A day at the Zoo

I just had to share some pictures with you . It had been raining ALL week, but yesterday we decided to visit the zoo about 90 minutes away. It turned out to be sunny and very hot there (I have sunburned arms to prove it :( However, we totally enjoyed the animals.

These are a few of my favorite pictures. I especially loved the babies . They are just so adorable. I hope you enjoy them also !

Every wonder why Alpaca fabric is so expensive, look how thick and lush it is. Remember Ling-Lee he was made from shaved Alpaca fur. This guy needs a bath :)

Look at those Camel lips :)

A 2 month old Fawn

A sweet sleepy baby Zebra.

Gorgeous Arctic Fox

A wise owl.

A precious baby crested porcupine napping with his momma.

The most precious 1 month old baby gibon snoozing while clinging to momma.

Aren't they all adorable ! Unfortunately some of the larger cats were sleeping in their houses. It was just too hot. Even the bear wouldn't come out to meet me, maybe next time.

A snail's pace

Isn't this guy cute ! I found him in my garden. As I watched him I decided it was time for me to take a little break and be like him. I feel like my head is spinning with ideas, and things I want to do. But, I need to slow the pace, relax and enjoy life before the summer slips by.

I am taking a week to just be with my family, celebrate a couple of birthdays, listen to the birds, and enjoying God's creations. No bear making, no blogging and limited computer time. Sheesh, this box can chew up my time. I'll be here, I just may be slow to reply if you email me.

I wish you a relaxing and blessed week too !

Oh, and Hyacinth has found a wonderful new mom :)

Strawberry Yummies

I finally managed to use up most of the berries from the other day. I thought I'd tempt you with a couple more of the treats I made. Would you believe they are fat and calorie free---amazing . O.k. ....I mean the pictures- LOL

The strawberry pie is sooooo good and hard to resist. It is a jello type mixture poured over slices berries.

These strawberry squares are oh so yummy, and the great thing is they can be frozen. We'll be enjoying these later in the Fall I think ! (Shhh -Don't tell anyone, but I had to sneek a couple to taste test of course !)


I am also making a strawberry chocolate cheesecake which I plan to freeze too. We'll see if that works as this is a new to me recipe.

Oh my poor waistline ! You know what they say....a moment on the lips...a lifetime on the hips :)

Wishing you a berry delicious day.

Finally ....meet Hyacinth

Can you believe it, she is finally finished. I like the way her pawpads turned out too. I love , love , love her color which is funny because I thought I prefered traditional colored bears. Who knew :) She is a big 14.5" when standing. I think she will be going on ebay tomorrow. I hope you enjoy seeing her as much as I did creating her.


Now I have to finish up with those strawberries.

Berry distracted !

I have been somewhat sidetracked from bearmaking. That tends to happen in the summer. Those who are waiting to see that lilac bear, it should be ready very soon ( I hope) .

In the meantime, I've been making all things berry.....strawberry jam, fruit smoothies, freezing berries etc. We picked them ourselves and I still have about 10 boxes left to use. Do you want to join me for some strawberry shortcake ? Or, maybe I can use some to dye mohair. What a gorgeous color bear that would be !!! It would match my red stained fingers and kitchen countertop LOL. Regardless, aren't these plump berries just such a pretty color to look at :)

If you have any favorite strawberry recipes I would love to see them. Just email me anytime.

Reverse Trapunto

I am making slow progress on this bear. It has been so hot and humid that I just don't have the energy to hold thick, warm mohair on my lap. I do have most of the pieces sewn though.

I decided to try a new method for the pawpads this time. It is called reverse trapunto. Usually with trapunto I sew the ultrasuede and a cotton layer on the bottom side of the top pawpad, then cut out the shape on the front. With reverse trapunto you sew the design shape on the top of the mohair pad, trim the edges-kind of like an applique.

You then make a small slit on the backside, stuff and close the hole. I am excited to finish the paws and shade to see the final result.

Lilac & Cream

Hmmm....I wonder what is in the works now ?? This KID mohair is so soft and thick, and smells delicious too. Who said laundry couldn't be fun :) I love this color combination and can't wait to see how it turns out as a bear.

Please meet Ling-Lee

Here he is ready to meet the world. I am happy with the way he turned out and hope you are too. I really like this fur, and the fact that I was able to re-use the beautiful grey fur from a coat.

Ling-Lee is available from me on my website - click here to see more information

Back to bears ....

I have a new project in the works. This bear is an alpaca/mohair blend and will hopefully turn out to be a lovable panda. The grey is from a gorgeous alpaca coat that I happened upon the other day. It is in perfect condition so I snatched it up !

This bear doesn't look like much yet ,but there is still hope ;)

Happy Canada Day !