The Pine Cone Gnome At Home

550 Facebook Fans = GIVEAWAY!!

2011-06-16T19:22:00.001-08:00

**UPDATE**
Congratulations to #24, Sue!
Miss May will start packing her bags.

I would just like to say a big hearted "THANK YOU!!" to all the people out there who have been following along with The Pine Cone Gnome, you mean a lot to me!!

To show my appreciation, I would like to introduce you to Miss May who stands in at right around 13, she really wants to go home with one of you and have some grand adventures!

She will come with all the clothing seen below, including her towel, rubber ducky and head wrap.

To enter the drawing all you have to do is leave a comment under this post between now and noon on Sunday the 19th, anyone can enter and shipping is on the house. The winner will be notified afterward via an email so please be sure to have your contact information available to me on your comment.

Little Miss May's days are broken into two activities, play time.....

....and Bath Time!

all ready..

Good Luck!!

Lunette: The Traveling Doll!

2011-05-24T08:44:00.001-08:00

Lunette, who was made by the very sweet and talented Berrie Hamby of Moonchild Dolls, is visiting us here in Alaska for a while! This is the first stop on her world wide adventure tour she will be taking (aren't we lucky to meet her first!). Before returning to Berrie, she will have had visited 12 other doll makers all around the world. You can read more about little Lunette and all about her adventures every step of the way here at: Travels with Lunette.

Eggs and Their Emotions..

2011-04-25T10:30:00.000-08:00

...a series by E. Morgan

(this kid cracks me up!)

Easter

2011-04-25T10:24:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a lovely Easter with their families and friends!

Ours was very nice and because it was so late this year we had even less snow than usual!

This one always has to make silly faces for photos!

Sad Pixie..

2011-04-18T12:34:00.000-08:00

Don't let the smile fool you.

A few years ago I made two Christmas Pixies for the boys using this wonderful tutorial. Even though they were meant more to be Christmas decorations, I could never put them away in the totes, so on the shelf in the boys room they sat offering up free smiles for everyone who would take a moment to look at them.

Well, this morning when I went into the boys room I found a horrific sight!

Yep, Pixie mutilation...and no body's talking! (personally, I think it was the teddy bears)

I'll get him fixed up and then I think they will both be sitting on my shelf now, obviously some one's out to get 'em!

And last but not least..Meet Marian

2011-04-16T09:51:00.000-08:00

If you would like to purchase Marian please leave a comment below!

*Dark Fuchsia Shantung Silk*

This handcrafted Darby Doll has been made to last using safe all natural materials. Every stitch has been carefully placed, checked over, and strength tested to make sure a high level of quality is achieved for your little one. This doll’s body is made from 100% Shantung Silk and her skin is a cotton tricot fabric from Holland.

The doll’s hair has been made from a brushed wool mohair yarn and is adorned with a sewn on wool felt flower that has a glass bead center. Around her neck is a hand dyed crinkled ribbon bow.

The facial details have all been hand embroidered using cotton floss.

This doll has been stuffed with clean, fluffy wool that warms to the touch. A bit of quartz sand has been added to the feet and hands to allow the doll to be able to stand on its own with a little balancing practice.

Cleaning Instructions:
Spot cleaning only for this little doll. Eventually you will need to re-apply the dolls cheeks using blush or a red beeswax crayon on a small piece of soft cotton cloth*. Gently dab the cheeks with color loaded cloth until you have the desired look.

*Every doll comes with a little touch-up cloth to re-apply those rosy cheeks if they get loved off a little.

Darby Dolls are approximately 7” tall.

Materials: Cotton & Sheep’s Wool, Sand

Recommended for ages 6+

Waldorf / Steiner inspired

Please no paypal echecks or angeling. Free shipping on all Alaskan orders!

Meet Madeline

2011-04-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

If you would like to purchase Madeline please comment below!

Meet Hazel

2011-04-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

If you would like to purchase Hazel please leave a comment below!

*Green Shantung Silk*

This handcrafted Darby Doll has been made to last using safe all natural materials. Every stitch has been carefully placed, checked over, and strength tested to make sure a high level of quality is achieved for your little one. This doll’s body is made from 100% Shantung Silk and her skin is a cotton tricot fabric from Holland.

The doll’s hair has been made from a brushed wool mohair yarn and is adorned with a sewn on wool felt flower that has a glass bead center. Around her neck is a hand dyed crinkled ribbon bow.

The facial details have all been hand embroidered using cotton floss.

This doll has been stuffed with clean, fluffy wool that warms to the touch. A bit of quartz sand has been added to the feet and hands to allow the doll to be able to stand on its own with a little balancing practice.

Cleaning Instructions:
Spot cleaning only for this little doll. Eventually you will need to re-apply the dolls cheeks using blush or a red beeswax crayon on a small piece of soft cotton cloth*. Gently dab the cheeks with color loaded cloth until you have the desired look.

*Every doll comes with a little touch-up cloth to re-apply those rosy cheeks if they get loved off a little.

Darby Dolls are approximately 7” tall.

Materials: Cotton & Sheep’s Wool, Sand

Recommended for ages 6+

Waldorf / Steiner inspired

Please no paypal echecks or angeling. Free shipping on all Alaskan orders!

Meet Audrey

2011-04-16T09:35:00.000-08:00

Comment below if you would like to purchase Audrey!

*Seafoam Shantung Silk*

This handcrafted Darby Doll has been made to last using safe all natural materials. Every stitch has been carefully placed, checked over, and strength tested to make sure a high level of quality is achieved for your little one. This doll’s body is made from 100% Shantung Silk and her skin is a cotton tricot fabric from Holland.

The doll’s hair has been made from a brushed wool mohair yarn and is adorned with a sewn on wool felt flower that has a glass bead center. Around her neck is a hand dyed crinkled ribbon bow.

