The Wonder of Fall

Fall entered quietly this year.

Because of our two week spell of super cold nights and cloudy dreary days...the leaves didn't give us the breathtaking show we have become accustomed to here in the North Wood.

We went from the green of summer...to the golds and light oranges...to brown and on the ground in a heartbeat.

Frank and I spent the day raking all those leaves and had a glorious bonfire to prevent them from blowing back into the yard. The fall perfume of the burning leaves was hypnotic........

.............we had to take a moment to enjoy it.

While we were outside raking... this wonderful soup from my friends at Gooseberry Patch, was simmering on the stove.

I had timed it just right! When we finished and collapsed inside...we cuddled in a warm quilt.... enjoyed a huge bowl of warm soup with some home made bread I made the night before. 

We looked up at each other and at the same time said, "Does it get any better than this?".

Yes it did...because Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone had just started.

♥♥♥♥BLISS♥♥♥♥

Split Personalities

I have been away for a while organizing my businesses. Last April I split Cottontail Kids from Cottontail Quilts on Etsy. It was quite an experience...but after 18 month things have settled down and they are two growing entities.

This week I decided it was time to split the two all across the cyberverse. Being soooo computer un-savvy I sat at the keyboard all week .....with my red-head determination.... and created a facebook page and blog for Cottontail Kids. wheeeeeeewwwww!


At this time I'd like to introduce you to Cottontail Kids.

Now that my kids are grown and out of the nest, I thought I'd make Cottontail Kids a blog that looks at the experience of child raising from a grandmothers perspective. This will most definitely include "spoiling them 101", toys and games, articles stories, time management and of course..the cutest little duds I can find in on the web.

I invite you to take a peek and follow Cottontail Kids.


Thank you for visiting :-D Cindi

Cross Merchandising Can Seal the Deal

Several years ago I had a Brick and Mortar store in a suburban shopping mall. I carried hand crafted items from over 50 local artisans. Dressing the displays and windows was my favorite task. I just loved to take a scarf from one artist, pair it with a dress from another and add the bling with a necklace or fabulous pin from a third.

After a while, I couldn't help but notice that when I paired these vignettes together...they all sold together. It was great business for me and for all the artists.

When I opened my Etsy shop and joined some teams...I did the same thing. Here is one story and my customers note to me.

I'd had a bumble bee halter sundress in my shop for quite a while...it was my best seller! One afternoon a fellow Estian and EtsyKids tem member stopped by my facebook page to say; "Hi". We got to chatting and checking out each others shop and I saw that TK had some bumble bee MaryJane's that would go PERFECTLY with my dress. After I got the OK, I added a link to the bottom of the bumble bee dress listing taking potential buyers to TK's shoes and a possible expanded sale.

This is the note I recieved from a customer:

"Hi. I was searching Etsy for bumble bee party items for my daughter's first birthday party. I happened across your bumble bee sundress and took a look just for fun. As I was about to close out the page I notice the shoes to match from you EtsyKids Friend TK. After I clicked that link and saw those precious bumble bee shoes, I just HAD to have the whole ensemble for my daughters special day. Thank you so much for putting it all together. I may not have purchased at all without it."

Now if that's not an incentive for us all to do some cross merchandising......I don't know what is !!!!

Thankx TK! This was a winner for us both ♥ ♥ ♥






The dress



The shoes

 



Finding Joy by Simply..... Answering Mail!

I was checking my messages one afternoon and found the most delightful note from a fellow Etsian.... a bubbly mom from Nevada so full of joy I had to *meet* her. Her note said that my halter dresses were wonderful and she'd like one (or two) for her daughter Kiley. I visited her shop DesignsByAutumn and fell in LOVE with a beautiful necklace.
It was called "Gothic Garden".


Here is the stunning piece...and her listing description. Her beautiful prose....sealed the deal!!!

