Here Come The Olympics and The National Western Stock Show!

After taking a two week break for the holidays I was finding it hard to get my mojo back. I had ideas, but implementing them was requiring more motivation than I could muster.

That was until I received an email from my sister in law (aka My Muse). She asked how my ideas for the Olympic bears were coming along. Because she needed one. So that's all it took for me to get back to the sewing machine and create Mishka. And once I was done with her, I realized I was happy and excited to be back to work! I had missed this connection with creating!

That then spurred me on to my next idea. Living in Denver for many years, I have come to know that after Christmas, comes the National Western Stock Show (January 9-24). So I had an idea for cowboy bear. Enter Scout and his cowboy hat.

The mojo has returned. :) Stay tuned for Valentine critters.

Signs...

This is what I do on road trips. Well, this and shoot out the window a lot.

I go thru stages with hobbies/addictions. My knitting looms have been lonely and ignored for several months ~ since my little animals took over anyway. But since it was a little crowded in the Jeep to bring my Janome sewing machine along on this most recent road trip (although my mister offered an adapter and was sure I could keep sewing), I opted for something a little more compact ~ a couple of my knitting looms.

I decided to knit hats (these are small!) for Olympic Bears (both USA and Canadian) I plan as my next "freckles & friends" project ~ and thought I'd knit a few for Valentine's Day as well. (Did I mention addiction?) Well, I get a little obsessed. I not only knit these six, but I think there are about ten or twelve more in a suitcase (knit thruout the trip). So, of course now the challenge is to make the bears to match the hats.

An aside ~~~ My Dad was a man of few words, but I do remember two comments he made to me over the years. One was:

"Cindi, I get tired just watching you run up and down the stairs. Don't you ever sit down?"

and

"You sure know how to make work for yourself..."

Like I said, he didn't talk much, but he was observant. ;-)

Now back to my story ~~ I found it an incredible coincidence that I picked up my looms for the first time in months and last night I sold a knit hat (people size) on my mister's website (a little plug for www.buyoffseason.com/ ). I had forgotten I had anything listed with him. So isn't that the strangest thing? That I'm finally making hats again and one that I had totally forgotten about sells??

I believe in signs. And I think that's one. I just haven't figured out where the sign is pointing yet...

Do It for the Kids!

I'll bet it's true in every part of the country ~ I know it is in Denver. The Toys for Tots program operated each year by the US Marines, is desperate for toys. The world being what it is these days, they have received more requests from families in need than ever before and accordingly, donations are at an all time low.

If you live in Denver and can donate anything ~ a yo-yo, a basketball, a doll - anything ~ you can drop them off tomorrow from 6:00am-6:00pm at any American Furniture in town; a couple of Super Wal-Marts (9449 Sheridan in Westminster or 9400 East Hampden in Denver, Bass ProShop 7970 Northfield in Stapleton; or the warehouse for Toys for Tots in Aurora, 12601 East 33rd every day from 8am - 5pm until December 23.

And if you don't live in Denver, consider giving in your community. It's all about the kids.

I decided to start my own tradition this year and go thru my "freckles & friends" inventory in December and donate anything that hasn't sold. What an easy thing to do!! I clear my shelves to make room for new stock in the new year ~ and maybe some little one will go to bed on Christmas night with a smile and a new best friend.

Win-Win. :D

Three Brown Moose

'Tis a busy time in the ol' studio these days. And although I am still filling Christmas orders, my mind is jumping ahead to post-holiday events. I woke up the other day with a fun idea for Olympic Bears (and bunnies and dogs, etc.) So tune in after the holidays! :)

But until then, these three fellows - Melvin, Magnus and Mickey are off to Georgia tomorrow!

Maya, Pippin and Marcus

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Or at least winter ~ as mooses and penguins invade my studio.

This trio was a special order and will be winging their way around the country as Christmas gifts for two little girls and a little guy. The penguin was my first and presented a couple of challenges, but I've got him figured out now. It is surprising how just adding a little scarf can make a special and fun look.

On tap for this snowy, cold day in Colorado ~ two bunnies, two mooses, a turtle and a lizard. Then sleep. ;-)

Running for a Cause!

My name is Tommy and I’m a Bear In Training. That’s why I am wearing my scarf – to keep myself warm for all those early morning runs. I’m running to help my friend, Kathya, earn some money for a really good cause!

50% of the proceeds for each animal sold in the “TNT” category (minus shipping cost) will go towards Kathya’s fundraising efforts for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as she trains for a half and full marathon with the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Team In Training (TNT). I am the first TNT friend in “freckles & friends” shop and my fellow TNT buddies will be joining me soon! You can find Kathya’s beautiful photography here ~ http://www.etsy.com/shop/chocokat0718
And to learn more about Team In Training ~ http://www.teamintraining.org/
Thank you so much for your support!

My sister was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma a few months ago, so I am more committed than ever to help Kathya raise awareness and funds for this cause!

Naoko Stoop's Whimsical World

Once in awhile you come across art that just steals your heart. That is what happened to me when I discovered the whimsical, sweet and inspiring images created by Naoko Stoop I discovered Naoko’s art on Etsy even before I started creating my little friends. The little red knit cap girl and her companion, the white bunny, made me smile and filled me with … I don’t know ~ maybe hope?

There is something in the innocence of her images that I love. Anything that can bring endless smiles is something I will keep in my life and share with those I love. I bought the two bird prints for my daughters-in-law for their birthdays last year. The red umbrella image ~ well you know how I love a good umbrella and a bunny ~ so that was a no-brainer. I had to have it. Recently I purchased the set of note cards which I plan to frame and hang in my home.

If you need a smile check out Naoko’s Etsy shop Thank you, Naoko, for putting so much happiness and love out into the world.