Penny pillow - Inspired by penny rugs

Folk art penny rugs have always mesmerized me. As a result, everyone around me is getting pennies for Christmas!

Each pillow has 9 pennies.  Since all the pennies are different and no color has been used twice - each pillow requires 27 felted sweaters.  I love these - there are lots more in my future...

Christmas wreath - inspiration

Wreath by Peggy at Whim du Jour

Christmas wreath detail
Originally uploaded by danenmolly

As I look at all the blogs that feature wonderful creations and things that inspire creative projects - I have to add this wreath. It was a gift to me by a good friend. I only wish that I could have this much imagination and vision to create - and then have what I imagine actually turn out as it was envisioned. Trust me, I sometimes feel like the Queen of the Flop! But then, that always leaves something else that is new and wonderful to strive for.

green birdhouse in snow

green birdhouse in snow
Originally uploaded by danenmolly

I love this pretty green birdhouse that was a gift from a friend.  It has been mounted on the pasture fence and I smile each time I look out there, especially in the winter with the contrast of the green against the snow.

Frasier Fir - I love it!

The Frasier Fir line of products from The Thymes, Ltd. has got to be one of my all-time favorites.  They have really captured the "up-north" fragrance.  Christmas trees, walking in the pines.  For me, it takes me immediately back to all of the fun camping adventures I had as a kid.  The great outdoors is now part of my daily life indoors.  These are products I use all year round in my home.

Frasier Fir collection by the Thymes, Ltd.

They make great holiday gifts.  They have beautiful packaging and they are a pleasure to receive.  Available in the store or online at Molly's, our sister store.

Winter Day in northern Michigan

As the snow is starting to fall, there is always the fear that this (from the same time last year) could be what we have to look forward to!  Lovely, yet, not so much fun for driving.  So today, I don't know whether to swear or shout "Yippee!".  Seems just a couple of days ago it was sunny and quite unseasonably warm.  Yet, here we are...winter is beginning...

Snowy Day

Kenya fair-trade bracelet

This is a fun, casual bracelet from Kenya.  I have a friend that lived there for many years who would bring jewelry from the local artisans back to the states.  Even after returning to the US to live, she has continued to work with those artisans, supplying them with outlets for their work.  It can be purchased online at our Leland store, Molly's.  At only $20.00, it makes a fun, affordable gift.

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