I'm completely obsessed with the dramatic beauty of heavily oxidized blackened silver!♥ This striking design will make you feel as if you are wearing something ancient yet modern ♥

This distinctive design features a beautiful Karen Hill Tribe flower draped with oodles of Goshenite micro faceted rondelles. All are meticulously wire wrapped to a knurled Sterling Silver chain & finished with a Sterling Silver Tear Drop Lobster Clasp♥ All silver has been heavily oxidized black♥

I made up three dresses for Kiley and in return I received my beautiful necklace.
A new forever friend was the best part of all. ♥ ♥ ♥ Thank you Autumn.




Here I am ready for a special evening out on the town with my fantastic new necklace...and earrings, too.



It's Almost National Cherry Festival Time!

Traverse City, Michigan hosts the National Cherry Festival every year over the Fourth of July Holiday. This year it will be held July 2ed through the 9th. Because of our unique weather and the cool breezes comming off Lake Michigan, we have the sweetest cherries you've ever had!


To celebrate and promote the beloved cherry, I've found some cherry themed treasures to share.

Cherries aren't just for pies anymore.......Enjoy!






This is a delicious Dupioni silk bag in cherry red by Mermaid Dreams. I love the contemporary flair of the huge bow!

A sweet thank you card by Jen Aitchison based on on her original watercolor. Who wouldn't LOVE to recieve this beautiful card?!?

A new sundress from my Cottontail Kids collection. The shirred bodice make it comfy and the cherries make it perfect for a walk through the Festival.

Stunning petite hair clips by WoodlandBelle are the perfect accessory to ANY spring outfit.

I love the new trend of using wall decals! What a fun way to add some spring style to your room. This cherry tree with butterflies is by Simple Shapes.

I hope you've enjoyed my Cherry-licious finds.

If you find youself looking for a holiday destination over the Fourth...please consider a drive to Traverse City for the Cherry Festival. A wonderful time will be had by the entire family.

Thank You Mom!

I know Mother's Day has passed and I hope everyone had a wonderful day of celebrating.

I tried to write this post all last week but found it just to hard. You see.... I lost my mom 25 years ago last week. Twenty-five years had passed so quickly. I spent last week remembering and missing those days sooooo much.

Mom...Sally to all her friends.... was a wonderful woman with a huge heart, loving soul and a crazy sense of humor.

She was a single mom in the 60's and it never showed. There were home made dinners on the table every night and she was there for all my brother's games and my concerts and plays.

She taught me to sew when I was 10 years old. Some of my fondest memories are sitting at the old Singer machine..........

Mom guiding me over my shoulder...making my first skirt. Next was a pair of pants then a blouse which evolved to an array of dresses.

I thought at the time, sewing was rather old fashioned...but I'm so glad that I listened to my mother because it has made my life so full to sit at my own machine...and sew.

In my retirement where I have a world of possibilities to choose from, I have chosen to spend my time.. like my mother...at the sewing machine.

I'm so blessed to have two businesses that allow me to use the gift my mother gave me. Whether piecing an heirloom quilt or making a pair of whimsical knickers...I truly LOVE what I do.

Thank you Mom for your loving guidance so many years ago...and for your continued *over the shoulder* guidance these last 25 years. You always new what was best.

Your loving Daughter, Cindi

What Excites You?

I'm asking the DIYers..crafters..and artisans.


What excites your creative muses? Is it nature, an article, a blog post or something yummy you found on Etsy?

After the loooooong hard Northern Michigan winter, my spread you wings program was frozen. It was spring and time to clean house. Yes.. the windows are sparkling and winter has been washed away. The spring pillows and curtains are up and in place. But my creative house was a mess.

No matter what I did... I just couldn't get in a creative groove. I have two king sized quilts to make and the little just for me projects are what get me through such long and involved quilting projects. But nothing was comming to me.

I sat down in my studio and watched a pair of robins build a nest in the pine tree. I've never seen one there before....and that got me thinking. If the robins can spread their wings and fly so far, build nests in places they have never been before...maybe that's what I should do.

