Monday, September 30, 2013

Who Doesn't LOVE Mug Rugs? How About Everyone!



I don't know about all of you but I LOVE sewing mug rugs. The reason is because they're small, easy to make and don't take a lot of time. It's probably the main reason I like making doll clothes instead of clothes for myself. The doll clothes are small, easy to make and don't take a lot of time. Do you sense a theme here? 

Well, my sister, Debbie Bohringer of Inspired Creations By D, who designs beautiful wall art quilts also designs the cutest sets of mug rugs. She has a floral mug rugs series, a log cabin woodland mug rugs series and a new series of Christmas mug rugs series.  They're all shown in the picture above and they're all adorable. Plus, they're small, easy to make, and don't take a lot of time. 



Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Gotta Love Wall Art Quilts - Especially If They're Made By Your Baby Sister



I'm so proud of my "BABY" sister and have probably told you this a thousand times. You're probably tired of hearing it from me. I know she's not.

I'm sure you all know by now that my sister is Debbie Bohringer of Inspired Creations By D and she designs beautiful wall art quilts.  The picture above is a new collage of all her quilted wall art designs.

I've loved everyone she's designed and, of course, try to sneak them out of her house when I visit. She, of course, does the same with my dolls when she visits. I suppose it doesn't really matter what house our original creations reside in. It's still in the family.

In any event, I just LOVE her latest "Tis The Season" creation. It is definitely her best wall art quilt so far. Just beautiful. For sure, I'm going to try and sneak that one out of her house when I go to visit. Hopefully she won't notice. Then again, she's a sneaky baby sister. She'll probably have it alarmed so the alarm will go off when I touch it.


How beautiful is that?


Copyright © 2013 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed by Debbie Bohringer


Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Tis The Season - New E-Pattern For Inspired Creations By D



Just when I think my sister's quilt designs couldn't possibly get any better she comes out with yet another beautiful wall art quilt design. This time she's created a beautiful poinsettia wall quilt in time for the holiday season.  Her pattern contains directions for finishing with a wood frame or finishing as a traditional quilt on a dowel hanger.  Either way the design is stunning.


Here's what my sister had to say about her new "Tis The Season" wall art:

Poinsettias are my favorite holiday plant.  Although I like them in all three of their colors, red - pink and white; I am especially partial to the white and that was my inspiration for this pattern.



Copyright © 2013 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed by Debbie Bohringer




Monday, September 23, 2013

My Handmade Seasonal and Holiday Shadowbox Pictures



I just love seasonal and holiday shadowboxes and have made many over the years. Some were decorations, some were given as gifts and some have been for sale.

The shadowboxes were mostly made out of 1/2"x 1" pine for the frames and 1/2" pine boards for the centers. The frames were painted one color and the center boards were painted another. And, rub-on stencils were added to the center boards to complete the pictures.

There was only one exception to the total wood picture and that was for the snowman picture shown in the third row of the collage above third picture from the left. That shadowbox was created using pine wood for the frames and an 8"x 10" canvas panel for the center. Like the other shadowbox pictures I painted the canvas panel a different color than the frames and then applied the rub-on stencils that I had purchased at various arts & crafts stores to create the picture. Brush on varnish was added to seal everything.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

My New Needle Felted Art Dolls Collection



I have to tell you that I've fallen in love with needle felting art dolls.  One of the reasons I love it is each doll seems to develop their own personality and no two dolls look alike.

No matter how much I try to create two identical dolls it's almost impossible. Perhaps it's because I'm creating the doll layer by layer. Perhaps it's just because the roving just has a mind of its own. LOL Whatever the reason - I LOVE it.

I have a few ideas - well, make that many, many ideas - as to what I'd like to try next. Some of it I have to wait for my sister's visit as she'll be showing me how to hand dye the roving. What fun that will be. And, talk about each item being totally unique. There's no chance you'll be able to hand dye several pieces of roving exactly the same way each time. I can hardly wait.

When my sister visits I'll have to hide all my needle felted art dolls. Knowing my sister she's gonna want all of them and will probably sneak them all into her car one night. I'll have to be on the watch for this. She's a clever baby sister. Sneaky, too..... LOL

In the meantime I've got lots of ideas. Of course, they're all written on little pieces of paper or whatever I could get my hands on at the time so I need to organize then a little better. That may take a little while as I've got a big stack of little pieces of paper. So much so that the stack as fallen over and created a little mess. Oh, well. At least it's a creative mess......

