ensemble from Indonesia, typically from the islands of Bali or Java, featuring a variety of instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, drums and gongs; bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings. Vocalists may also be included.
The term refers more to the set of instruments than to the players of those instruments.
A gamelan is a set of instruments as a distinct entity, built and tuned to stay together — instruments from different gamelan are generally not interchangeable.
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