I've always wanted to draw and paint. I can't even draw a good stick figure so I didn't know where to begin. I went on line and found some simple shapes and silhouettes and trace..trace...traced. As I watched the pencil float over the original figure, I found there was a flow to the movements I was making. After a few very poor attempts to wing it, I looked down at my sketch pad and I had a butterfly....and it really looked like a butterfly!

Being the fabric junkie that I admittedly am, I had to put my butterfly on fabric rather than canvas.




 Butterflies on a little swing dress PLUS the little girls name!

This is the result! I had so much fun when I stopped forcing myself and looked within... to what excited me.

Give it a try youself and watch magic happen :-)
Cindi

When Did the Handmade Bug Bite You?

I think we all have a creative spirit! The handmade Valentine or the tie-dyed tee shirt. Getting bit by the handmade bug is taking that creativity to the next level....where creating something is what makes your day.... smile.

I have been a crafter all my life.
My brother and I were raised by a single mother and money was tight.

Left to right: Mom, my brother Scott, Me, Grandma and Grandpa in the back

Every Christmas we created handmade treasures for the family with the loving tutelage of my mom..the seamstress and my grandpa... the woodworker.
We made note holders that looked like chickens with clothes pin beaks, cross stitched dish towels and an ever growing collection of felt ornaments. I took such pride in knowing my gift was unique and made from my own hands and heart.

In my teenage years...I was embarrassed to admit I made anything by hand. Store bought was much more chic! Oh...I was a dopey teenager.

As a young mother, I created patterns to make "name pillows" for my babies nursery walls. They became such a hit with my friends that in 6 months I had a booming business right in my dining room. This was my wake up call that handmade was not only cool...but soooo profitable!

The handmade bug bit me hard.

From that point on, my handmade journey has taken me to some amazing places... in my life and in my heart.
Let me shar that journey with you in the next few posts.

Thank you for stopping by today!
Cindi

New Years Resolution

Bunny Rescue Fundraiser

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday and a joyful New Year.

I love the New  Year. It gives me an opportunity to do the things I had on a *to do* list the year before. I also stop and reflect on how I can make a difference in the coming year.

 This year I have decided to work more extensively with rabbit rescue. West Michigan Critter Haven was the rescue that helped our little Romeo when he had no forever home. He was fostered by a wonderful young woman that gave him lots of love. Because of WMCH commitment to placing their bunnies, we have the perfect hus-bun for Harriet.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and everyone buys a card, right? Instead of giving your money to big business, please consider supporting rabbits rescues by purchasing one of these handmade cards. ALL of the proceed will be donated to the rabbit rescue of your choice. Don't have one in your area? Then the donation will go to the West Michigan Critter Haven.

Each card is featured in my Etsy shop.

If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment and I'll get back to you right away!

Thank you in advance, for supporting the little bunnies.

Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Cindi

Exciting News

UPDATE TO THIS POST

It is with great joy that I can announce, that Space Walk Bunny has been chosen as one of the 40 finalists in the 3 dimentional catagory. I just recieved a notice from Etsy Admn. and they will be having the final judging with NASA officials soon.

Thank you so much for your thoughts and support.

Cindi

*********************************************

Last month, Etsy announced that they were having a contest to celebrate the last flight of the NASA shuttle program. They partnered with NASA for this contest!

In the eleventh hour I was encouraged by my Friend Nakisha to enter my Spacewalk Bunny quilt. So I did.



I forgot about the entry until this evening. I was checking my views over at Craftopolis and saw 109 views of this quilt...which is WAAAAAY more than my daily average.

I hopped over to the Storque and saw that this bunny quilt was one of the 50 finalists in the 3D category.

You could have knocked me over with a feather.

Here is a link to the the 3D category:

http://www.etsy.com/voter_list.php?ref=voter&room_id=111

Check it out and if you are of a mind vote for your fav!

The winner gets to have their item taken up to the International Space Station for permanent display there. Is that just too wonderful! 

Thank you for sharing my JOY!!