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

Monday, September 09, 2013

MY Trio Of Needle Felted Handmade Flower Fairy Art Dolls



My trio of handmade needle felted OOAK flower fairy art dolls are as different as they are alike.  For sure they are all flower fairies and for sure they all love flowers and gardening.  They are all the best of friends and love to do everything together and today have decided to re-pot some of their flowers and plants.


As far as flower fairies are concerned they don't get any sweeter than Pearl. She's as sweet as pie and has nothing bad to say about anyone or anything. She loves her life and loves sitting out in the woods among her fairy friends and her precious flowers.

Pearl is sitting on her favorite wooden stool and just finished potting a new flower in a terracotta pot.

Pearl and her friends, Shasta and Gwendolyn, have several flowers to re-pot today. Pearl doesn't mind. She's as happy as can be. She's working with her flowers. She's out enjoying the woods and nature. She's waiting for her friends. What could be better than that?


Shasta is a gifted flower fairy who has an amazing green thumb. There isn't anything she can't grown or mend. If there's a sick flower or plant that needs tending Shasta is the flower fairy to see. She always knows that to do. A flower fairy with an extraordinary gift of healing.

Shasta is sitting on her favorite wooden stool and she just finished potting a new flower in a terracotta pot.

Shasta and her friends, Pearl and Gwendolyn, have several flowers to re-pot today. Shasta figured she'd get a head start by re-potting a few before she left to meet her friends. It was a before day for re-potting. A beautiful day for healing. Especially when you're an extraordinary flower fairy with an amazing green thumb.


Gwendolyn, like her friends Pearl and Shasta, loves flowers. However, she isn't as optimistic as her friend Pearl and certainly not as gifted with an extraordinary green thumb like Shasta when it comes to her flowers and gardens. She loves flowers and loves gardening but is all thumbs. Nothing turns out like it should. She buys flowers to plant and then she can't remember what she did with them.

Gwendolyn is sitting on her favorite wooden stool and she just finished potting a new flower in a terracotta pot.

Gwendolyn and her friends, Pearl and Shasta, have several flowers to re-pot today. Gwendolyn isn't sure what she did with the rest of the flowers that need to be re-potted. She knows she has them, but can't put her finger on them. Perhaps her problem isn't at she's all thumbs when it comes to plants. Perhaps it's because she let's her mind wander. What do you think?

Three flower fairies who are the best of friends despite their differences.  They love spending time together and what could be better than that?



Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

Sunday, September 08, 2013

Gwendolyn Loves To Tend Her Flowers - New OOAK Needle Felted Handmade Garden Fairy Art Doll


Gwendolyn Loves To Tend her Flowers - 11" Needle Felted Handmade OOAK Flower Fairy Art Doll

Gwendolyn, like her friends Pearl and Shasta, loves flowers. However, she isn't as optimistic as her friend Pearl and certainly not as gifted with an extraordinary green thumb like Shasta when it comes to her flowers and gardens. She loves flowers and loves gardening but is all thumbs. Nothing turns out like it should. She buys flowers to plant and then she can't remember what she did with them.


Gwendolyn's inner body is fully bendable and is sculpted out of Sunflower's alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  Her outer body, legs, arms, part of her head and pant cuffs are also needle sculpted from Sunflower's alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  Her hands, face, and nose are needle felted from beige roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber. Her eyes are needle felted from light blue roving her and eyebrows are needle felted from Ivy's brown alpaca roving  from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  Her mouth is needle sculpted from red roving and black alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber is used for her pupils, to outline her eyes, and for needle felting her black boots .  White prime roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber is needle felted for the whites of her eyes and  her cheeks are blushed with a rose chalk.


Gwendolyn's royal blue pants are needle felted from royal blue roving and her light teal shirt and pant cuffs are needled felted from light teal roving. Her teal blue daisy hair is needle felted from a teal and white combination roving and her green tutu leaves are needle felted from dark green moss roving.

Gwendolyn's fairy wings are made from a combination of light green felt and light blue felt and are felted to her.

