It's March!

I made a couple of Critters in February.  I made a solo trip to Hobby Lobby one day, honestly I was going that direction anyway for another errand, so why not?  I was just going to shop the clearance and sales, which I pretty much did, but I splurged on a couple pieces of faux leather.  Yes, I have faux leather at my house, but this was the perfect color, I thought, for this.

It's a Great Dane!  

I love this breed, and would have one again if I had a yard.

Then I made another one, in felt.  

I call her, Posie.

There is a new Maker's Market in my tiny town, but it's right off the freeway, so I'm thinking about setting up a display there.  I have this rack that I used with my burnings, so I thought I would try using it for my Critters.

I wasn't quite happy with that, so I cut some strips of felt to line the racks, I haven't set it up again, as I, for some unknown reason, put it back in the very back of my storage closet, so I gotta drag everything out again.  Ugh.  I don't know if I have brains or oatmeal sloshing around in my skull sometimes.  

My computer monitor glitched after 25 years of faithful service, so I've connected my computer to my TV.  It'll do for now.  Better than nothing, and I'm not a fast phone typer.

Greg and Brad are doing so great, I got them a cat tree and put it together by myself! 

So, that's us pretty caught up.  Leave me a comment, please, if you are here reading this, and do a little clickety click over to  my FB page, Handmade by Cosmo.   You can click on my shop, too, if you want.  

Play Nice!  xxoo

Back to "Normal"

Whatever that (normal) is.  My kids are gone back to Europe.  It was a short visit, I spent time with my grands but not so much my daughter, which was disappointing, but I will take what I can get and be patient until the next time.  

I've been working on my FB shop, finally figured out how to do it...being away from my computer for over a year, I had to get used to it again.  

Anyway, I've started listing Critters, I'll list the Pyrography after.

The kids made it "home" just fine.  And I have reconciled within myself to not be sad about it.  We'll stay in better touch now.  

If you've been reading a bit, you know that the my life changed at the end of 2021.  It was something that I hoped for, dreamed of, prayed about, and wished for.  And now I'm finding my way around my new "normal" and loving every minute of it.  

So, for that Year Of Limbo, our communications were pretty light.  I didn't want to worry her as she was so far away, and I was working through that big Demon (that got it's ass kicked, btw)...it was just a lot, and most of it was external on my end.

But now, since she's been here and we've all reconnected physically, she's seen that I'm actually doing what I said...I think it's better now.  Not that it was bad, just a little stretched.  

I think it's safe to share a pic here.  

Ain't they lovely? 

 

Unfortunately we did not manage to get a selfie of the two of us?  Next time!  

(Not knowing how many "next times" we have left, this is a practice that has to stop!)

Later...

Greg and I have had a couple of play times, morning chores are finished...probably do a few more throughout the day, 'cos that's how I roll.  

Gonna go post some more Critters in my FB shop which I have been informed that it is Live now!  How exciting, right?  

 

Just a couple Pleather Critters, you can find them in my shop!  

Handmade by Cosmo

Play Nice!  xxoo

I made this one for my daughter, for her Birthday.

(she's 38!)

  

Moving right along...

September has come and gone in the blink of an eye.  The trees at the golf course are just beginning to turn...we had such a mild Summer, which was nice, but leads to a bitter cold, snowy winter.

Plans at this time are that "they," (Board of Directors) are going to close the Pro-Shop down at the end of October, turn the utilities way down, and save a "buncha moola" from lower utility rates.  They are going to lay off the greens keeper, too.  Supposedly...

I'm not worried.  I have another place I can go to work, and I have some other arrangements that will help make ends meet until March.  And besides, everything works out the way it is supposed to.

On the Handmade by Cosmo front, I've been stitching and stuffing like crazy, I have so many Critters waiting for the finishing touches...it's crazy...I really am looking forward to some free time, I am ready to wake up, take a shower, put on clean jammies, and be creative.  Christmas is coming, I have a lot to do.

