Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Christmas Preparations

The tree has been decorated full of memories and homemade goodness.


Presents are slowly coming together.
One for the youngest above (thanks to a great idea from this blog)
and the oldest below (THANK YOU Grandma for your help!) .



Christmas outfits are coming together (and some pieces are already being worn)


And packages are being prepared for shipping - this little pinecone owl will be soon gracing a nephew's driftwood Christmas tree in Duluth.

There is still lots to be done - lots of baking, finish the headbands for the church Christmas pageant, knitting and sewing presents, shipping of a "Finals" care package to another nephew in Duluth, completing a package for an ornament swap (almost done!) and of course wrapping presents - and I know I am forgetting one or twenty things but this list is enough to keep me busy until Christmas...tis the season :)!

Monday, December 6, 2010

The Start of Our Holiday Season

(The Little and Grandpa all decked out for Christmas)

We officially started our holiday season this weekend with our annual Gingerbread House Building at my Mom and Dad's. We can't quite remember how long we have been doing this but we know it has been since the biggest grandkid in the picture below (now 18 and in college) was about 8. The kids (and my 37 year old brother) all had a great time building their houses and then posed at the end for the annual grandkids picture. It was a wonderful day of good food, time with family and even a couple quick Scrabble games. It was the perfect way to start the season!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!


Wishing everyone a peaceful and happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Etsy Store Opened

I have listed a couple items on Etsy. More listings to come shortly! Please enjoy!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Searching For Inspiration

Since the less then successful craft show a couple weeks ago and feeling a little overwhelmed with all that is going on here at home I have been searching for creative inspiration as I go about my day. Today it was found in the pages of my college copy of The Riverside Shakespeare (mine is the older edition I think - it is hard bound and VERY heavy)- our go to book for flower and leaf pressing. About a month ago my oldest put a beautiful red maple leaf in it to keep for the days to come. About a week ago my youngest and I found a gingko leaf in the parking lot across from our church and just had to bring it home with us. Today I opened the pages and this is what I found...so pretty - the leaves against anillustrated page of Shakespeare. I was so drawn to it that I had to take a picture in color and sepia. I don't know which one I like best... I think I just may turn one or both of these images into some cards for Christmas gifts...



Monday, November 15, 2010

Puppy In Training

He's getting SO big! Sonny is currently at "Paw Camp" learning all he needs to know to be a good, OBEDIENT gun and bird dog. So far he is doing great!

Soon To Be Opened....

In the next week I plan on opening a small Etsy shop. I plan on offering some felt sets (pictured - lunches above, breakfasts below) as well as handknit sweaters, hats and socks for 18" dolls or similar size teddy bears. More info to come within the week...



First Snow Fall of the Winter







Saturday marked the start of our Minnesota winter with a nice measureable snow of 6-8". The boys loved it and I have to admit it was beautiful. I love winter until about mid January and then I am ready for Spring. So until then (and considering I no longer commute anywhere) I WELCOME Jack Frost and Old Man Winter and all that comes with it (my favorite part being the snuggling in :)!)








Sunday, November 7, 2010

Halloween 2010


Getting ready for the craft show has put me way behind in blog entries but here are the boys in their Halloween costumes...(Thank you Grandma for sewing Little's pirate shirt!)

Holy Name of Jesus Craft Show in Medina - Today 9A-3P




It has been a busy month but all is ready. Last night the show ran from 5-9 and was a little quiet but we are hoping for a good showing today. Thirty crafters and artists with a wonderful variety of items. Above are some pictures of my table. Not too shabby for only a month of preparation...

Saturday, October 23, 2010

MEA Weekend in Minnesota

(A trip to Fergus for a little antique shopping and inspiration)

(The weary hunter)

(Sunset in Sepia)

Every year the school students in Minnesota get 2 days off at the end of October so the teachers can attend the annual education conference. Our family has turned this weekend into a hunting weekend up at North. Daddy (and sometimes Mommy with her camera) goes out in search of the sometimes elusive ducks and geese making their way south for the winter and the boys get some time with their Papa and Gima Melon. So far this year daddy has gotten 2 ducks and mommy has knit a couple Christmas ornaments, a dolly sweater and a couple dishclothes. The boys have explored the woods, played football and just enjoyed being kids with nothing to do but PLAY!

Friday, October 8, 2010

New Additions to The Weekend Cottage


Here are a few new additions to the Weekend Cottage starting today... Mourning Crows and Homesewn Punkins. New additions will be added next weekend as well!

An Excursion To The Zoo


Wood Ducks on the Minnesota Trail (pic by Oldest)

On Monday my oldest didn't have school so the boys, my mom and I all drove to the other side
of the city to meet my cousin, her 2 girls and her mom (my mom's sister) and go to the Minnesota Zoo. What an incredible day we had. We made it there just in time for the shark feeding which was fascinating. We then spent 3 hours walking all over the zoo. The highlights were the new Russian Coast exhibit and my favorite - the Minnesota Trail.


Leopard Shark on Tropics Trail


Crocodile on Tropics Trail (pic by Oldest)


Timber Wolf on Minnesota Trail (pic by Oldest)


The Gang of Littles

Halloween Capital of the World

We live in the Halloween Capital of the World so needless to say we take the holiday just a little seriously. The house has been decorated and Halloween costumes have been in discussion for a couple months. We are already excited for the big day!



Saturday, October 2, 2010

A Purse For A Friend


Last year I knit and felted myself a purse. A dear friend of mine liked it and asked me to make her one. One year later it is done! I hope she enjoys it!

A New Adventure!!!

Weekend Cottage Antiques

My mother-in-law and I have moved into our new endeavor today! We rented a booth at Weekend Cottage Antiques and are excited to see how it all goes. The shop is open Friday - Sunday and is located in Clear Lake, MN just off Cty. Rd 10 (not to far off of I94 from Clearwater). My in-laws have been antique dealers since they retired from teaching over 10 years ago. This is my first go (outside of a few things in my in-laws shops). I have included some of my homemades - I am calling that little side business "Remnants" being that I use remnants from the past in the form of antiques and antique sewing notions as well as remnants of yarn and fabric that I try to put to use in new ways.




Auntie Pat's Dishclothes



Toddler Bucket Hats handknit using leftover yarn


Toddler Teddy Bear Hats handknit using yarn left over from other projects


Teddy Bear Sweater handknit using leftover yarn.






Little girl aprons handsewn using recycled jeans, leftover fabric and vintage notions


Jam Tart Pincusions handmade using vintage jelly molds, doilies fabric and buttons






And we have quite a bit more room so there will be much more added!!!


































Monday, September 20, 2010

The Creative Process

the dining room table...


the kitchen counter...