Gwendolyn is sitting on her favorite wooden stool that has been sponge painted with white, gray, green and beige colors. She just finished potting a new flower in a terracotta pot. Brown roving is used for the dirt in her flower pot, teal blue roving is used to needle felt her flower and green roving is used to needle felt her flower stem.

Gwendolyn and her friends, Pearl and Shasta, have several flowers to re-pot today. Gwendolyn isn't sure what she did with the rest of the flowers that need to be re-potted. She knows she has them, but can't put her finger on them. Perhaps her problem isn't at she's all thumbs when it comes to plants. Perhaps it's because she let's her mind wander. What do you think?

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

Saturday, September 07, 2013

Shasta Is A Extraordinary Flower Fairy - New Needle Felted OOAK Handmade Flower Fairy Art Doll


Shasta Is An Extraordinary Flower Fairy - 11" Needle Felted Handmade OOAK Flower Fairy Art Doll

Shasta is a gifted flower fairy who has an amazing green thumb. There isn't anything she can't grown or mend. If there's a sick flower or plant that needs tending Shasta is the flower fairy to see. She always knows that to do. A flower fairy with an extraordinary gift of healing.


Shasta's inner body is fully bendable and is sculpted out of Sunflower's alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  Her outer body, legs, arms , part of her head and pant cuffs are also needle sculpted from Sunflower's alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  Her hands, face, and nose are needle felted from a light pink roving. Her eyes and eyebrows are needle felted from Ivy's brown alpaca roving  from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  Her mouth is needle sculpted from red roving and black alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber is used for her pupils, to outline her eyes, and for needle felting her black boots .  White prime roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber is needle felted for the whites of her eyes and  her cheeks are blushed with a pink chalk.


Shasta's blue pants are needle felted from two color blue roving and her melon green shirt is needled felted from melon green roving. Her lilac daisy hair is needle felted from lilac pink roving and her green tutu leaves are needle felted from dark green moss roving.

Shasta's fairy wings are made from a combination of light blue felt and navy blue felt and are felted to her.

Shasta is sitting on her favorite wooden stool that has been sponge painted with white, gray, green and beige colors. She just finished potting a new flower in a terracotta pot. Brown roving is used for the dirt in her flower pot, royal blue roving is used to needle felt her flower and green roving is used to needle felt her flower stem.

Shasta and her friends, Pearl and Gwendolyn, have several flowers to re-pot today. Shasta figured she'd get a head start by re-potting a few before she left to meet her friends. It was a before day for re-potting. A beautiful day for healing. Especially when you're an extraordinary flower fairy with an amazing green thumb.

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

Friday, September 06, 2013

Pearl Is Just The Sweetest Flower Fairy - New OOAK Needle Felted Handmade Flower Fairy Art Doll



Pearl Is Just The Sweetest Flower Fairy - 11" Needle Felted Handmade OOAK Flower Fairy Art Doll

As far as flower fairies are concerned they don't get any sweeter than Pearl. She's as sweet as pie and has nothing bad to say about anyone or anything. She loves her life and loves sitting out in the woods among her fairy friends and her precious flowers.


Pearl's inner body is fully bendable and is sculpted out of Sunflower's alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  Her outer body, legs, arms and part of her head are also needle sculpted from Sunflower's alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  Her hands, face, and nose are needle felted from a light pink roving. Her eyes and eyebrows are needle felted from Ivy's brown alpaca roving  from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  Her mouth is needle sculpted from red roving and black alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber is used for her pupils, to outline her eyes, and for needle felting her black boots .  White prime roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber is needle felted for the whites of her eyes and  her cheeks are blushed with a pink chalk.


Pearl's blue pants are needle felted from blue roving and her lime green shirt is needled felted from lime green roving. Her light pink and dark pink rose hair is needle felted from light pink and dark pink roving and her green tutu leaves is needle felted from dark green moss roving.

Pearl's fairy wings are made from a combination of light blue felt and royal blue felt and are felted to her.

Pearl is sitting on her favorite wooden stool that has been sponge painted with white, gray, green and beige colors. She just finished potting a new flower in a terracotta pot. Brown roving is used for the dirt in her flower pot, yellow roving is used to needle felt her flower and green roving is used to needle felt her flower stem.