As for me and Maria...she's another reason why I am ready to have some time off this Winter.  She's such a lovely, well tempered girl.  I've been walking her and Rilo, (Danielle's girl) after work.  Karma would like to go, too, but it's a long way for an elder with such short legs.

I love this dog.  showere

October 1st

We've had some rainstorms here today.  I had to put 3 carts away in between showers and  left 15 mins. early, I had been home 10 mins. (We live 1.5 miles from the golf course) and my car safe in the garage before the hail started falling.  About quarter size.  

Maybe one more round of storms, probably about the time I am going to bed.  

I have a tight schedule tomorrow, morning errands that should be completed by 9:00 am.

Gonna hit the feathers.  Play Nice.  xxoo

Maria

Did I mention that I was recently rescued by a most adorable, sensitive, gentle canine?

This little girl has more love in her that seems possible.

We're going to be Therapy Girls together, and visit the elder hones here in town.  This girl, my Maria, will be a great comfort to them.

There's just something about this one.

Play Nice.  xxoo

What Have I Done?

We just got both kids outta the house, and I go and adopt a dog?

How could I resist?

Off to Amazon.com to do some shopping!  *squee*

Play Nice!  xxoo

Another New Beginning!

My daughter's little family made it to Germany safely, they've lived in 3 hotel rooms in a month, finally today their household goods arrived!  They have rented a super cute place, 4 bedrooms, sheep next door, it's life in Germany for them!

I wouldn't dare lie and say that I don't miss the pitter patter of Delightful Delilah's feet when she'd come in to wake me up in the mornings.  I miss that, I miss convos with my Darling Danielle, but soon we'll be skyping and all will be well.  I miss hearing their voices.

Little Miss D fell and had to have five stitches underneath her chin.  Makes a grandma's heart ache being so far away!

We still have their pets, they should be sending for them shortly.

 

That's Margot, Ben's cat (my dog, Karma)

Otis (the big one), Karma, and Rilo

So, about the new beginning.  It's a new/old group on FB.  A bunch of us crafty type folks are reconnecting and it's awesome.  It's called Handmade Creations.  HMC for short.  If you are crafty person, if you've been thinking about opening up an Etsy shop, or just want some honest feedback on what you make, we're a pretty nice buncha folks, if I do say so myself, come join us.

I had the idea a bit ago to try making some of my Critters from muslin.  Actually, they turned out pretty darn cool.  A flying pig is flying in a bar/grill here in town.  Let's see if I can find a couple pics.

This was a WIP pic, that's the Lazy Horsey, done in Muslin, with a cream colored mane.  

That is a squirrel, in case you couldn't tell.

This is a squirrel, done in embossed felt.

This is the Lazy Horsey, completed.

So, I've been somewhat creative, still kinda floundering to find my new "normal."  I have an order to make a Dragon for a sweet young boy that will finally talk with me, after a year of being shy...and a puppy and a kitty for one of my golfer girl's granddaughter.  

I got my hair cut super short, like just about crew cut short.  I like it but I don't think anyone else does.  I don't like having to fuss with my hair and I don't like when the wind blows my hair.  Wanna see how short?  Do ya?  I know you do...

It's grown out a bit by now.  This was taken same day.  

Yeah, that's me.  

There is a lot of mean stuff going on out in this world, do your best to not be a part of that.  In other words:  

Play Nice!  xxoo

Welcome Fall

For the record, I adore Fall, but it makes me feel so trepadacious because of what comes next.  I do not like Winter.  It is too cold, the cold makes me hurt.  I appreciate having a garage, but do not enjoy the 50 yd. walk from my car to the Pro Shop.  And...there are no vents in the Ladies Room, so that room is always butt chilling in the cold months!

These are the views I am so happy to watch change day by day this time of year.  (Last year those two lakes were so empty, due to the drought...it's a blessing for them to be this full now.)

