Early Bird ~

Good Saturday Morning to you!

I've finished the little punching that I've been working on

since being snowbound these past few days ~

I love the colors of this one:

"the early bird gets the worm…"

...all done in simple DMC threads

using all 6 strands and a medium Cameo Ultrapunch Needle set on the #1 setting…

approx 6" x 6"

the loops are lumpy & bumpy ~

just how I like 'em…

reminiscent of an old & worn hooked rug :)

texture

after punching is finished, 

I stain the piece using walnut dye and dry in a low 200* oven ~

staining mutes & mellows the colors even more for an aged look

punching with my needle set at the lowest (#1) setting,

the finished piece has an almost-flat look,

 but still very nubby & low…

folky little guy

I'll be finishing this into a sawdust-stuffed pillow 

...and have something unique in mind for the finished edge ~

I'll share photos of the finish later on this afternoon!

This will be a pattern available soon,

and I am working on a bunch more punched designs too ~

...the annual Virginia Rug Fest will be here before I know it,

and I always like to have fresh, new designs for the attendees…

I'm working on smaller hooked designs too!!!

watch for them soon :)

~~~~~~~

Well,

the snow is melting a bit here at the farm ~

final measurement was almost 18" !!!!

yesterday we had 60* weather & sun…but then it froze again overnight.

now it is dripping and making mud everywhere.

The donkeys haven't set foot out in the snow!

but the sheep love it…

...as well as Buddy, 

who has been making humongous

dog-snow-angels in the front yard.

Lazy mostly stays on his blankies in the barn, snoozing it all away.

Minew is getting SO FAT ~ 

Peter, Hannah & I are so excited with anticipation of her kittens arriving!!!!!

she won't hold still long enough to let me snap a picture of her though ~

(or maybe she just feels like we all do when we're 8 months pregnant).

Have a beautiful day my friends ~

* Blessed be *

 Lori