Pearl and her friends, Shasta and Gwendolyn, have several flowers to re-pot today. Pearl doesn't mind. She's as happy as can be. She's working with her flowers. She's out enjoying the woods and nature. She's waiting for her friends. What could be better than that?

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

Thursday, September 05, 2013

My New Needle Felted OOAK Handmade Snowman Art Doll Group



My new group of handmade needle felted OOAK snowmen art dolls are as different as they are alike.  For sure they are all snowmen (actually 4 snowmen and one snow-lady) and for sure they all have their opinions on the Winter.  The latter is where they definitely differ.


Bubbles knows that winter can be a harsh time especially for her beloved red cardinals so she does everything she can to make sure they survive the winter. She loves being outdoors with her "birdie" friends. This year she built them a new birdhouse and hopes they like it.

Icicle is a very artistic snowman and loves sculpting snowflakes and ice sculptures. Whether it's a snowflake or ice sculpture - the more complex and complicated the better. He just loves the challenge and loves being as creative and unique as possible. After all no two snowflakes are alike and neither are his creations.

Icicle is holding his latest snowflake creation and he's sitting atop a wooden covered box.

Icicle loves being creative and hopes you like his new snowflake. Next he's starting on his new ice sculpture. Wonder what it will be?


BoBo just loves to ski and is so excited because the forecast this weekend is for a Nor'easter. That means tons and tons of snow. And, that means unlimited skiing opportunities. For him winter means skiing and ski all winter long he does.

BoBo is holding his favorite pair of wooden ski's and ski poles. He's sitting atop an upside down wooden bucket.

BoBo is eager to get skiing this weekend and hopes the weathermen are tight in their predictions. If there's a blizzard you'll find BoBo out skiing in it.

Sparkles just loves the winter season and everything that entails - including snowstorms, blizzards, sleet, icicles, cold weather, and the cold. In fact, there's nothing about winter that she doesn't like.

Nippy, on the other hand, thinks the winters are getting to be a little too cold for him. He'd prefer a little warmer weather. Certainly not to the point where he would melt, but not sub-zero temperatures.

Sparkles wishes that Nippy would love the winter like she does but just can't convince him. Perhaps it's just too "nippy" for him? What do you think?

My group of handmade needle felted OOAK snowmen and snow-lady art dolls are as different as they are alike.

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

Wednesday, September 04, 2013

My Covered Bridge - Mill Hill Buttons & Bows Cross-Stitch



I know that I've told you many, many times that I absolutely LOVE the Fall season. There's just something about it that really inspires me and I find that when I'm looking at crafts to make I generally gravitate towards those relating to the Fall season. So, it should come as no surprise that I chose to make a Fall themed cross-stitch with my Winter creations. Instead of a house the Covered Bridge - Cross Stitch Kit had a wonderful picture of a covered bridge. Certainly one you'd expect to see in New England.

Like the other Mill Hill  - Buttons & Beads Series patterns I had bought the Covered Bridge kit included the pattern, embroidery thread, perforated paper, beads,  hay bundle button, 2 needles and instructions.

The Covered Bridge pattern uses full counted cross-stitch and outline stitching as well as beads and buttons for emphasis and depth. The pattern also calls for certain areas of the perforated paper to be left untouched as the background.  In this case they were leaving sections of the dark blue perforated paper background untouched.


I, once again, decided to frame my finished cross-stitch picture in a 5" by 5" white shadow box frame that is 1 1/2" deep and can stand on it's own (like the picture at the top of this post) or with its back picture stand (like the picture above) as I've been really happy with the way all my other cross-stitch shadowbox pictures have come out.

I also decided to once again utilize the rectangular wood frame jig that my darling husband built for me(pictured above) that I could tape the edges of my perforated paper to. The wood frame jig is a rectangular embroidery hoop of sorts, but without bending the perforated  paper. He had made it out of 1/2" x 1" pine wood strips with an adjustable center strip that I used for this 5 x 5 square design.

I had learned from previous mistakes that I needed to draw diagonal lines to locate the exact center of the perforated paper as in the last perforated paper cross-stitch picture I had done was slightly off center by a few holes which caused a problem with inserting the needles in the holes along one of the edges of my frame. So, I drew a diagonal line across each corner to get the center point of the perforated paper.

