I'm in the mood for winter!

You read that correctly. We are between fall and winter and it has been raining lately. When it rains it is dreary and the cold just seeps into you. You know what I mean? But when it snows.....it is so pretty and fresh! So bring on the snow!
This little mat was punched with that in mind. I was playing with my new Oxford Punch again and used 8.5 strips of wool this time. The more I fiddle with this punch hook....the more I like it. This mat is on the small side about 5 inches by 8 inches and was punched in less than two hours. Not bad eh?

On another note, I'm two posts away from my 100th post.....so stay tuned for a giveaway! Maria

I'm teaching a Workshop at Sauder Village

In case you didn't know, I'll be teaching a 1/2 day workshop at Sauder Village next August. The class is called Altered Rug Hooking and involves artist canvas, scrapbook paper, paint, glue, glitter, napkins, and wire just to name a few pieces I'll incorporate into my rug hooking.
You can check here for more details about the class. Scroll down and you will see the details about my class http://www.saudervillage.org/creativity/rughooking_workshops.asp. I'm very excited about the class! Have a good weekend. Maria
Maria

Punch Hook using 1/4 wool strips

I wanted to share a little mat that I punched hooked while at Barbara Carroll's last week. After class, I stayed up late and hooked while my mates were ZZZZZZZing....I'm not naming any names though!
Years ago, I purchased an Amy Oxford Punch hook and never had much success with it. Lori Brechlin had punched a rug using 1/4 inch strips of wool and it was wonderful...but again when I tried I just couldn't get the hang of it. After reading my friends' blogs (Ginger, Primitives by the light of the moon and PatiJane)and learning about their new found appreciation for punch hooking, I thought I would give it another go. Ginger and Pati had taken a class from Frank Bileac (sp)(who is also a great guy) at Star of Texas rug camp earlier this fall and made all these wonderful items....so through their blogs, I was determined to try it again. AND this is the result. I love the ease of the punching and how quickly the projects are completed. I was also able to punch some glittery wool into the rug. I'll be posting some photos soon of my rug and time spent at Barb Carroll's class. Til next time. Maria

Enjoying my time at Barbara Carroll's class

I've been hooking with Barb Carroll for the past two days at her lovely home and have had such a great time. I'm hanging with good friends, learning from one of the best in the business and enjoying every minute of it. I'll post pictures of our rugs in the next post, but for now, I thought you would enjoy seeing pictures of Barb's sweet Maine Coon kitty named Posie. She is so dang adorable.....Check out the last picture where she is laying on her back on my lap. Very calm and mind mannered.
As for the rugs, I'm working on Tennessee Hearts and am loving my color palette. I'll snap pictures of every one's rugs in progress so you can see them. Maria

Isn't this guy great too?

Another Mister Iggy has made an appearance.

Jennifer Faulkner sent me this picture today. The colors in the rug are wonderful. He looks so real. Great job color planning this rug! Don't be shy....send me pictures of those completed rugs. Maria

Mister Iggy has made an appearance

Sue Milanik sent me this picture of her version of Mister Iggy. Isn't he wonderful?! The colors in the rug are fantastic. Can you see the rolled wool circles in the background? This was a free pattern in Rug Hooking Magazine last year I believe. Keep those pictures coming...I love to see them and will post them here on the blog for all to enjoy! Maria

Pictures from my booth at Ghoultide Gathering

I thought I would share a few pictures from my booth earlier this month at Ghoultide Gathering. May I say...what a show! I had the best time and enjoyed meeting all the talented artists. The talent and creativity was truly amazing. If you get the chance to attend this show next year.....go. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.