by Susan | Nov 2, 2021 | Odds and Ends, Projects
With WHRL’s Winter Tree Festival & Auction just a month away, I’m relieved to be ahead of the game and have my first entry finished. This summer, I spent many hours on my porch painting these little wooden lobster buoys. I strung the individual buoys...
by Susan | Nov 1, 2021 | Felt Patterns
Here are some more ideas for creating with Downeast Thunder Farm birds and critters. Joyful Owl Wreaths My use of owls in wreaths began with a balsam wreath for Christmas with the Joyful Owl. She’s designed with just her head and upper body to appear as if...
by Susan | Oct 29, 2021 | Felt Patterns, Other Patterns
Why a Christmas Mouse, you wonder? I have no idea, but it’s been on my mind for a couple of years, and I’ve been in the designing groove now that the weather is cooling down. For this critter, I’ve used Silver Gray (mouse), Barnyard Red (scarf),...
by Susan | Oct 23, 2021 | Felt Patterns, Other Patterns
Clearly, I’m gearing up for Christmas. Last weekend it was the Woodland Gnomes. This weekend it’s this simple Woodland Christmas Tree. There are many ways you can create this. Use two coordinating green colors for the tree or use the same color throughout....
by Susan | Oct 17, 2021 | Felt Patterns, Other Patterns
Magical little nature spirits, gnomes have found a place in Christmas holiday traditions. While I’m not a fan of the garden gnome, I had lots of fun creating these felt versions. These woodland Christmas gnomes will make darling gift decorations or tree...
by Susan | Oct 15, 2021 | Shop
I have added ten felt pattern kits to the SHOP! They’ve been a long time coming. You’ll find four recent bird designs, including the: American Redstart, Black-throated Green Warbler, Ovenbird, and Common Yellowthroat Warbler. And felt kits for six of my...
by Susan | Oct 11, 2021 | Out and About in Maine
A glorious afternoon on Pigeon Hill. No further words are necessary. Other Pigeon Hill hikes:16 March 2020: Afternoon Tea on Pigeon Hill26 December 2018: The Day After Christmas on Pigeon Hill15 January 2018: Winter on Pigeon Hill12 June 2017: Showing Off Pigeon...
by Susan | Oct 10, 2021 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
Cleaning the living room yesterday, I discovered this Golden-crowned Kinglet pattern that had slipped under the sofa. I designed it at some point but never crafted him. A gray Sunday morning was a good time to take him from paper to felt. Enjoy! Note: If you are...
by Susan | Oct 8, 2021 | Felt Patterns
With the cooler weather setting in and the holidays coming, it seems like a natural time for handicrafts. I have fun designing my birds and critters, and I’m always delighted by the ways readers use the patterns in their projects. I thought I’d showcase...
by Susan | Oct 4, 2021 | Out and About in Maine
Hannah and I packed up Gidget and headed over to Taft Point on Flander’s Bay yesterday. After a busy Saturday working, I needed the activity and fresh air. Storybook-style mushrooms lined the trail to the shore. Overcast skies loomed low over Flanders Bay. As I...
by Susan | Oct 3, 2021 | On My Mind
These first days of October are ones of coming to terms. That summer is over, and I must retire my sandals. That that the days of dipping my toes in the surf have passed. That my porch days are becoming a rarity. That the hummingbird who visited my feeder ten days ago...
by Susan | Sep 28, 2021 | Out and About in Maine
Gray skies. Low tide. Quiet...
by Susan | Sep 26, 2021 | Shop
I’ve added two new products to the SHOP this week! Update: November 6 Backyard Books 2: Felt Ornament Designs is available for ordering! There is also an accompanying felt pack. View the Book Details View the Companion Felt Pack In stock now, this new six-pack...
by Susan | Sep 25, 2021 | Birds and Wildlife, Out and About in Maine
There’s a certain melancholy when summer fades to fall. The marsh grasses in their golds and browns reframe the landscape. These late-season shorebirds lingered in a protected marsh pool during high tide. Their reflections muted on this foggy afternoon. A lone...
by Susan | Sep 19, 2021 | Out and About in Maine
On Saturday, Hannah and I ventured to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. This visit is the latest in the season we’ve enjoyed together. Autumn is unveiling with trees beginning to turn and faded grasses rustling in the breeze. Much of the summer glory had faded,...
by Susan | Sep 17, 2021 | Out and About in Maine
The wonderful thing about Hannah teaching at the high school this semester is meeting for Friday beach walks. It’s been a couple of weeks since we took the time, and it was a lovely September afternoon. The fog rolled in and out. Hannah’s sea glass find. A...
by Susan | Sep 15, 2021 | Birds and Wildlife, Out and About in Maine, Photography
A late summer hummer to brighten up this gloomy, rainy day.
by Susan | Sep 1, 2021 | Critter Patterns, Dogs, Felt Patterns
It’s been a while since I’ve played with a dog pattern. Here’s a scrappy little Border Terrier. They have so many variations in coloring that I’ve provided some options. The general shape of this pup can be modified to fit a variety of...
by Susan | Aug 30, 2021 | Birds and Wildlife, Out and About in Maine
Winding down a Monday with a late afternoon beach walk with only the shorebirds and the rhythm of the waves to keep us company. Seagull. Sandpiper. Sandpiper. Plovers in flight. Plover....
by Susan | Aug 30, 2021 | Hannah, On My Mind
As a parent, I’ve oddly been missing that back-to-school vibe. For the first time since 2004, I haven’t participated in the shopping and gear-up for another school year. The rhythm is off now that Hannah’s a college grad. After returning from Denison...
