Monday Mini-Project. Owl Ornaments.

 Yesterdays walk was rather pleasant. We went to the local reservoir and did the mile loop. Simply stepping out the the car and smelling the hemlocks along the shore was refreshing.

Unusually quiet there. A few hikers checking out spots along the edge to fish from. Nice to see young folks getting out and about. A few folks fishing along the shore. They'd do better to follow the streams. Trout like it cold.

Time to pick up my fishing license.  Season opened on April 1st.

Come to think of it, the game commission was out stocking local streams about a week ago. Will have to scan the paper to see where it was. Dang. Those babies will hit on about anything... Canned corn used to work pretty good back when Grandfather still walked the earth. We used to go to his brothers hatchery (Uncle Ralph - RIP) and do a little fishing - with permission, of course. All you really had to do was stick your line in the water and wait. Those ponds were full of some really nice, fat fish. The first one I pulled from the water was a nine inch Brook Trout. Many, many moons ago.

Will be finishing up those little owl ornaments today. Three more to go, then the painting can begin again.

Chores first. Then it's project time.

Y'all have a productive, satisfying day.  Remember to count your blessings.

Monday Mini-Project.

This little owl comes to you from an unknown source. Not original to me (or the website where instructions were found), but their website offered it freely.

Shown here using two different finishing methods.

A third is on the worktable for tomorrow that will be finished in a different way.

Which do you like better?

I kinda like the pink bellied one, but I don't have any more of those type of eyes (and no funds to purchase more... hence, using the supplies on hand).

Big storm headed our way. Twelve to fourteen inches of snow anticipated. Downstate is predicted to bear the brunt, getting upwards of two feet in places.

March sure has been a lion with the weather. Winter's final hurrah is shaping up to be a doozie.

Wherever you are tonight, here's hoping you are warm, well-fed, and had at least one moment today that made you smile or laugh.

Sweet dreams, friends.

Monday Mini-Project. Pocket Kitties.

When it comes to needlework, I'm not all that creative (painting is my gift). That's probably why one of my favorite searches on Pinterest is free patterns. And let's face it, who doesn't love FREE?

This project comes from artisan Stephanie Woodson at SwoodsonSays and is called a Pocket Kitty.  She's so creative! If you have little ones or like quick projects, check out the other projects and patterns she has available. There's a real cute tutorial for DIY Jeans Patches that's worth a look -- especially if you have children or grandchildren and like to save money.

I think they'd make a great child's birthday party favor. Grandmas and Grandpas might want to keep one on hand as a little something special for that special little one(s) in their lives.

I'm glad Pinterest pointed me to this -- I've actually added her blog to my reading list. Very well put together! Simply a great find all around.

Anyway, I liked this little felt kitty so much I decided to make several. You can click on the link above for the instructions and free pattern.

I made two copies of the pattern so I could have a good reference for the embroidery placement. For durability, the paper pattern was stabilized by gluing it to some cardboard before cutting it out.

Here you see the famous, fearless Tigger-Tiger on top of the morning worktable. Getting ready to lend me a hand sewing these little ones together.

He's been with me for almost five years now and is very precious.

Here's a photo of the kitties I've made so far. Until next time, y'all have a fabulous day!

Monday's Mini Project. Paloma Pony.

Monday's mini-project was completing another pony for the herd. One more to go, then they'll be three. In years past, biographies were included with each animal. Not sure if that's going to happen again.

Each pony takes a full day to craft -- for me at least. The instructions are easy to follow. The finishing touches are the most difficult to complete. Embroidering the face and eyes, stuffing each piece and sewing everything together becomes a bit tedious after you've put together ten or fifteen of these. In spite of all that, it truly is a fun, easy (mindless) project. The supplies don't cost much (about $3 a skein) and you can get two ponies per skein.

This is a perfect gift for friends who need their spirits lifted.  This silly face is enough to make the soggiest person crack a smile.

Here's a link to the pattern from Red Heart (the yarn people): Amigurumi Ponies. If you compare the original pattern picture with my version, you'll notice the eye lids have been omitted on this pony and more yarn was used for the mane and tale. 

Hope your Monday had at least one positive interaction that you can reflect upon as you fall asleep. Rest well, friends.