I had also run into a slight problem with one of the perforated paper cross-stitch pictures I had previously created with the beads along the edge causing a problem when framing so this time I also drew squares on the perforated paper to show me where the 5" x 5" square was. Plus, I knew I wanted to square my picture so I needed to know where to end my stitching.


While the end results of this design were wonderful some things in the kit and in the instructions could be improved upon so I'd like to offer the following constructive suggestions:

The cross-stitch chart was in black and white as was the floss color code and symbol key. Both were easy to read and very clear. While I had no problem with the chart and keys I did have a problem with the way the DMC floss was presented. All of the floss was tied together in one big knot so you had to separate the floss pieces yourself, sort them, and try to interpret which color belonged to which floss # and symbol key on the color chart.  If you only have a few colors to deal with this isn't a problem. However, if you have several different colors of say beige to choose from that are close in color then interpreting the chart can be tricky. You may assign the wrong color to the wrong symbol if the colors are too closely aligned.

As I have done with other cross-stitch kits I've completed I had to design my own thread color sorter and symbol key. I took a piece of thin cardboard and cut a 1" x 9" long rectangular piece out to use as a thread sorter. I then punched 17 holes in my cardboard strip in which to tie each of the different colors. Just above the hole I wrote the DMC floss # and just below the hole I added the respective cross-stitch symbol. I then inserted the floss threads that went with that # and symbol through the hole and tied them in a loose knot. This kit could be much improved if a thread sorter with respective #'s and symbols was provided.

The beads were contained within two small ziploc bags which was fine. However, when several different beads of similar color or size are included within the bags it can be very difficult to distinguish between the colors or between the petite and regular size beads.  Labeling the ziploc bags as to which bead number they contained would enhance this kit and allow you to tie the bead # to the symbol number on the charts.

The pattern called for certain areas of the perforated paper to be left untouched as the background like the picture shown below:


However, I don't like seeing the different perforated sections in the background and opted instead to finish all of the background with a dark blue DMC embroidery floss color that closely matched the color of the dark blue perforated paper and would be sewn as a half-cross stitch.   And, once again, I had decided to square the edges of my picture.

Unlike all of my other shadow box pictures instead of mounting my picture on hard chipboard or cardboard I decided to mount this on a 1/4" foam chipboard piece.  I thought it would help draw your eye into the shadow box picture as the foam would create a slight curve in the picture within the shadow box adding to the distance effect.

My results with the totally finished background, square edges, and foam chipboard is shown below:


The kit had included a yellow hay bundle button that didn't really look like a hay bundle and, in both hubby's and my opinion, would be a detraction from the wonderful Fall design.  So I opted not to use it.

Despite the relatively small issues I had encountered with the kit I was thrilled with the way my Covered Bridge - Cross Stitch Kit turned out. There is a lot going on in a very small cross-stitch picture and it is amazing to see all the details.

It took me 32  hours to complete this picture including the framing. As always, my comments are meant to be constructive to enable future purchasers to benefit from my experience and to enhance their ability to create a wonderful little cross-stitch design.

Bubbles and Her Cardinals - My New OOAK Handmade Needle Felted Snow-lady Art Doll


Bubbles And Her Cardinals - 14" Needle Felted Handmade OOAK Snow-lady Art Doll

Bubbles knows that winter can be a harsh time especially for her beloved red cardinals so she does everything she can to make sure they survive the winter. nShe loves being outdoors with her "birdie" friends. This year she built them a new birdhouse and hopes they like it.


Bubbles inner body is fully bendable and is sculpted out of Sunflower's alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  Her outer body, legs, arms, pant cuffs and head are also needle sculpted from Sunflower's alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  Her cheeks are blushed with a pink chalk and her carrot nose needle felted from orange roving. Her black boots, black gloves, eyes, and facial features were made using black alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber. Her gray pants were needle felted from carded batts from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.   Teal blue roving has been needle felted to form her billowy scarf and felted around her neck.


Bubbles black hat is handmade and hand sewn from black felt and has a needled felted teal blue band. Her dark teal blue vest is handmade and hand sewn from dark teal blue wool. It is gathered around the waist with dark teal blue DMC embroidery floss. She is also wearing a handmade and hand sewn with light gray felt vest with teal blue wool pockets and is embroidered along the edges and pockets with gray DMC embroidery floss running stitches.

