A few years ago I shared a tutorial for making snowflakes out of dollies. You can find that tutorial HERE. Originally, I had made them to hang in my preschool, so I had laminated them. Here it is, some 20 years later, and they look as fresh as the day I made them :)

(Our 20 year old snowflakes)

I made our new snowflakes out of computer paper, ironed them, and hung them up with transparent thread. Not only are they fun to do (it's always such a surprise to open a snowflake and see what it looks like), but they are a beautiful addition to our indoor winterscape.

This year, faced with a problem, snowflakes have seemed to save the day! We have a huge picture window in our dining room. It looks out on the back of our house. Here's the view from that window:

Each morning (and sometimes later in the day if the weather is particularly nasty) we put out food for our backyard birds. (And squirrels, and chipmunks, and deer, and raccoons, and whatever animal is in need of nourishment!) We all like to sit around the table, with our favorite morning beverage, and watch the birds. All lovely. But here's the problem.

Until recently, there was a cherry tree growing right outside the window. This offered protection for the birds, and most importantly, a barrier between the sky and the window. Without the tree there, that big window can look like open sky, and we have many birds bop into it. In most cases, the bird is simply rattled a bit, and they fly off. But sometimes, the results can be deadly. Last week, a female cardinal hit the window and died. We were devastated, especially since cardinals mate for life. I decided I needed to do something to alert the birds to the window.

My first thought was to put stickers on the windows. The only problem with that, is they really obscured the view. Finally, I decided to make some snowflakes, and hang them up. Not only do they provide a visual warning to the birds, but, with a heating vent right under the window, they move slightly, making it feel like it's snowing in the house : )

Collisions with the house were almost a daily occurrence. Since putting up the snowflakes, there hasn't been a single incident. YAY! I can leave up our snowflakes through February. In march, I'll come up with something "springy" to dance in our windows. Okay, birdies, enjoy the meal, and stay safe.

If you'd like to make a curtain of snowflakes... or just one... check out our Traditional Snowflake Tutorial. Also, if you Google "paper snowflakes" you'll find a ton of tutorials, many with cutting patterns. So, if you're ready for a little winter inspiration, start with a snowflake :)

We have just returned from a visit with our son Adam, and his lovely new bride, Raewyn. Did I take any pics of them? No. But I took plenty of their 11 month old Komondor aka Hungarian Sheepdog, Ari.

Ari is the process of getting his adult coat, and traditionally, the fur is separated to create a coat of dreads, giving them the nickname of "Mop" dogs. The photos really don't do Ari justice. He is a big dog, nearly 100 pounds, but looks much bigger because of the fur. He is in his awkward teens, between his puppy fur and adult coat. Below is a photo of what a mature, well groomed Komondor looks like :)

Adam told me Ari was creating quite a sensation in their town of Greenville, SC. After a walk through town, and lunch at an outdoor cafe, with Ari, I see what he means. Almost everyone that we passed on the street stopped to ask about his breed, take his picture, or simply gawk.

Greenville, known for their "dog friendly" atmosphere, has many outdoor restaurants and bars where dogs are welcome. Last week, the people at the tables around them decided to turn Ari's popularity into a "drinking game". Whenever someone stopped to ask about Ari, they took a drink. When someone asked for a photo, they finished their drink. Needless to say, spirits ran high :) If you live in the Greenville, South Carolina area, watch for Ari. If you see him, tell him "Gammy says Hi!"

(Ari chillin' with Adam)

I think we are done with our travels for the remainder of the year. (Still might fit in one more trip to Madison to see the Little Lady and Little Guy :) Anyway... Michelle does Thanksgiving at her house, so I think I'm ready to begin preparing for Christmas. Woke up this morning to a light dusting of snow... ho ho ho :)
 
BTW... for more info on Komondors, you can check them out HERE.

Last week was Michelle's birthday. For her gift this year I got her the book 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders: A world of possibilities inspired by just one skein.

 

 

 

We have received MANY emails asking us if everything is okay, and if we are continuing Wee Folk Art. I know our postings have been rather sparse these days. I've written everyone the same answer, and thought it might be easier to just do a quick blog entry. Here is my "standard" reply :)

Yes, we do plan to keep up Wee Folk Art, however, there have been so many things, both good and trying, happening in real life, and that comes first :) There was a time when I "announced" when we were a bit too busy to blog, but Michelle and I decided that we want Wee Folk Art to be a non stressful place, so we blog when we can and feel no guilt when we can't :)

The good news is, even in our busiest times, all of our back content is always available :) So, never give up on us, check back with us often, use our archives, and if you have a Facebook account, make sure you "like us" because we always link to our latest WeeFolkArt.com postings there.

BTW... it's nice to be missed. Thanks for noticing :)

So, there you have it. We are still here, no major announcements, just other pursuits are using more of our time. We have a new craft coming up this week, so watch for it :)

At one time or another, all parents experience irrational fears about their ability to parent well. Fortunately, our children are very good teachers,and as long as we are attentive students, they have much to teach us :)

You are invited to join me today on One Generation to Another and read "Ode to My Second Child"... a lesson on love and loving :)