The facial details have all been hand embroidered using cotton floss.

This doll has been stuffed with clean, fluffy wool that warms to the touch. A bit of quartz sand has been added to the feet and hands to allow the doll to be able to stand on its own with a little balancing practice.

Cleaning Instructions:
Spot cleaning only for this little doll. Eventually you will need to re-apply the dolls cheeks using blush or a red beeswax crayon on a small piece of soft cotton cloth*. Gently dab the cheeks with color loaded cloth until you have the desired look.

*Every doll comes with a little touch-up cloth to re-apply those rosy cheeks if they get loved off a little.

Darby Dolls are approximately 7” tall.

Materials: Cotton & Sheep’s Wool, Sand

Recommended for ages 6+

Waldorf / Steiner inspired

Please no paypal echecks or angeling. Free shipping on all Alaskan orders!

Change of Plans!

2011-04-15T18:16:00.000-08:00

For the last four DarbyDolls I will be posting them here on the blog for a comment style sale. Hopefully this will be easier for everyone.

I will post all four dolls by 9am Alaska time (four hours behind EST) and the comment section will be open for two hours, closing at 11am Alaska time. I will then run the random number generator to chose a winner and then I will send out the invoices via Paypal where everyone will have 30 minutes to pay for their DarbyDoll. This will give me plenty of time to get them to the post office so the dolls will be available for a few Easter baskets!

Silk DarbyDolls are $38.00
Shipping is $6.00 in the US and $13.95 Everywhere else.

Etsy Problems-Comment here if you would like to purchase "Winnie"

2011-04-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

Leave a comment (make sure I have a way to get a hold of you) below and I will chose a winner using a random number generator today at 2:15pm Alaska Time. I will then send the person an invoice and payment must be made within one hour.

Sorry about all this, gotta love technology!

Two New Spring Girls!

2011-04-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

Spring DarbyDolls Are Popping Up All Over!

2011-04-13T23:33:00.000-08:00

Here are the first four girls! With just a touch of Victorian and a flower in their hair, they are ready for a tea party in the garden.

"Eliza"

"Hattie"

"Lulu"

"Birdie"

These Darby Dolls and others will be added into the shop randomly within the next two days.

Spring?

2011-04-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

Alright, who pushed the "Snow" button?!

Anyone who lives here knows not to get their hopes up too soon, there is always a few surprises before the flowers bud!

The Last Little Lambkin Girl SOLD

2011-03-29T14:48:00.000-08:00

Lambkin No. 4

2011-03-28T01:44:00.001-08:00

~~In the Shop!~~ *Sold*

Third Lambkin

2011-03-27T18:19:00.001-08:00

Another Lambkin for the Shop...

2011-03-27T16:07:00.000-08:00

Available now.

New in the Shop!

2011-03-25T21:30:00.002-08:00

New Lambkins will be up in the shop this weekend! Here is the first one ~~available now~~: *sold*

Hey, My Boys Sew!

2011-03-21T15:09:00.002-08:00

Sewing is still sometimes seen as "a girly thing" to do and it just simply isn't the case. I believe all people should be taught how to sew, at least the basics, just the same as all people should be taught how to cook and clean. There’s a time in everyone's life when they will need a button replaced in a pinch or a small tear repaired before a special event and it’s a wonderful feeling to know you are capable of making those repairs. I am trying to teach both my sons how to do just that.

This past weekend my six year old son old plopped on my lap and we sewed on the sewing machine together. In no time at all, a simple naked rag doll who was affectionately named Mr. Red Hat, had a new pair of pants, then a jacket with a button closer too was made and of course that jacket needed a pocket! In the end my son chose a little mouse button from my special button stash and it was sewn into the pocket "because Mr. Red needed a friend" he said. We had so much fun!

Although we had to stop sewing at that point, his imagination sure didn't. He said we should make a house for Mr. Red and we could even put a bathroom with a potty and a tub in it too and there should be a place for him to hang his beard up when he takes a bath. “Ha ha, a detachable beard!?” I asked. Why didn’t I ever think of that? He went on to say that Mr. Red should have lots of beards in his closet so that he can wear different colors depending on his mood each day. What a crack up!

I hope when my sons are all grown up and living on their own they will be able to sew on that missing button or repair a tear in thier shirt before a big day, after all; it was their father who years ago paitiently taught me how to sew on a sewing machine to begin with!

And the Winner is....

2010-08-29T15:06:00.000-08:00

Using the Random Line Picker,

The winner of the Velour Teething Gnome Doll is.....

Kari Christman!!

Congratulations Kari! I will send you a photo of all the colors available so you can choose which one you prefer.

Play Kitchens

2010-08-20T15:03:00.001-08:00

I found a few more pictures showing the Play Kitchens.

Birchtree Charter School

2010-08-19T14:58:00.003-08:00

So what’s been keeping me extra busy lately?

A new Waldorf inspired school just opened it's doors in Palmer, Alaska! This is the only one in that area and I think it will be a wonderful place for children to learn.

Birchtree Charter School called a few weeks ago and they asked us to make dolls and toys for their three kindergarten classrooms! Needless to say, we were honored to be chosen for this opportunity.

This was by far the largest order this little business has ever received and there wasn't much time. It also required becoming an approved vendor for the school district, new territory for me, but surprisingly everything fell into place quickly and we were able to get it done. My husband was in the garage busily working on the wood parts, while I was upstairs in the studio sewing up a storm. We both had our share of sleepless nights and sore muscles/hands/fingers, but it was so worth it in the end! I also learned a lot from the experience which always a added bonus.

The goods were loaded up and delivered to the school yesterday just in time for their open house. The people there were all so nice when we arrived and I am so happy for them and there new journey.