My SIL, Ben, has been here for the month of October.  At the moment they are in Mass., visiting family.  Of course, Baby D took right up where she left off with her daddy.

That is my little dog, Karma, on his lap. 

Critter wise, I have been working every day.  Well, I didn't on Friday.  *gs*  Handmade by Cosmo is where you can go see my latest.  I'm working on a custom order...see if I can give you a peek...  

This is a WIP...the mane is much fuller now, only just a little more to go.  

Every day I hear the news, and every day I feel so weary of it all...then I remember that I don't have to worry, that all I have to do is be the best person I can be every day, all day.  I will defend myself and mine, if if and when it comes to that, but until then, I'm going to remain peaceful, and calm in my heart and soul.  

That is why I love my "job."  I love the place, it feels like home.  I can work on my art, I get to cook for my friends, my sweetheart is there most of the time, we chit and chat and laugh, and for me it's a wonderful place to be.  

Today I am thankful for my heating pad, and for having a comfy bed, with comfy sheets.

Play Nice!  xxoo

New Normal

My new normal...We have coffee with the girls in the mornings now.  We have dinner with the girls at the end of the day.  And one little girl is becoming very smitten with her Grandpa.

This is Otis, Delilah's Dog 

me (in the sweater), 

and Delightful Delilah (in the giraffe print) 

  

We've gotten more snow in the last month or so than we have in the last 2 years.  After the drought last year, it's got to be a blessing...and a good soaking rain to wash all this white stuff away would also be a blessing.  (so tired of snow.)  The weather for the rest of this week looks promising.  

I've been stitching and stuffing up a storm the last couple of weeks, finally starting to feel like myself after the February Flu kicked my you know what...and took some pics.

The first 3 were for a custom order, the bottom 2 are available in my shop.

This one is going to a Baby Shower

Easter Sunday afternoon, Delilah and I were peeking out the window, and I was whispering silly things in her ear, like, "I'd like to see a squirrel ride a bike past here," and she would laugh quietly, and sometimes she'd just turn and look at me with such a happy, joyful look, my heart melts.  I am so blessed to have my girls here.

Play Nice!  

xxoo

Cyber Friends

I have some pretty good ones.  Some I've had since 2004, from a blog site called Xanga.  Some I've made playing games on FB, or friends of friends that I hit it off with, some are family that I don't see very often...but the group I wanted to tell you about  today is a crafty bunch of ladies (and one man) that belong to a group called Artists Loft.

We really do care for each other, we check on each other, we advise, laugh, cry and celebrate together, all online.  And generous?  One of our girls is pregnant, she's getting gifts from everyone in the group.   There doesn't hardly a day go by that one of us is thanking one of them for something they've received.  We proudly share our latest creations for all to see, and to ooh and awww over.  We promote each other, we encourage each other, we're friends.

I was the lucky recipient of a couple of gifts this week.  Well, one gift was for Delightful Delilah, along with a Steamboat Willie tin for me from my friend, Sophia.

A very soft hat made from Alpaca.

A very cute dragonfly and a couple of flower embellish this thoughtful gift.

Check out Sophia's shop here.

My friend, Pam, gave me the BF discount on this custom scarflet.
Exactly what I wanted, in the colors I wanted, and I love it.

(Seriously cold blooded woman that I am, I'll wear this until May.)

You can take a look at Pam's shop here.

Pam and I have met in person, she actually came to see me at work one day.  It was a little out of her way, but she made the trip and I was very happy that she did.  It's nice having a cyber friend in the same locale, at least to commiserate about the weather with!  One of these days I'll tempt her with a greasy cheese burger, or another Reuben and she'll come out for another visit!  

On the Handmade by Cosmo side, I've been busy fixing up some new patterns.  I'm getting used to a "new normal" now that my girls are here, the weather's been so blizzardy, I've been hanging with them, getting to know my granddaughter, and getting to know my daughter as a mother.  She's a good one, I'm proud of her.   Soon I'll be back to working 6 days a week, and sewing Critters like crazy again.   So ready for Spring!  

