The ham is extremely hamy feeling – I think my fabric choice contributed to this. It’s been on my list of things to try for ages. They were such fun to make and they are super satisfying as objects.
I used this tutorial.
These are the full size and I made another set printing the templates at 50% with the intention of using them to iron the elegant doll clothes. It’s helpful for ironing when the clothes are completed.
They are stuffed with walnut shells. You really need to completely stuff them. I’m gonna open the ham back up to add a bit more.
mysterious creatures
The Squam Art Retreat is announcing their 2027 offering today 9/18 – (noon-ish eastern time I think). You can pre -register today after it’s posted and choose your classes and room. If you’ve got questions about the retreat please use the contact form on the Squam site.
I’m already preparing for the class . And I love that there is a whole year to shop for delightful scraps to bring with me. It will be on my mind in France next summer.
I had planned on teaching a completely different class next year and then all of a sudden these forest creatures turned up and they were irresistible to me. There are already more variations in the works and I’m looking forward to seeing the ideas that students bring. So many possibilities…
Plus at the end of the day we’ll photograph our finished creatures with special attention to capturing attitude, expression and body language. It’s surprising how very small adjustments can make a huge difference in bringing life and mystery to a doll portrait.
shop news
* Boo! There is a new card and 2 new sticker sheets in the shop now.
* The next painting sale will be Thursday September 24th – noonish- eastern time. Save the date!
* And 2027 calendar pre-orders open next Tuesday 9/22.
pole beans – victory is mine
The pole beans have gone wild. Thanks to the commenters that clued me in to their preference for cooler days.
Forest creatures and Squam and pole beans and I keep finding “hams” when thrifting and passing them up because they are usually huge. I finally have bean plants but they are still tiny and it is still 100 degrees here with rain finally forecasted for next week. Fingers crossed for October beans Off to buy myself some cute n spooky stationary. Thanks for all you do!!
I inherited a ham and sausage from my grandmother – I use them often and they are treasures!
My beans are not producing at all – between the heat and nibbles from the deer, they don’t have a chance! (I have declared war on the deer and squirrels and am building a green house to grow my veggies in next season (wrapping in chicken wire in place of the glass).
My young adult daughters are hobby sewists and I will be crafting hams and sausages for them as part of our homemade holiday gift exchange. I might have to wrap them like deli hams and sausages Thank you for passing the tutorial along to readers.
love the forest creatures, and all the other variations that are sure to come along with them!!