Congratulations Birchtree! Have a wonderful first year and many more in the future.

Here are just a few photos below. You can see a lot more photos of this entire order on flickr. I am missing the detailed photos of the kitchens but should get them um in a day or two.

Three play kitchens, three doll highchairs, three doll changing tables, three doll cradles, three toaster play sets, three ironing boards and irons, six 16" baby dolls, three extra diapers and three extra hats....(and a partridge in a pear tree, just kidding)!

Goodness!

No time! No time!

2010-08-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

Fabric flying, wood buzzing and a sore fingers are a few of things you'll see around here lately.

The Pine Cone Gnome is finishing up a monumental order (for us anyway) and we have a full-speed- ahead deadline. I will be back to tell everyone all about it after it's completed!

Cherries and Apples

2010-07-31T14:53:00.002-08:00

I received a custom order awhile ago from a very kind woman named Kathy. While we were emailing back and forth about fabrics choices and hair colors and textures etc., she shared some exciting news with me.

While Kathy was driving home from a Sunday party she had attended, she drove passed a skinny hunting dog lying on the side of the road. The poor thing was trying to scavenge a meal from a dead deer. Kathy immediately pulled over and grabbed a bit of apple cake that she had leftover from the party and using it she was able to lure the hungry pup to come to her and then into her car.

While Kathy was emailing me the news, the lucky dog (who by the way they affectionately named "Apple"), was curled up on a blanket (dreaming of more apple cake I'm sure). Kathy says she is a sweetheart.

The story of Apple inspired me to make Apple the pup and the piece of irresistible Apple cake. Now the baby doll and Apple the dog can share a snack together!

Thanks for helping out our furry friends Kathy! Anyone who loves animals that much is a friend of mine!

Here are a few more pictures:

And happy endings...

Apple with apple cake!

It's a Giveaway!!

2010-07-22T14:51:00.000-08:00

In lieu of the bright sunshine that has just beamed through my studio window (I have missed you so), I have decided it is time for my first ever online giveaway via The Pine Cone Gnome's Facebook Fan Page!

Become a fan of The Pine Cone Gnome, then leave a comment under the "Giveaway" posting. A name will be drawn on Thursday, August 29th, 2010 (next week) to win your very own Cotton Velour Teething Gnome made from their choice of available velour fabric.

No strings attached, I will even pay the shipping charges if the winner is out of town!

Good Luck to all and enjoy the sunshine if you have it!

There's a Dragon in the Flower Bed!

2010-07-15T14:49:00.000-08:00

Alright, so it's actually just a Columbine ready to bloom...but it was watching me pass by!

New items in the shop!

2010-07-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

Finally, right? Ha ha!

Adding more day by day. I am really slow at this computer stuff, not to mention all the picture editing. But I'll keep on truckin'!

Come by the shop and take a look, here are just a few of them:

Small Forest Girl Doll

A Grass Elf (a lazy one!)

Purple Velour Lambkin Doll

Back From The Forest Fair!

2010-07-06T14:42:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful time at the Forest Fair! Yummy food, great music and friendly faces for all three days. I had a very difficult time not spending all of my money during the fair, the vendors had such beautiful things available.

Once again, I forgot to take pictures until day two, but here they are anyway (better late than never right?).

This picture is a bit crooked because nothing on the forest floor happens to be level, should have remembered about that before setting up. It was all straightened out though, with some help from a few rocks and wood chunks under the table legs.

The swords were probably the most popular! They were handcrafted by my neighbour and he wood burned each one. Beautiful!

Lucky Mushroom Ornaments and Flower Girls

Velour Lambkins, Mermaids and Pencil Gnomes

Small Forest Girl

I will be adding new items to the shop all week. Surprisingly, I am already getting Christmas orders so those slots will be filling up a lot sooner this year, let me know soon if you would like one too.

For Emma!

2010-06-22T14:38:00.000-08:00

My adorable niece will be turning 6 in July. I made a little removable stand for her doll so it wouldn't fall over while displaying this very important message.

Flower Girls

2010-06-18T14:36:00.005-08:00

The Flower girls have arrived and were caught gathering lilac blossoms in the front yard this morning!

Each one is different from the next and has their own "personality". They have all agreed to accompany me to the Forest Fair. To see more Flower girls click here!

Hangin' With My Gnomies..

2010-05-18T14:33:00.006-08:00

All suited up and ready to go..

..soon to be added to the "Tic-Tac Gnomes" play sets that will be sold at the Forest fair.

A Nest On My Finger

2010-05-17T14:27:00.005-08:00

Look at what I was surprised with when I opened my door!

My sweet and very talented neighbour made this for me! A hand wrapped wire birds nest ring with the prettiest little blue pearl eggs. A perfect symbol of springtime.

Sally creates a beautiful color pallet with her handcrafted Jewelry. She uses all sorts of gem stones in her work (most I have never even heard of before), while her talented husband fires his own glass lampwork beads. What a dream team! Please take a look at their shop, you will not be disappointed.

THANK YOU SALLY!

Garden Mushrooms

2010-05-15T14:24:00.005-08:00

I am in love with these metal mushrooms we found at the garden store this week.

I want 100 more so I can put them everywhere!

Right now they are providing a little protection to the poor Himalayan Blue Poppies that seem to get stepped on every spring. You can just barely see their little green fuzzy leaves coming up through the tan grassy "poof".

The Sun Has Arrived!

2010-05-14T14:21:00.005-08:00

I have been neglecting things around here but I just can't help it! The sun is shining and the birds are chirping, there is bright green grass sprouting and we even have wee buds on our trees. Yes, very late for "lower 48" standards, but it's here none the less and I'll take it!

