Make a Mini Scarecrow

autumnYears ago, I used to sell a variety of handcrafted items at artisan fairs and craft shows. People would often come to my booth, graciously admire my work, and then confess that they’d love to “make something” too, but didn’t know where to begin and wished there were some quick and easy starting projects available. After hearing this for a while, I took it to heart and began a line of craft kits. Each one included a simple project with clear directions and all of the necessary supplies. I tried to design fairly basic kits in such a way that the finished item would look a bit more difficult than it actually was! 🙂

Since we are now smack dab in the middle of Autumn, I thought you might like to see one of those old patterns. It’s a mini scarecrow. This little guy is only about 6 inches tall! He’s made on a very small craft broom, which you turn into his straw body.

Scarecrowz

I no longer make the kit, but here’s a list of the supplies you need, along with full-size patterns and directions.

Use one as a focal point on a fall wreath, or make a garland of them to hang over a door! They’d be sweet decorating a napkin ring, or to dress up a hostess gift. You could even wear one as a pin on a coat (or a hat if you dare!).

mini broomThe mini craft broom needed should be available at your local craft store. It’s important to get the long and skinny style as shown to the left, not a broom that has a short, wide base.

Supplies Needed:

1 mini broom 5”- 6” tall (long/skinny style – see photo)
1 wooden bead (size: 20mm)
Small scraps of felt in brown, orange, yellow
6” piece of “autumn” ribbon for scarf
2 yd piece of fluffy yellow yarn for “straw” hair
fishing line for hanger
Tacky glue
Optional: tiny bird – either from craft store or one can be made from mini pom poms, black felt wings/tail, and yellow felt beak – as seen in photo.

For full-size patterns and instructions, click the link below:

Scarecrow Pattern

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For the Love of Pumpkin . . .

harvestscene1I’ve never met a pumpkin I didn’t like! Seeing them everywhere lately has my mouth watering for all things pumpkin – like pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies! When writing my grocery list earlier, I made sure to include the ingredients I’ll need to bake a couple of loaves of pumpkin bread later in the week . . .

For today though, I want to share a pumpkin recipe that I’ve just discovered. It not only sounds delicious, but has a prep time of just 10 minutes. Ya gotta love that!

This recipe is from the Better Homes and Gardens website, but I’ll include it here for your convenience.

Ok, ttyl. I’m off to add cream cheese to the shopping list. 😉

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread

Ingredients

· 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
· 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
· 1/4 cup sugar
· 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
· 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

acornleavesDirections
Beat all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Makes 1-1/2 cups (24, 1-tablespoon servings).

Serving suggestions:
Spread on bagels, gingersnaps, english muffins, graham cracker sticks, etc.

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Candy Corn

This year . . . the very humid days at the end of August had me dreaming of Fall, so I started to work on some autumn-inspired jewelry.

Here’s a pair of earrings that I’m calling “Candy Corn”. 😉

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I think they have sort of a subtle Autumn/Halloween flavor. Wouldn’t they be pretty with a jacket done in earth tones?

The pumpkin-colored teardrops are vintage lucite, and the very unique “candy corn” beads are Czech glass (currently available in my shop).

pumkinx3As a native New Englander, I fell in love with Autumn at a very early age. They say the foliage in this area is more colorful than in other parts of the country. I don’t know if that’s true . . . but it is breath-takingly beautiful here during the Fall.

Of course, there are so many things to love about this time of year, like apples and cider and pumpkins and mums. 😀 It’s sweater weather, and time to make soup!

On crisp Autumn days, the sky’s more blue; the air more refreshing! It’s a magical time – not too hot . . . not too cold . . . when Mother Nature allows us a last little respite before the icy winds blow.

Happy Fall to us all!

(The pretty “Harvest” card that’s shown above is from etsy artist: FrenchCountry)

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Shop ’til We Drop – Friday Favorites

For this week’s Friday Favorites, let’s go shopping! 🙂

C’mon, we can all squeeze into the car.

Oh wait . . . not enough seat belts!

Ok, well then grab the mouse. We’ll do it online! 😀

Autumn Pumpkins Pillow

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Painting with fabric . . . Here’s a gorgeous example of how a home accessory can truly be a work of art. Wool pumpkins have been hand pieced and applied with a blanket stitch to soft 100% wool fabric. Hand embroidered with a variety of stitches that include: Moss stitch, Spider web, Filling stitch, French knots, Raised chain band, Couching and Fly stitch. The Pillow edge is trimmed using a glass beaded blanket stitch. From ThreeSheepStudio

“Illuminated Jack-O-Lanterns”

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Wouldn’t this print be just the thing to display near your doorway to welcome any ghosts or goblins this season? The scene is a pumpkin patch with a row of jack-o-lanterns that appear to be glowing amidst fallen leaves. Bare trees & foliage are silhouetted against the eerie night sky…
GICLEE PRINT of the artist’s original (which was painted in acrylic on canvas). From villagefolkart

Candy Corn Pendant

candy corn1

Adorable, yes? It will be a trick to keep this treat away from friends and family who will want to “borrow” it! 😉 This is a fused art glass pendant which was designed, cut, fused, and annealed by the artist in her home studio.
From jochris12

Autumn, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Gift Tags!

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Whether you use them as gift tags, or to accompany home baked treats, or for writing a little love note to tuck into a lunchbox, this sweet set of tags will add cheer from now through Thanksgiving! Set of 4 hand stamped and painted pumpkin tags. Made on high quality card stock.
From frenchcountry

jugdaisyHope you enjoyed today’s shopping trip!!

Next time we’ll rent a bus, ok? lol

Have a super duper weekend, everyone!

I’ll see you on Monday with a new giveaway and new questions. 🙂

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Ode to Autumn

Here in New England, overnight temperatures are in the 20’s this week.

Now, that’s chilly!

Autumn is my favorite season. On this frosty morning, it occurs to me that time is running out – winter is about to take over.

So before we are immersed in snowflakes and Santas, here’s a little photo tribute to one of the loveliest times of the year.

Nature's Crayolas  ~ MMM 08

Nature's Crayolas ~ MMM 08

Click on the pictures to make them a little larger.

Now that's relaxing . . .   ~ MMM 08

Now that's relaxing . . . ~ MMM 08

The feet you see belong to my youngest daughter, who was the photographer!

Falling for Autumn  ~ MMM 08

Falling for Autumn ~ MMM 08

Have you ever seen such a colorful carpet of leaves?

Autumn in New England ~ MMM 08

Autumn in New England MMM 08

I especially love the one above. See all those little rays of dancing sunlight?

Peekaboo with an Autumn Sky  ~ MMM 08

Peekaboo with an Autumn Sky ~ MMM 08

Ahhhhh! Well that was lovely.

Now I’m ready to welcome the majesty of winter!