what was I thinking?

I can't believe how many dogs I made! These guys still need to have their ears sewn on, but at least I got them cut out this morning. I like to do hand sewing in the evening so hopefully I can get that done tonight.

More works in progress. Looks like some bunnies and other creatures made from linen.

 Soft kitties close to being ready for new homes....

These are the painted muslin owls that I started quite a while ago. I need to sand them and then paint them again before doing the fun detail work. And then of course get some legs and feet made with wire and paper mache.

A better photo of the cupcakes....I took the other one late in the day and the colors were more muted.

Still need to put pins on top so they can be used as pin cushions.

Enjoying using these fun tin boxes for a place to keep some of my button collection. I got the top one at Artfest and then the small one at a book store in Berkeley. Tiny buttons are in the small one that I use for eyes on my wool creatures. They have fun messages printed on them all over.

My front yard with the wool dogs on my pink quilt and Henry the cat watching. Maybe I will actually sit outside and try sewing some of those ears on!

Elephant herds...

 Getting ready for the 4th of July I managed to get two herds of cashmere elephants done. This is the first herd.The second herd is below...after the wooly cupcake display....

Punch is a fun store on State St. where Syd sells some of her art. We had a fun visit after picking up our dolls  at Indigo on Sunday. Plum Goods, another great store was another stop on our way to lunch.

 Just finished  book no. 7  in a 9 part series called "The Ringing Cedars" by  Vladimir Megre. One of my neighbors ordered the whole series and brings me a new book as soon as I finish reading one. Very interesting!

And just read this too....loaned from the same nice neighbor!

I have lots more works almost completed....wool doggies still need their ears sewn on, cloth owls are half painted, ethnic dollies need faces embroidered and I have about 8 small paintings to complete. And I just found out that I am invited to our local Farmer's Market and must bring crafts! Luckily I have a bunch of things completed to fill a small table and it is only from 9 to noon.
 Come visit if you are in the Painted Cave vicinity! Located at 4844 Ogram Rd. at Teddy and Laura's home.

Birds and Mushrooms...

We had a wonderful vacation- lots of sunshine, hot spring soaking, good food, friends, and hikes to familiar places. Now we are back home and I am busily creating for the 4th of July craft show. Making more  little owls, mushrooms, felt pins, and hooked creatures. Still working in our store a few days a week and with both boys home cooking more than usual, but enjoying it more. Nice to have the whole family here, even though Jason has taken over one half of my art studio with his stuff!

Daily walk

 My daily walk passes through our little neighborhood....gardens filled with hollyhocks...

 bird baths....

 Yuccas blooming....

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wildflowers....

foggy mountain tops...with mustard blooming...

colorful sage...

and the local goats awaiting a handout.

Our family is off for our short vacation to Calistoga. Back in a few days.

Have a great weekend!

Art From Scrap Workshop * Mask making *

 Here are some of the fun and colorful masks that the kids made at our workshop on Saturday. I made a few samples for ideas and the kids got right to work. All of the materials are from the donated supplies at Art From Scrap. The plastic jewels were a big hit especially with the girls! We had quite a good turnout and the kids kept coming for the whole 2 hours and were making things right up until 12 noon. There is just something about kids' art that makes you smile...I am always amazed at the wonderful creations that show up.

Cage Doll Show at Indigo in Santa Barbara

 These are images from the opening night of the Cage Doll show. I tried to get as many photos as I could with all the people standing around. We had a very good turnout on the First Thursday opening and several of the dolls sold. So many different way of interpreting the theme, loved them all. Hope you enjoy the show!