Cindi

Damp Cold Days..,Homemade Soup and JOY

It's a  rainy day here in the North Woods this afternoon. It's dreary..cold and damp. I lift my spirits and bring out the soup pot...cuz nothin' breaks the gloomies like a bowl of homemade soup. It warms the body, satisfies hunger, and fills my soul with

Joy!

Today I made potato and corn chowder with homemade bread sticks. The the thyme and coriander in the chowder is wafting through the house. The aroma of rising bread has my poor husband acting like a two year old on a car trip...

is it ready yet...is it ready yet..

y'all know how that goes.

Is your mouth watering.......are you hungry?  I'll bet you'd like the recipes. Here ya go.

I start off by making the bread sticks. While they rise, I start the soup.

This recipe is for 8 bread sticks. You can double everything if you need  more.

1 1/4 tea. dry yeast dissolved in

3/4 cup 110 degree water with

3 heaping tea. sugar.

( If you don't have a candy thermometer test the water on the inside of your wrist..like a baby bottle. If you can feel a little heat...that's it!)

Mix the three together well and let stand while you mix the dry ingredients.

Letting the yeast stand in the sugar water, maximizes the yeast.

Mix together in a large bowl

1/2 tea salt

1 1/4 cup flour

Slowly add the yeast mix stirring well before adding more liquid.

Once the wet and dry are incorporated, turn onto a hard surface and lightly kneed...about 10 folds.

Cut into 8 even pieces and roll into 10 inch logs. Place them on a lightly greased cookie sheet.

Beat one egg with

1 tea of cold water.

Brush on the bread sticks and top with Italian seasonings, poppy or sesame seeds..our favorite is course sea salt.

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees

Cover and let rise 30 minutes in a warm place.

                While your yummy bread sticks are filling the house with   the most amazing aroma...

Start the soup. This recipe makes about 10 serving...but it all depends on the size of your bowl. :-)

          2 celery ribs

          6 carrots

          1/4 cup sweet onion

For the vegetarian version, Saute (in the soup pot) the onion, celery and carrot in an herb infused oil. I like thyme.

Remove the veggies and set aside. Pour off the remaining oil and de-glaze your pot with one large can of veggie broth. See the bottom of this post for the meat lovers version.

Chop 12 red skin potatoes. I peel half..but do what you like here.

Add to the broth and bring to a boil. Cover.

Check the potatoes after 10 mins. If they're getting soft, add:
1 1/2 cups potato flakes
1 1/2 cup plain soy milk
1/4 cup fresh cut thyme
1/2 tea coriander
1/8 tea nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste

Turn down the fire and simmer.

                                                            If this had timed out right..

The bread has risen and it's ready for the oven.
15-20 minutes at 375.
Remove from sheet to cool.

Final addition to the soup. I use one quart of corn I put up this year..liquid and all. You can also add 2 large cans of corn. No Frozen. The corn starch of the liquid helps thicken the soup and makes it a chowder.

This is the best part.....Plate and serve.

Add a bit of sharp Cheddar to the soup for garnish.

Warning: Consuming more than one bowl of this hearty chowder will result in uncontrollable repeated phrases such as: " Ohhhhhh.. I'm so Full", "I couldn't help myself", "I need a nap" 

lol

I hope you try this beautiful rainy day...liquid (well almost) JOY!!

If you give this a try...I'd love to hear from you.

Bon Appetite
Cindi





Meat lovers:
In your stock pot brown 10 slices of bacon to well done. Discard all but 1 tab of the drippings.
De-glaze the pot with 1 large can chicken or veggie stock. (both are GREAT!)
Saute the celery, onion and carrot in a non stick pan with the 1 tab of bacon drippings.
When caramelized, add to the broth with the potatoes.
Follow the vegetarian until the soy milk. Add 1 1/2 cup cream instead.
At garnish...add some of the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese.

I love both versions of this chowder. Today..... I added the bacon. :-)



Fall Has Arrived

Fall has arrived in our little Northern Michigan hamlet. The warm sunny days and the cool...almost winter cold...nights have turned the leaves the most incredible colors!