All I have been wanting to do is sit outside or by an open window and soak it all in. After all, it seemed this year spring would never come. I even started reading the book that I had put down last fall (like I have time with the Forest Fair coming up), it is all so relaxing. Dexter has also been enjoying the sun. Here he is working on his tan.

We will be back to work soon...promise.

Happy Mama's Day!

2010-05-09T14:19:00.001-08:00

Wishing all the lovely mothers a wonderful, joyful and all around great day today!

Girdwood Forest Fair...

2010-04-29T14:16:00.006-08:00

..here we come!!!!

July 2nd-July 4th

The Pine Cone Gnome will have it's first ever booth at the Forest Fair this year. Looking forward to enjoying the yummy food, live music and friendly people. Oh, and not to forget the AMAZING handcrafted wares as well!

An Unexpected Journey

2010-04-28T14:10:00.007-08:00

I think it was a little over a year ago when I stumbled upon an eye catching blog called Little Acorn.

Originally, I was drawn to the beautiful crafts and wonderful color combinations displayed throughout, but after a few months of visiting this blog I was unexpectedly taken along on the amazing journey of a couple who were trying to adopt a baby of their own.

I suggest you start reading this blog from the very beginning, September 2007, and don't stop. It's amazing what people can endure when they have so much love in their heart.

Reading while the events actually took place was very emotional and I was a bit surprised how emotionally involved I became considering that I really don't know these people. Happiness, anger, sadness and joy are only a few of the emotions I felt while reading the events. I found myself checking for updates multiple times a day, being on pins and needles wondering what was going to happen next. I was a big lurker, to chicken to comment on the posts.

What a gift they gave us all by being so open with their personal experience, including all the ups and the downs and I am certain it will be helpful and comforting other people who are experiencing an adoption journey of their own.

In appreciation for their sharing;

this was mailed out to one of the most beautiful little girls on our planet!

A Special Gift

2010-04-24T14:03:00.006-08:00

I received the sweetest gift from the little girl who's baby I spruced up. It included a handmade "thank you" card (so much better than the kind you buy), not one but TWO beaded wire necklaces and a bag of coffee from the Waldorf School.

Made my day week!

It's A Doll Makeover

2010-04-23T13:55:00.019-08:00

When I know that one of my handmade dolls is being truly enjoyed and fully included throughout the events of a child's daily life, it really makes my heart all warm.

Sometimes though, a makeover is in order to freshen up after having all those grand adventures together. I'm talking about the doll in this case, not the child.

This baby doll has been well loved by her little mommy and nothing makes me happier than seeing real proof of that. Really, I don't mind the wear and tare, as long as it is done with love.

And this doll in particular has also been lovingly given a beauty makeover that included a liquid lip gloss with glitter! Uh-oh.

Don't worry, most stains can be removed from your dolls or at least made a lot less noticeable. I heard from the little mommy's mommy, that this doll has even been washed in a front loading washing machine and I think she turned out wonderfully. Except of course for those pesky lip gloss stains and that is where I came in.

I started with lightly dampening the mouth and cheek areas with wet sponge, making sure to use a dabbing motion not a rubbing one to prevent the fabric from pilling. Then using a grease cutting liquid dish soap, I smeared a bit onto the stained areas. I let the soap soak in for about 10-15 minutes making sure it didn't dry on the fabric because that would leave a mark of it's own and would take us in the wrong direction.

After the time was up I then gently started to soak up the soap using a clean, wet sponge. Dab, rinse, dab, rinse, dab, rinse.. etc. until I felt like the soap had been removed from the doll. At this time the doll looked worse than it did before I started since the water makes the fabric turn a few shades darker when wet

I then patted it a little with some folded paper towels just to try and get as much water out that way. After that, I set the doll in a sunny area by the window and waited until it was dry. It only took about an hour and I could tell then that most of the stains were gone.

The mouth had the worst of all the stains and the lip gloss didn't want to budge for me so easily. I repeated the soap/rinse process again on the mouth area, and after waiting for it to dry a little, I poured a some corn starch directly onto the spot to absorb what the soap wouldn't 't get. The corn starch stayed on for a few hours and then was gently dusted off.

I was able to remove about 99% of the gloss and the mouth area stain was barley visible.

The baby doll also need a bit of repair to it's arm, and I applied some more stitching around the hair cap for some extra support as well.

I used the best stitch in the world (in my opinion), the ladder stitch or invisible stitch.

A new dress, a bit of hair brushing and a little blush brought this baby back to life so she can enjoy another year of adventures!

All ready to go home!

The Meeting

2010-04-16T13:52:00.006-08:00

It was time the two met each other....

Floppy was so excited to see another bunny in the house he started doing little hoppy circles, the baby bun on the other hand acted as if it were just another day at the park.

There cages are side by side now so they can safely get to know each other. After awhile (a long while) we will see how they are together in a neutral space.

This is how they have been for the last twenty minutes...

Winterberry Donation

2010-04-15T13:46:00.003-08:00

This mermaid girl is off to the Winterberry Waldorf School's annual Parent Guild "Head, Heart and Hands" Auction-April 24th.

I hope she does well for them!

Score!

2010-04-15T13:44:00.006-08:00

I have always loved the look of these old post office mail boxes but wasn't willing abel to part with the cash it would take to bring one home.

This one was purchased from an antique store that was going out of business. "Bare wall to bare wall sale" was posted on their advertisement and I knew this might finally be my chance. I just happened to be at the right place at the right time and snatched this baby up for a great price!

It came out of the old Sutton-Chickaloon post office about 55 miles away from here.

It was very, very heavy! There was the nicest man at the store who helped me get it into my car. I thought he worked there but then later found out he was waiting for the women he was with to shop. He made sure it was secured and then went on his way.

This is how I got it home, an entertaining scene to watch I'm sure, but we both made it home safely.

