Thursday, September 30, 2010

The next "House"

After the Hobbit House, I couldn't wait to start on the next "House" for little bears and woodland creatures. The Hunt Valley show on November l3th is always so festive as all the artists decorate their tables in a holiday theme....and some wear costumes. It is just a spectacular sight! Well. I invisioned my table as a woodland scene and decided to make some "tree" houses. I've fashioned three tree stumps, cut doors and windows, and left holes in the tops so that I can put holly and other season branches in the top. So far, the first one has finally dried enough to take it to the kiln room for the first firing. The other two should be dry enough next week. I took this photo with my phone camera yesterday.
There will be tiny battery operated tea lights inside the houses. I will use red iron oxide for coloring before the final firing. Each house has some mushrooms outside which I'll paint with acrylics after the glaze firing. One has to anticipate these projects as a lot of time has to pass with the objects covered in various pieces of plastic so that they will dry out properly. I've heard that there are excited little animals waiting to move in!!!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Camouflage

Nothing like a little help on the work table. I'm getting some sweeties ready for the fall shows and happened to notice Rocky trying to blend in!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

What's in a Name??

It's official. My grand kitty's name is "Beaker"....after the muppet character with the big eyes and squeeky voice. I can see it. Turns out, he shares Kim's love of hockey and love for her shoes.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

a GRAND kitty

Kim has adopted a precious little kitty - making it my grandkitty, I guess! "Yet Unnamed" arrived home with her in Pittsburgh yesterday and it sounds like the fun has begun. He seems to have remarkable talent, undertaking typing, sofa diving, and cord chewing all on his first evening at home. Like every grandma, I shall look forward to loads of photos of "Yet Unnamed's" adventures.
Kim's talent for photography shows in this first photo - taken from her Iphone - of "Yet Unnamed" studying his first toy. Of course, the photo includes the  ever present Penguins logo.

Friday, September 10, 2010

New Online Show!

I've just been invited to join an online show which will take place in November. I hope you'll plan to visit. I'll have more details as the date gets closer! Daphne Blau of Backroads Bears under the title: Teddies Worldwide is putting the show together. For info click on:

http://backroadevents.blogspot.com/p/worldwide-teddies-online-shows.html

I remember the fun shows that Bear Artists Online had - such a great time to meet folks from all over the world. Penny, I miss your artistry and the fabulous things you did for us bear makers.
Let's look forward to the show!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Changing Pallets

Welcome September!
It's with grand pleasure that I take up my newly arrived fabrics in Fall hues! This is certainly the most glorious season of the year for color. I'm planning for a little Fall show online. I have a big box of mohair coming as well, so there will be some new bigger bears in the show in addition to some minis. Last night I made a pumpkin pin cushion and am thinking today I'll begin a little friend to sit atop it. I'm seeing a little clay jack-o-lantern for him as well!

Sewing Buddy
And here's Rocky relaxing on my sewing machine table. He's such a help! He often lies just on the other side of the presser foot and watches the fabric come through.