The Maples with their brilliant reds.....

and bright oranges.

The Oaks and Poplars round thing off with their beautiful golds.

I remember when I was a little city girl...we'd rake up the leaves into a big pile and jump right into the middle. It was like landing in a huge feather bed. Soft and fragrant.

I always loved the smell of fall. My brother and I used to fight for who would rake the leaves. Back then it was a big "Want to Do".

Now that I'm older and... thanks to my loving husband....a country-fied gal, this is what I have to look forward to every fall in the woods.

Older and wiser....we hire someone to rake the leaves now... so we can sit in the hammock and enjoy the glory of Mother Nature and her amazing fall paint brush.

Ohhh I smell cinnamon! Frank must be back from the Cider Mill.

Gotta go!

Enjoy the colors of your back yard today :-)

Cindi

Serendipity

I love the journey being an entrepreneur has taken me. I have been able to let my creativity flow in every direction...when and where I like. I've also had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people along the way.

I like to share one of my stories with you.

A while back I was contacted by a  wonderful young woman, who wanted to have a very special dress made for her daugnter's first birthday. She saw a dress in my Etsy shop, and the fabric was just what she was looking for, a very sweet bumble bee print. She told me that her daughters nick-name was *Lil Bee Charmer* and could I make one with a few changes. We worked out all the details, size and colors. 
I didn't hear back from her, but the little bee charmer's birthday dress was stuck in my head.

I began...for some serendipitous reason...to embroider *'lil bee charmer* on what would become the hem of the bumble bee dress. As I sat embroidering, I was flooded with thoughts of this little girl and her loving family I had never met.

While I still had not heard back from mom to confirm the order, I continued with my embroidery.....knowning on some *other* level...that the dress would celebrate the lil bee charmers birthday with her.



When the last stitch of embroidery was finished, I was contacted by the delightful young mother to proceed with making the birthday dress. I didn't tell her about the project I had been working on, so I asked her if I could add a surprise element to the piece. She said that she didn't know me.... but had a feeling to trust my creativity and agreed.



I finished the dress...with the lil bee charmer embroidered on the hem...and sent it off to it's new home.

After the dress arrived, I recieved the most touching note from mom that brought me to tears.  The surprise I had added to the hem of the little dress....that I was so driven to do...reminded her of a beloved family member she lost unexpectly a short time ago.

We have evolved beyond  business aquaintances at this point, and I'm soooo happy to announce that I have a new little model for my shop!

Isn't she just beautiful! 

 

I am really looking forward to being a part of this precious little girls life. The little family...that lives so far away from me...will forever be in my heart.

And to think it all began with opening a little shop on Etsy 6 months ago!

Bunny Blessings

Cindi

 

Thinking of the Holidays

It was a dark and dreary day here in Northern Michigan. No sun...and quite cold, too.

When I feel this way, my thoughts drift to the holidays. The family all seated around the dinner table...always waiting for my dad. (He was never on time for anything!) The smells of a turkey FINALLY out of the oven. Cinnamon and nutmeg hanging heavy in the air. The thought that makes me feel warm and loved is remembering the sounds of wonderful conversation and explosive laughter.

As I head off to bed.....I will be comforted with these beautiful memories and plan the menu for Thanksgiving.
I Know....It's way early, but it will give me joy...and that's just what I need.

night night!
Cindi

Changes

To start this post...A very special thank you to all my loyal followers, for sticking with me as I have been changing, rearranging and re-inventing this blog! XO

I've found it very stressful to maintain multiple blogs...a bunny blog, one for each of my businesses and a personal musings blog. My hair is now all white!!!

 

Welcome to the new, condensed blog:
"Postings from a Crazy Cottontail"


This new and improved blog will include fun things I find in the cyberworld. I'll share my thoughts and the wonderful world of handmade. And always.... something about bunnies.



I made this wonderful bag, based on the original art of Nakisha, at bluedogrose on Etsy.

