What Happened to Summer????

     Phoenix had one of the hottest (maybe THE hottest) summers on  record this year.  We escaped for a few weeks, but not nearly as long as we had in the past.  It was a summer of too many doctor visits, too many have-to-do's, etc.  We're fine now, but my blogging has gone by the way-side again. 

     Now that the weather is much nicer and promises even better days to come, I'm trying again.

     Our Grand Markets have started up again. If you're in the Surprise, AZ, area on the first Saturday of the month, stop by The Grand from 9-1 to see all kinds of handcrafted items from six or seven different groups.  I'll be in the Art Club with my needle felted animals and gifts, and maybe some jewelry and earrings, too.  Here are a few of the new items I have:

Harriet the Halloween Mouse

Mouse in the Pumpkin!

Pumpkin and Acorn Time

     In addition to the handcrafted items, there's a commercial Farmer's Market in the same location. The only thing separating us are two buildings, one of which has a cafe in it.  So plan on coming early, shopping, and enjoying a little lunch.

     If you aren't in Surprise, you can still see these items and more in my Etsy shop.  Hope to see you somewhere soon!  

A Trio of Needle Felted Bird Nests

    It's been a crazy busy Spring. So much so that a May blog simply didn't happen.  I thought about it. Did a little research on bird nests, and even thought I had saved some notes.  But no.  Nothing in my stash of draft blogs appears to be about bird nests.  So in the hopes of getting this blog out before it snows (somewhere), I wanted to at least post some pictures of the needle felted nests I made.  

     Bird nests come in all sizes.  From the tiniest Hummingbird ones to the huge enormous ones of eagles.  Mine come in three sizes, all of them much larger than a Hummer's nest and way smaller than an eagle.  Here's the first, the smallest one:

Like many bird nests, it contains a variety of feathers, flower parts, and colors. Unlike most, it is primarily made of wool that I needle felted lightly and attached to driftwood.  The colorful yellow eggs are a combo of needle and wet felting.

         A medium size nest is very similar with different colored eggs:

The largest nest I made is a fraction of the size of a eagle nest.  It's even smaller than the nest outside my crafting casita.  Still, it has everything a modern bird would need.  Here it is:

After I finished this one, I decided to up my photos by making a woodsy backdrop for the nesting pictures.  I hope you like them.

 

A Mushroom Needle Felting Class

Coming Soon!!!

     On June 18, 2026 I'll be teaching an introductory class in needle felting in the Grand Art Club.  The class is open to all renters and residents, and their guests, who live in The Grand.  You don't have to be a member of the Art Club.

     We'll be making two or three mushrooms and turning them into a mixed media sculpture.  Or, if you don't want that, I'll be bringing along ribbon and cord that can be used to make hanging mushrooms.

      The class will be posted on the Art Club's website soon.  If you're not a member of the Art Club, you can sign up for the class inside the Grand Art Club. 

       I've been needle felting for over four years, and I have lots and lots of wool. I'll be bringing a variety of colors so you won't be limited to the ones shown in the picture.  The class will focus on making basic shapes and building a mushroom from those shapes.  I'll supply the wood base and some goodies for you to add to your sculpture, too.  

       We'll have a fun and relaxing afternoon.  Mark your calendar! I hope you'll join me!

   

Pumpkin Time is Here!

   

     It's hard to believe that October is finally here. It's still soooo hot here in Arizona. We've been under a Heat Advisory for days and days.  Real pumpkins are struggling to survive, but my needle felted ones are fresh and colorful.

     Here are a few that are available in my Etsy shop. 

This one has 2 ribbons. One says "Happy Thanksgiving".

See it here

This one has a copper leaf that I handcrafted from wire.  

See it here

This yellow one has a jaunty feather!

See it here

        There are acorns, too, and more pumpkins.  Stop by my shop and give it a look.

Happy Fall, Y'All