I'm not sure if I want to refinish the chipped paint or not, I kind of like the roughness of the whole thing. I will however peel off the ugly punched plastic numbers and add older, prettier looking ones. Also, since it has 30 boxes I though it would make a great advent calendar for the kids!

nom nom nom..

2010-04-15T13:41:00.002-08:00

Apple treat for Mr. Floppy.

Does anyone have a napkin?

Snow.

2010-04-14T13:39:00.005-08:00

More snow....snow that is currently blanketing my freshly cleared garden bed once again, clogging up the streets and most of all just making me sad. Don't get me wrong, I do love the snow but only during the appropriate snowy months. April not being one of them in my mind.

I was so ready for the spring time activities to begin, but alas, I will have to wait awhile longer it seems.

So, in lieu of the weather conditions outside, I spent the day huddled inside with a blanket and watched "The Notebook" on TV while sewing a small army of flower fairies. Flower fairies means spring darn-it!

A New Friend!

2010-04-12T13:33:00.012-08:00

Since we had our French Lop rabbit neutered a while ago we have been looking for a friend for Floppy. I didn't know this before we brought Floppy home, but rabbits like to have a friend who they may eventually make a strong bond with. They will groom and cuddle with each other making a pair of happy bunnies. Not just any two rabbits will bond with each other, they like to choose who they share their space with themselves. Since floppy is neutered, hopefully this will make the whole process easier since he is now capable of bonding with another neutered male.

After searching for months and months for just "the one right bun", I was getting nervous. I had originally wanted to find another lop eared rabbit since we do love those "down ears" as my youngest calls them. It seems lop eared bunnies are very difficult to find here! It is amazing we were able to find Floppy at the pound to begin with. After numerous emails and phone calls and even hoping that the Easter holiday might flush a few lops out to the public*, we had no such luck.

*Please let me add that I am completely against selling animals based only on upcoming holidays, trendy movies or events. Adding an animal into your home should be a long thought out process and should only be seen at as a long term addition to the family.

A few days ago I was contacted by one of the people who I originally emailed. She had been having some Internet problems and wasn't able to write back to me until then.

She said that she had some Angora/Holland Lop mixes available and wanted to know if I would like to see them.

When the boys and I got there we were greeted with the most adorable little poof balls I've ever seen! But how do we choose just one?? I jokingly told the woman that she should just hand me one because it was just too hard to choose.

We finally did though and he/she is so adorable!!

Because we are not sure if this is a little boy or a little girl yet (only 7 weeks old), we haven't named our new bun yet, so we are just calling it "Bun".

When you squint your eyes the color pattern on Bun's face looks like this; !!

The great thing about Bun is that since he/she is part Angora, I will be able to use the brushed fibers for my dolls and toys!

It will be a little while before we will be able to introduce Floppy to his (hopefully) new roommate since Bun is so young, but they will be neighbours for a few weeks.

Dexter has to supervise everything...

Bath Time!

Kuspuks are so Kool!

2010-04-07T13:31:00.004-08:00

Sorry, couldn't help it!

Anyway, kuspuks have been the most requested article of clothing for the 2009/2010 winter season. I can't tell you how many I've made for all the dollies and I know they will keep warm throughout the year.

This little girl just went to her new home.

I just love the hair poofs!

Mother Nature is Cruel Sometimes

2010-04-06T13:25:00.012-08:00

Here we were enjoying what was supposed to be the beginning of wonderful spring season. The birds were busy making their nests while singing flirty little songs to each other, the neighbour down the street was smiling from ear to ear because her crocus's are finally coming up (she has the best flowers in the neighborhood). And the dreams of summer fun had already begun to flood into every one's head.

Then we get blasted by this! It doesn't seem like it will be stopping anytime soon either.

Oh well...off to dig out my cozy socks and then make a cup of hot cocoa. Yep, I am turning snow into chocolate!

At least the dogs are having fun in the new stuff....

Kona & Capone

HAPPY EASTER!!

2010-04-04T13:22:00.003-08:00

Dexter thinks all this egg dying business is so tiring! I've seen egg carton foam pillows before, but I think he's taking this too literally!

Cats naps happen......where ever you need them to!

New Teething Gnomes

2010-01-14T13:20:00.004-09:00

A fresh batch of Teething Gnomes have just been added to the online shop and also locally at Sugar and Spice. This will be the last batch of teethers for a bit while I get busy working on some new goodies for spring!

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-01-14T13:18:00.000-09:00

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T13:16:00.000-09:00

Time to say goodbye to 2009 and a big "helloooo" to 2010! So are we going to say "twenty-ten" or "oh ten"? I like "twenty-ten" myself, but it seems to have a bit of a metallic twang to it, like we should all be living inside shiny metal pods out in space and eating perfectly balanced pellet food from a wall dispenser. At least that is how the 1960's envisioned anyway. So glad they were wrong!

Here's to everyone having a healthy, happy 2010!

An Unexpected Visitor

2009-12-28T13:13:00.000-09:00

Mr. Moose or "Bob" as the kids named him. We have had a lot of cows and caves come our way but never a sight like this one. I beleive this is the same boy that was brought to our house a few years ago with his mother to nibble on some trees and late Halloween pumpkins. If it is the same fella, his antlers have done some major growing over the year.

He sampled our three jack-o-lanterns (I was late once again disposing them), and then went on his way.

***Feel free to turn off the volume on your computer while watching these videos...lol!

Christmas Customs

2009-12-26T12:07:00.017-09:00

I love custom orders, a great collaboration of two minds working together to make a mental vision come true. Also, custom orders are usually accompanied with wonderful stories like this little lady from last year. But more than anything, for me, custom orders keeps the spirit of doll making fresh and challenging and when I am able to get it just right... a great feeling of accomplishment fills me. Here are a few of the custom orders that kept me busy this season.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T12:04:00.000-09:00

This pretty much sums it up here at our house.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Congratulations!