It sold last week and my customer wanted to have a custom bag made for her friend, exchanging the bunny for her buddies beagle. She sent me a few pictures of the puppy via email and here is the finished product.

I think I have a new custom creation.....personalized pet bags!!! This will be fun.

Looking forward to next time.
Cindi

Flower Gardening with Fabric.

In my last post I shared my flower garden with you. It got me thinking.....and off I went to search Etsy for flower quilts.

There were too many to share them all, so I picked some of the most interesting to share with you!




This sweet little cushion is by Roxy Creations. I just love the colors. Wouldn't this be just adorable in a little girls room?




Heather's 3 Stars is the creator of this Monet inspired quilt. It's a beautiful representation of Impressionism.




French Town calls this piece Timothy.....I call it beautiful! I love the way it's quilted.




I think this Black Eyed Susan...in fabric....is just as beautiful as it's living counterpart. Great job Joy Strings.




Thank you for visiting today :-)

Summer By the Pond

It has been a wonderful summer. We have been very blessed with beautiful weather and the flowers around the pond have given us a stunning show.

Thanks to my wonderful husband Frank and his new "toy", I will be able to revist our bounty during the cold snowy Northern Michigan winter.




I wish I knew the species of this stunning DayLily but it is one of those "natural" plantings brought in on the feet of a bird or duck. I split the original plant 9 years ago and have it all over the garden now.





Don't ya just love this fuzzy Shasta Daisy






I just love purple liatris. In a few years it should fill this whole area...Yea!





Frank caught this Black Eyed Susan just as it was opening.





And to finish...A day around the pond just wouldn't be the same without one of our croky bull frogs!





Thank you for stopping by today. See ya again soon :-)

Christmas in July

It's that time of year again....Christmas in July!!!

I'm offering a 20% off selected items in my shop. Stop by and take a peek.
Here is a preview!


Every Christmas needs an Angel...and here she is.
I borrowed some of the blocks from my Christmas quilt...and I think they make adorable pillows.




Let it snow.....I'll remember this in February!!!
Snowman is needle turn applique and hand quilted, too. I've used a hypoallergenic stuffing and it's soooo soft!






This Santa pillow is hand needle turn applique. It's hand quilted, too.
Needle turn applique, hand quilted on this one, too. Boy have I been busy!




Thank you for stopping by.
Cindi

Quilts are NOT just for beds anymore!

Hello everyone!

I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post. My husband had some health issues that lead to surgery and I've been on my own. All is well and he's almost back to 100%. A loving Thank you to Dr. Miller, all the surgi staff and nurses at Mid-Michigan Medical Center :-)

While on hiatus, I've had the opportunity to surf around and find some amazing quilts that aren't bed coverings. I want to share some with you today.



*°º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º°*°º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º° FUN °º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º°*°º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º°*



Would our grandmothers ever think of having quilts in the kitchen?! Well here are some adorable quilted potholders from JLilyHandmade. They are scrappy paper pieced in a traditional pineapple pattern. Wouldn't grandma LOVE how this traditional block was used here!?!








From Massachusetts is Sieber Designs and this colorful floral wall hanging. Because of it's shape....wouldn't it look great draped over a table!
It measures 12"w x 24.5"h. It features fucia and orange floral fabrics that are machine pieced. Orange appliqued flowers and machine quilted free hand flowers in orange thread are used as accent.







I just had to add this Family Tree by SuzyQ! What a fantastic idea. And if you add the names to the leaves... you'll have a cherished family heirloom. The tree and leaves are machine appliqued onto the quilt with the branches being stitched with thread play to give it a branchy look. It measures 34 inches square. The perfect size to hang in a collection with family photos!








Pillows are the easiest way to freshen up a room. They add a splash of color and texture. What better way than adding some pieced "mini-quilt" pillows. Here are three by the Modern Quilter. A star, blue triangles and pink squares. They will brighten up your room...for sure.






I had so much fun finding these non-traditional quilted treasures. If you have any you'd like me to share, just let me know and I'll be glad to feature them next time!

Have a great weekend.
Cindi