Play Nice!

xxoo  

Learning From Experience

One of my favorite things about being "crafty" is that with every thing I make, I learn more.  For example...I made a sweet little, plain little Dog Critter, simply to experiment with it.  

I've been toying with the idea of using crochet thread all over a Critter, like hair...so I tried it how I saw doing it in my head, here is the result.

A hairy mess!

But here's what I learned...that I need to start from the bottom, and probably in 1/4" increments, that would give me a more uniform "coat of fur" and it will probably lay down a whole lot better.  (If you have any hints in this regard, the Comment section down there would be a great place to leave it.)

My next experiment on this Critter will be to do some hand embroidery on the side that isn't hairy, just to get a feel for it.  

There are three new Critters in my shop today, Grayson, Dempsy, and Speedy Pig.  You really should go take a look.  

I gotta get started making a list of things I need to pack for my trip next week.  It's only one night I'm staying, but I know I'll pack enough for two, just in case.  I'm quite excited to see the Denver Airport for the first time, and besides the later than I'd like start for the drive home, I know it will be a glorious trip.  We are all quite giddy, to say the least.  *gs*

Play Nice!  

xxoo

Snowy Sunday!

I woke up nervous yesterday.  Made a stop at a grocery store before I went to work, started a new pot of beans, and waited.  One boy showed up a bit later, then another, then a couple more...enough for a couple games of Pitch, they had lunch, then they all headed home...as I was leaving, around 3:00, it had just started snowing...by 5 o'clock we had 2 inches of fluffy snow all over everything.

I finished a whole buncha my unfinished Critters last night, and have many photos to take and descriptions to write, so here's what I'm gonna do today.  I got up at my regular time, had a shower, but I'm staying here unless I get a phone call (begging for me to come in to feed them) because....there is snow on the ground, and because I went in last Sunday and spent the whole day there while they played cards and drank free coffee, not one single one of them spent a nickle.  I like all those guys, don't get me wrong, but I'd much rather be home on a cold, snowy Sunday.

A little later...I've given Sweetheart a haircut, got some laundry going, and some photos taken...finishing touches on the Valentine Critters, and I'll be posting!

Later:  Not one single phone call from any of the guys today.  You know, there is football on all day, there is snow on the ground, I believe I made a good call by staying home today, and they did, too.  I did call one boy to tell him I thought we'd all stay home today, he lives the farthest away...

Later:  Ok, my pics are foto-fuzed and ready to be posted...*squeal*

Later:  Just posted a few new Critters, you should go see.  Even though I put them on my FB page and tweeted, just in case you missed all that, clickety here.

Gosh it has been nice to be home today...especially since it wasn't planned.  I've been listening to some "Fibber McGee and Molly" on my old radio show podcast, but now I think I'll kick back and do a little stitching.

Later:  Just had a big bowl of soup for dinner.  Sat at the table with my sweetheart, and talked to him the entire time.  He was nice to look away from the football game now and then, and to grunt in my general direction.  Ha!

I guess watching the Oscars is a big deal tonight...not for me.  The last movie I went to see was in 2011, something about the Muppets, with Darling Danielle and Ben while I was in Clovis as we waited for Delilah, and I really don't keep up with celebrities so much, so I think I'll find something on Netflix or YouTube to occupy my ears this evening.

Horatio Heartthrob

Lanny the Love Bunny

Hamster Romanster

Thanks for coming by, just another day in the life of me, y'know...from my point of view, it has been peaceful, easy going, and productive.  Everyone here seems happy and content, for the most part.  

Don't forget to say your prayers.

Play Nice!

xxoo

 

Foggy Day

If only I could feel free enough to just let my thoughts and fingers fly.  I had a chance tonight, but I held back.  Probably for the best, actually.