2009-11-30T12:03:00.001-09:00

Rachael B. is the 2009 Arts and Crafts Emporium Drawing winner!! A custom made Lambkin doll will be specially made for her and delivered no later than December 15!

Shop Update

2009-11-28T12:01:00.003-09:00

I listed a few of the dolls left over from the show in the shop. You can see them here. I am planning on adding more great items throughout the next few weeks so please keep checking back.

2009 Arts and Craft Emporium

2009-11-28T11:58:00.008-09:00

Another fun year at the Emporium! The best part was having my son with me for both days. He helped customers and made sure everything was tidy and in it's place and without even being asked! We had another drawing this year, but this time for a custom made Lambkin doll.

Once again my camera battery had died on the first day so these were taken mid-afternoon on the last day of the show.

The Girls!

2009-11-28T11:52:00.010-09:00

All materials put together and you have a...ummm..a school? of lovely swimming mermaid gals.

Two sizes, 18" and 16" from tip of there tails to top of their heads.

The larger mermaids have button jointed arms for full movement and also come with a silver crown and glass pearl bracelet.

16" Mermaids

18" Mermaid-Purple

18" Mermaid Teal Blue

The Most Beautiful Yarn Find

2009-11-27T11:50:00.005-09:00

I found these bits of lovely at a local yarn shop. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect yarn for the special girls I have planned for this years Emporium.

Of course, the photo doesn't do it justice!

Heads or Tails?

2009-11-27T11:47:00.006-09:00

This is what my desk looked like before the Arts and Crafts Emporium. It was a little overwhelming but I got through it one by one.

St. Martinstag Gingerbread Men

2009-11-27T11:43:00.006-09:00

We celebrated St. Martinstag at my son's school on November 13th. It was the coldest night so far and the lantern walk itself was short but sweet. I made about 80 gingerbread men, not all of them actually made it to the school though...umm...what can I say, it's hazardous being made from yummy gingerbread.

The photos below are a little collection I titled: Sleep Deprivation. FYI Playing with your food is fun!

A Little Less of Mr. Floppy Bunny

2009-11-26T11:40:00.002-09:00

Mr. Floppy was neutered! He was having a "problem" with the smaller animals in our house, more specifically the cat and shih-tzu. He was a very driven boy and so after almost being slapped with a harassment suit from the cat, we decided it was time. After talking to the vet and rabbit rescue people, we were reassured it would make him a much happier bunny in the long run.

Doesn't he look happy to you? Well...someday anyway.

We might eventually be able to adopt a friend for Floppy now that he will behave himself.

Halloween Revisited

2009-11-26T11:30:00.023-09:00

Since I have been so behind with my blogging I am now taking the chance to catch up, starting with one of the best Halloween's ever!

The weather was warm for by our October standards and the snow hadn't fallen yet so the kids were able to trick or treat for hours. I sewed like a mad person right up until the last minute, but I was able to make my youngest his Max from "Where the Wild Things Are" costume, and my neighbours satin lined velvet cloak for her Cruella Deville costume ( she will use it again next year for her Little Red Riding Hood costume after removing the hideous fake fur trim) and I even made the hat for my 1800's-ish costume, but when it came to sewing my husbands matching 1800's-ish costume I failed miserably.

We had two hours left before we were all supposed to be going to the party and I knew then I wouldn't make it. I was almost finished with his wool jacket but there would be no time for pants...the man needs pants! So I remembered we had a costume rental store here locally and amazingly enough they had the perfect costume and the night was saved.

Later my husband said "No offence babe, but can we just rent costumes every year from now on?" I said "Absolutely!"

These are some of the decorations this year. It was nice of the spooky fog to arrive for my picture taking!

That's "Stevie" as the kids affectionately named him, peeking around the corner. We were actually a little sad to pack him away this year because he was a great greeter when we would come home.

Happy belated Halloween!

Preparing for the big show!!

2009-11-18T11:24:00.005-09:00

WOW! What a busy time of year! I have many things to tell everyone about, Halloween included, but it will all have to wait until after this weekend is over.

Right now I am frantically preparing for the 2009 Anchorage Arts & Crafts Emporium. My fingers are chapped, red and raw and the coffee has steadily been flowing through my veins for weeks now, but I am determined to offer a nice selection of my handcrafted goods. The show is so much fun to participate in! Everything being sold must be handcrafted by the vendor (and yes, they do check!).

If you are looking for great gifts this holiday season and would like something with a more wholesome, one-of-a-kind feel, the Arts and Crafts Emporium is definitely the place to shop. You might even complete your entire list under one roof.
Come by and say "hello"!

2009

Anchorage Arts & Crafts Emporium
Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center
600 W. Seventh Ave., Anchorage, AK
Saturday November 21 10:00am-6:00pm

Sunday November 22 11:00am-6:00pm

This photo was taken last year during the show.

Gnome Hat Success!

2009-09-16T11:21:00.001-08:00

While my niece was visiting us I was thrilled to see her still wearing the red gnome hat I made a couple years ago from a recycled felted sweater. The pattern came from this book: Bend-the-Rules-Sewing by the talented Amy Karol. I really love every pattern in this book and keep pulling it out when there is a birthday party or baby shower that requires a gift.

Gnome hats makes for some cute pictures too!

We came, We Saw, We Conquered!

2009-09-16T11:18:00.013-08:00

The Alaska State Fair!

We had another great two day trip to our state fair this summer. We were also happy to share it with my mother and niece who came to visit us.

Newly hatched chicks

Funny hats and silly hair: Required!

146.5 lbs Watermelon!

82.9 lbs Rutabaga!