Bubbles is sitting behind and holding her new wooden birdhouse that has been sponge painted with white, gray, and blue colors. Two of her favorite red cardinals are out and about the birdhouse.

From the response she's gotten from her "birdie" friends it seems they like their new birdhouse. In fact, they want to decorate the inside and have asked Bubbles what she thinks about the decor they have suggested. What do you think she'll say?

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

Monday, September 02, 2013

BoBo Just Loves To Ski - New OOAK Handmade Needle Felted Snowman Art Doll


BoBo Just Loves To Ski - 14" Needle Felted Handmade OOAK Snowman Art Doll

BoBo just loves to ski and is so excited because the forecast this weekend is for a Nor'easter. That means tons and tons of snow. And, that means unlimited skiing opportunities. For him winter means skiing and ski all winter long he does.


BoBo's inner body is fully bendable and is sculpted out of Sunflower's alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  His outer body, legs, arms, head, and pant cuffs are also needle sculpted from Sunflower's alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  His cheeks are blushed with a pink chalk and his carrot nose needle felted from orange roving. His black boots, black gloves, black coal buttons, eyes, and facial features were made using black alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber. His gray pants were needle felted from carded batts from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber. Teal blue roving has been needle felted to form his billowy scarf and felted around his neck.


BoBo's black hat is handmade and hand sewn from black felt. His light teal vest is handmade and hand sewn from light teal blue wool. It is embroidered and gathered with teal blue DMC embroidery floss running stitches.

BoBo is holding his favorite pair of wooden ski's and ski poles. He's sitting atop an upside down wooden bucket that has been sponge painted with white, gray, and blue colors.

BoBo is eager to get skiing this weekend and hopes the weathermen are tight in their predictions. If there's a blizzard you'll find BoBo out skiing in it.

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

Icicle Loves His Snowflakes - My New OOAK Handmade Needle Felted Snowman Art Doll


Icicle Loves His Snowflakes - 14" Needle Felted Handmade OOAK Snowman Art Doll

Icicle is a very artistic snowman and loves sculpting snowflakes and ice sculptures. Whether it's a snowflake or ice sculpture - the more complex and complicated the better. He just loves the challenge and loves being as creative and unique as possible. After all no two snowflakes are alike and neither are his creations.


Icicle's inner body is fully bendable and is sculpted out of Sunflower's alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  His outer body, legs, arms, and head are also needle sculpted from Sunflower's alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  His cheeks are blushed with a pink chalk and his carrot nose needle felted from orange roving. His black boots, black gloves, black coal buttons, eyes, and facial features were made using black alpaca roving from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber. His gray pants were needle felted from carded batts from Rock Garden Alpacas Fiber.  His shirt and pant cuffs are needled felted from blue rovingMulti-colored red, burgundy and beige roving has been needle felted to form his billowy scarf and felted around his neck.  His black needle felted boots are tied with black suede laces.


Icicle's black hat is handmade and hand sewn from black felt. His bright blue and black checkered vest is handmade and hand sewn from blue and black checkered wool. It is gathered around the waist and embroidered with black DMC embroidery floss running stitches.

Icicle is holding his latest snowflake creation.   He's sitting atop a wooden covered box that has been sponge painted with white, gray, and blue colors.

Icicle loves being creative and hopes you like his new snowflake. Next he's starting on his new ice sculpture. Wonder what it will be?

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

Sunday, September 01, 2013

Gotta Love Handmade Scarecrows



You can't be a doll designer or doll pattern designer and not have one, two, three, four or more scarecrow dolls. They can be primitive, classic, scary, well-dressed, tattered, large or small bodied, cheerful, scary, etc. It doesn't matter. They're a staple of every crafter. Why is that? Why are we so enthralled with them? I'm not sure, but I'd like to find out.

That got to me thinking about scarecrows and their history. Oh, boy! Another research project. For all my blog readers you know how I HATE research projects!

So, I did a little research into the history if scarecrows, which can be found here.


For crafters it really doesn't matter whether you are a crafter of primitive crafts, Victorian crafts, country crafts, etc. No matter what type of crafter or designer you are we all still have one thing in common: we are all still in love with scarecrows. I know I am and I suspect you are as well.

© 2007-2023 Copyright Linda Walsh Originals - Designs By Linda Walsh.