I stitched and stuffed a Valentine Hamster today, it is waiting for eyes, ears, nose and tag.  I started stitching a pig, and started stuffing a hound dog.  I have too much unfinished business.  I did finish the Ritzy Valentine Dog last night, and worked on the Hairy Dog.

As always, there is so much swirling around life in general...I'm thankful for the hard parts, I realize they have to be gone through.  A new adventure every day, right?

This may very well be the most boring blog I have ever written, in my humble opinion, anyway.

Oh wait, dinner tonight was Jimmy Johns.  I had a tuna, with onions.  It was delish.

Play Nice!
xxoo

Un-Puny

Feeling much better today...you know, sometimes I think I just need to take a couple of days to just be.  Hang out in bed, nap a bit here and there...and not work on anything.

Unfortunately, the view from my bed was pretty bad.  I have a roll top desk, and it is a mess of paperwork, felt, thread, newspaper clippings, etc.  The top of it is covered with finished Critters, and Works in Process.  Tonight when I get home, that is my project.  It won't take long, of course, it's just a matter of putting things where they belong.

Next stop will be my sewing room.  I have got to come up with a good storage system for my felt, and scraps of felt.  And buttons, and shipping/packaging supplies, yarn, etc.

...and I have pics to take and descriptions to write and listings to list, and a ding dang fish tank to clean...and...my daughter and family will be here in about 3 weeks!

All those "ands!"  Seems pretty clear to me that I've been lacking in my ability to put things away.  At Christmas I was legitimately busy with custom orders (thank goodness), but now...well, I have no excuse.

So, when you think of me this evening, you can envision me walking back and forth across the hall from my bedroom to my sewing room, or standing at my work table sorting felt, or draining the fish tank so I can give it a good scrubbing...those are my goals for this weekend, and I will accomplish them all.

But...while I'm at work, I will proceed to stitch up a Valentine Critter.  :)

Play Nice
xxoo

New Year - Re-Connections

I would like to introduce y'all to a goof/good friend of mine, Jeri.  We have been cyber-friends since 2004, when Xanga was it, at least in our corner of cyberville.

We never really lost our connection, we both just got busy with the "kids are almost grown ups but not quite and need us more right now than ever," phase.

So, be a pal, go say hey.  She used to be quite a crafter in her day, maybe we could get her creative juices flowing again?

Play Nice!
xxoo

Are you ready for Christmas?

We didn't put up a tree this year.  I decorated the Pro-Shop more than here, and I did that by hanging one ornament and one string of green tinsel.  It does look awesome, didn't think to take a picture of it...I will before I take it down on Wednesday.

Darlin' Danielle and Delightful Delilah (and Ben, of course) were here the beginning of December for D's 1st birthday party!  We had a house full, and everyone had a good time...

My mind has mainly been on my Critters these last few weeks.  I've made I think 5 purple unicorns, 3 pink unicorns, a set of The Three Little Pigs (with the Big Bad Wolf), The Three Bears and Goldilocks (Goldilocks is pretty bizarre looking, but the set was for a little boy, so the doll isn't that important.)  A kitten, a lizard, a few flying pigs, a purple giraffe...and there may be a few more in the mix that I don't remember right off the top of my head...my hands have been busy!

I've been experimenting with some merino wool, and I really, really like it.  I have a whole lot of craft store felt to use up before I can go that way exclusively.

I've added a few Critters to my line.  One I am really excited about is the Little Dog Critter.  I have a few of them stitched up, each and every one of them turns out just a little bit differently.  The Ritzy Dog is new, I'm loving that one, too.

I've been using yarn and crochet thread as manes and tails for some of them.  I really like the haphazard look of it.  I have to admit, though, I'm nervous about cutting it too short, 'cos y'know, it can't be un-cut.

I'll wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  I have high hopes for the future, starting right now!

Play Nice!
xxoo