Fuzzy little piggies

And of course, lots of cotton candy!

Can't Wait!!

2009-09-04T11:16:00.006-08:00

My mother and niece are visiting us for two weeks! On Saturday we have tickets to The Lion King on stage!! I am so excited to see the amazing costumes and listen to the music!

**Update** The show was AMAZING!! I recommend for everyone to go if given the opportunity. Not only do the actors have to act and sing, but they also have to operate complicated props, puppets and costumes, and they do it all very well.

Two More Finished!

2009-09-02T11:13:00.004-08:00

These two will be going home together!

You can see more photos of the duo here.

Progress....

2009-08-06T11:11:00.003-08:00

11 more to go!

I am back!

2009-08-05T11:08:00.008-08:00

It has been two weeks since I have made a mark here, and what a crazy two weeks it has been! I am in the process of changing my website to another host and it has taken way to long to do so. If you have been looking for it, hopefully it will be up in a day or two.

It is also School registration time here and after running around town for a week delivering applications for my oldest, I am just now starting to hear the results. So far, the German Immersion School is ahead but there are still two more I have yet to hear from. Keeping my fingers crossed!

I have also been working on a few custom orders and I also need to start preparing for the Arts and Crafts Emporium which is held in November. Time to start stocking up, the busiest time of year for The Pine Cone Gnome approaches!

I woke up early to let the dogs out when I spotted a two Downy woodpeckers enjoying an early morning meal. You know what they say about the early bird and the worm, must be true!

The pictures are not very good because it was raining and I was looking up. Bad combo!

This is about the time I felt something brush against my feet, when I looked down I saw this.....

..needless to say I picked him up and we both went inside!

More FromThe Garden

2009-07-22T11:06:00.002-08:00

Dinner!

Pay Dirt!

2009-07-19T10:58:00.001-08:00

Look what I was able to gather from the garden yesterday!

They were very yummy!

Finished Another Custom Doll!

2009-07-18T10:56:00.000-08:00

This little girl was ordered by the winning bidder of the Custom Made Lambkin Gift Certificate which was auctioned off at a fundraiser for the Boy and Girls Club. She decided to add a full head of fluffy blond hair and make her from cotton velour instead of cotton Sherpa. I hope she will provide a lot of hugs in the future!

Little Sprouts Flower Growing Kits....Complete!

2009-07-08T10:52:00.001-08:00

Whew!.... It took awhile but they are finally here! The kit includes one Sprout Doll, pot, peat pellets and a seeded tag. Just add water and sunshine!

There were a lot of steps taken to make these little cuties but well worth it in the end, they are now available in the store.

Plant-able Hang Tags

2009-07-08T10:46:00.001-08:00

I ended up making hang tags from the seeded paper that was made earlier. These will go with the new items that will be added to the store soon. These are so much fun to do! I might have to make some plant-able tags to go with birthday and holiday gifts as well.

While I was stamping the tags, I noticed one of the seeds was running away!

That seed has legs!

It turned out to be a teeny-tiny spider that was amazingly the same size as the For-get-me-not seeds...ha ha! I was working under an open window and I think he must have blown in. I put him back outside and wished him good luck.

Making Seeded Paper

2009-07-08T10:31:00.022-08:00

I bought a paper making kit because I have been drooling over the plant-able paper I have seen around lately. As a newbie to the paper making world, I opted for the kit which included almost everything I needed to get started.

I started out by blending up paper from around the house, things free of ink and glue, that would have been otherwise headed to the garbage. I even threw in part of a paper egg carton for texture. I added a sheet of green tissue paper for color, some warm water and pushed the puree button on my blender.

I filled water into a clean sink filling it up halfway and then added the paper pulp, then sprinkled two packets of For-get-me-not seeds into the water. I'd wished they didn't float so much and next time I may use a larger seed instead.

After stirring everything up a bit with my hand, I slowly guided the screen into the water and then let the paper pulp mixture settle on top. Easing it from the water I made sure the pulp and seeds were evenly dispersed. If I wasn't happy with how it looked at that stage it all went back in the water so I could make attempt number two (or three or four).

After sponging as much water as I could from the soon to be sheet of paper I peeled it from the screen and placed it on a baking sheet, then put the whole thing outside to dry.

This is a perfect project for children! You really can't mess anything up, just dunk it back into the water if you are not happy with how you sheet looks and try again. Scavenging for dried seeds and leaves outside would also add a lot to this project.

All finished drying!

One Lone Bunny...Completed!

2009-07-05T23:25:00.001-08:00

This poor little felt bunny was overlooked at Easter time. While the others were being sewn together, he was cut out only to then be pushed aside into the deepest,darkest corner of my work area.

Unlike the others this one is special, he has "down ears"!! ( at my youngster's request of course)

Decluttering and WIP's (Work In Progress) Week

2009-07-01T23:22:00.001-08:00

I have quite a few projects in various stages of completion around the work area. Things that I just haven't been able to finish, for one reason or another, maybe because a custom order came in that had a short deadline or maybe because it was a beautiful day outside and I couldn't justify being tied to a sewing machine all day.

Well, this is the week for those projects! I have been pushing them off to another corner of my desk long enough and I will get them done.

Here are a few hints for now and I will post each one as soon as they are complete. Can you guess what they will be? (one and two actually go together)

Say "hello" to my little friend!

2009-07-01T23:18:00.001-08:00

"No one will see me here with my perfect disguise!"

Meet Mr. Floppy Bunny

While out for a drive one cold day in January, we ended up at an out of town animal shelter, I don't know how it happened, but it did. Our four year old found this guy and was instantly smitten. He loved his "down ears" as he calls them and apparently in our son's opinion, a rabbit with "up" ears is less of a rabbit. I am not sure why he thinks this way, but just so everyone knows, the rest of our family is non-discriminant regarding a rabbits ear placement.

Five dollars and about a million four year old promises later, we were in the car driving to the nearest pet supply store to buy the whole nine yards.

This was at the animal shelter. They really let you get to know the animals before you take them home, he sat there with the rabbit for over an hour before we both caved and took him home.

Five dollars quickly turned into about a hundred and fifty five, but who can say no to a little boy and his big Floppy Bunny?

According to the shelter, he is a French Lop Rabbit, all I know is he is pretty big and strong and that's a good thing around here with all of our other animal friends running around.

We love Mr. Floppy!

Toy Drops Made

2009-06-28T23:15:00.001-08:00

Here are the areas that we decided to make our toy drops at. So fun!

The Girl was tied to a small spruce tree on the trail that leads into the Potter Marsh wildlife viewing area. We went to check on her after our Zoo trip and she was gone!

The boy was dropped at the Alaska Zoo, at the bench in Annabelle's memorial area. We checked to see if it was still there before we left the zoo and sure enough, it was gone!

It was much more difficult than I thought it would be. With so many people streaming by us in both drop areas, it was hard not to be noticed and then to take a photo afterward. Maybe it takes practice and we will get stealthier as we do more drops in the future!

Our First Two Drops for The Toy Society!

2009-06-28T23:05:00.002-08:00

These little sock kids will be dropped separately around our lovely town in participation with The Toy Society. I think this is a wonderful concept and the kids and I really have had fun planning how/where to do the covert drops!

According to some people I don't get out enough and that may be true, but regardless of their opinions, I happened to find this experience to be very exciting.

And yes, the dolls are a little out of season with their scarves and pocketed hands, but I just couldn't wait until winter to make the drop.

Taking Jab at Rubber Stamp Carving (pun intended..he he!)

2009-06-24T22:53:00.001-08:00

This Friday is my son's tenth birthday! (WOW! I can't even think about how old that sounds). Ten is a hard in between age for choosing gifts, finding one he will like for a long time and one that is not commercialized.

I decided to take his signature drawings, the drawings he has been doodling regularly through out this past year, and make a custom carved stamp for him, something that he can use over and over again and is also very personal.

I have never carved a stamp before, but let me tell you, it is really addicting! I found all my supplies online at Dick Blick, they have everything you need and more including great starter kits.

To begin, I found some drawings my son had left around the house on random pieces of paper. Luckily, these images were all about the same size so I did not need to enlarge/decrease with the copier. I then used carbon paper to transfer each design onto the block and then went over them again with a sharpie marker so I had a nice black line to follow.

(*I apologize for the quality of these photos, it was late at night and I had to be sneaky)

After I carved out the stamps, I took a wooden block that I had from our local craft store, painted it all black and sealed it so it wouldn't get wet when he washed the inks off his stamps. The stamps were then glued to the six sides of the wooden block.

I then used the stamp ( I had to make sure it worked well, right?) to stamp each page of a post-it note pad and to decorate the gift box it was going into. I couldn't stop there, so I also used it to stamp the name tags for his party goodie bags and made stamped stickers for his friends.

I have really enjoyed his art this past year and before I know it, he will be drawing something completely different. Now I will be able enjoy these drawings forever and who knows, I may have even started an annual birthday tradition!

Welcome Little Ones!

2009-06-24T22:43:00.001-08:00

No matter how long I live here, it will never be anything less than an amazing sight to see a moose strolling through our yard. The neighbours all stop what they are doing, some grabbing their cameras, and watch just like if it were the first time seeing the scene.

Well, today we were given an even more amazing sight when this mama moose came though, very nervous and very alert, with her new twin calves!

They were so adorable, and still fuzzy, as they frolicked around the yard just being, "kids".
We wish them the very best of luck with the fight they will have to make it into adulthood. Hopefully they will come and see us again!

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary....

2009-06-23T00:30:00.002-08:00

How does your garden grow?

Our Garden Currently

So far, we are having a pretty good gardening year thanks to all the lovely sunshine we have been getting (ironically, not today though, it is raining). Last year, the sun didn't seem to want to stick around very much, so our garden a very sad and soggy sight.

This year I planted things I knew we would use a lot of; such as three types of leaf lettuce, Swiss chard, zucchini, sugar snap peas, strawberries, herbs: dill, cilantro, oregano, thyme, lemongrass, basil, sweet basil, rosemary and parsley, chives and spearmint.

Everything, except the zucchini and lemongrass, is tucked nicely into to a 3x5 raised bed that my handy husband made for me.

We also have a few raspberry bushes and one very old, very large rhubarb plant in the backyard.

Yummy!

Just planted in the spring: above

Just a few weeks later: below

If anyone has any tips on drying fresh herbs that they would like to share, I would love to hear them!

The Great Lady Bug Release!

2009-06-23T00:14:00.001-08:00

If you've never purchased a bag of lady bugs to use on your property as a natural method of pest control, I suggest you give it a try, at least once. You can usually find them being sold at your local garden store. They come with different amounts of bugs depending on the store. In the past we have released smaller bags of 100 bugs or so, but this year we found a bit more!
So what does 1,500-1,800 lady bugs look like? I had no idea until we brought home the little mesh bag and actually opened it up.

They went everywhere! I sprinkled them onto every bush, tree and plant in the backyard and they quickly went marching up, around and over to get to work.

It provided hours of entertainment for our youngest son (lady bugs are on his "good bug" list), and he continues to find his friends from time to time, still busy with their natural pest control duties. If only they ate mosquitoes too!

Welcome to the blog!

2009-06-22T00:12:00.000-08:00

My very first post!!

I am very excited to have this opportunity to share what happens here at The Pine Cone Gnome! Please feel free to make comments or ask questions and I will be happy to answer them.