Inspired by the Fun of Folk Art

I know it's Friday and normally we have Harrington and Hannah here, but since Wednesday was Happy Harrington Day, I decided to share some fun folk art with you today.

I simply adore folk art and it inspires me in so many ways with my designs. Folk art makes you smile, laugh and feel good. It's whimsical, silly and unpretentious. It's art that comes from the heart.

There are so many wonderful mediums in folk art from painting, wood working, pottery and of course textiles. I find inspiration from all of them. Of course, I also love to collect pieces from other artists especially pieces I know I could never make myself.

For instance, this first piece is from the fabulous Sandra McKenzie Schmit. There is a cool interview with her on the site. Hop over and take a listen to this sweet and very talented artist.

This piece is a casserole dish. You know I love it with the bunny on top! You can use it in the oven, microwave and even put it in the dishwasher. I'm saving my pennies to get this piece.

Another piece I love by Sandra is this sugar bowl,

and then there is this utensil holder. I want it to hold all my scissors and rotary cutters in Bunnyville. Aren't her pieces wonderful? I find her work to be so charming.

Next is this one of a kind mug by husband and wife team, Dan and Laurie Henning. They met in art school a long time ago and have been making their living at art ever since. I think their work is so enchanting like something out of Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit.  They look like they are telling some wonderful tales of far away places.

This piece is actually one I own. My aunt and uncle purchased it for me for my birthday. I was blown away (major happy bunny dancing took place). You can put olive oil in it, but I simply enjoy it as a decoration.

These next few pieces are from Sarah Grant of Sticks. I have seen her work up close and it is stunning. She burns the lines into the wood and then stains the wood with beautiful colors. Her work is folk art whimsy at its best.

I think this chest is fabulous. I would love to have it as a coffee table.

This is a queen size bed. It's magnificent. I do believe I would have the most incredible dreams sleeping in this magical bed. :)

She also makes clocks. I have a thing for clocks. They are all over my house. This grandfather style clock is so cool.

I love the saying on this one.

and I love the colors and style of this one. It reminds me of a quilt.

This final piece from Sarah is a side table. I looooooooooooove it! I want it! I don't own any pieces from her "yet." It takes a lot of pennies to purchase one of her pieces, but it's fun to save for something like this which I know I will love forever.

The last artist today is Jennifer Lanne. I consider her paintings to be more of an elegant style of folk art. What draws me to her work is the simplicity of it. The colors are strikingly beautiful and she choses to focus on one thing. It's uncluttered and makes a statement.

I am loving that green and purple together. Gave me an idea for a cool Folk Art Fusion quilt.

This cow is soooooo sweet! I would love to have a giant bunny painting from her. Hmmm....might have to commission that one someday.

Again, her style is simple, but striking.

I own these four small originals from Jennifer.

I purchased them for this peg shelf that hangs in my bedroom. They were the perfect pop of color in my black and white color scheme. Not to mention, they fit perfectly in those openings. :)

So what kind of art do you like? Do you purchase original pieces? Do you have a favorite artist?

I want to wish you a very safe and fun Labor Day weekend here in the US. I swear it was just Memorial Day! What a fast summer this was. Remember, my 20% off SALE in my shop ends Monday. Change is in the air and things will be changing in Bunnyville too. Much good news to share with you so join me back here on Tuesday.

Light, love, hugs and lots of smiles.
xx,
Michelle and the Bunnies  

Happy Harrington Day!

Three years ago today, I went to the rabbit rescue in Greenville, NC and brought home my wonky eared boy. He is four years old.

He is such a good boy.

He is one of the softest bunnies I have ever had.

He has loads of personality.

I love his wonky ear and his fat, fuzzy cheeks.

He is Hannah's best friend.

I do love this little boy who was once a discarded Easter bunny. I'm blessed to have him in my life.

Happy Harrington Day!

A quick reminder

Just a quick post for today. I have much to do and as always, I'm running behind. My nieces and nephew were with me last week, so I took some time away from work to just enjoy being an Auntie. :)

There is one week left for the sale in my shop. The 20% off sale will end September 2.

My friend, Penny Pritchard of A Quilt Makers Journal, purchased my Yellow Daisy Dresdens pattern/kit. This is her twist on my design. Isn't it awesome? I love it!! As a quilt teacher, I really love to see how people can put their own creative twist on things. It makes me smile big!

I still have two kits left and plenty of patterns if you would like to make one for yourself.

I also have lots of wool bundles available for your fall stitching. This one is called Pumpkin Harvest.

Hop over and get your goodies while the getting is good! hee,hee,hee.

Hugs and see ya Wednesday.

Michelle and the Bunnies

One Peep, Two Peep, Three Peep

Hoppy Friday! Harrington and Hannah decided to take a vacation day, so I thought I would show you some photos of my peeps.

*Please note: I know many of you are saying, "That can't be Shell. That girl is wearing a skirt." Well, it is me and it's not a skirt. It's a cheater. It's a skort! Ha! :) :) :)

So late in the evening, I head out the back door and yell "Come on peeps! It's time for dinner!" If they are across the pond, they will fly to me. It's magnificent to see.

Then they all come a run'in  up the yard for dinner.

The peeps love their scratch grains. I purchase it in a 25lb. bag from the local farm and garden center for $17.00. My friend Lorna, told me it's really bad to feed peeps bread. I know most of us grew up feeding peeps bread, but it's like feeding them naughty fast food. Scratch grain is the proper peep food. Plus little birdies and wild bunnies like to eat it too.  :)

This little one always comes right up to my feet. We have a delightful conversation about the his/her day.

Most of the time our conversation is about how fast the time is going and how I know they will be leaving soon to make their winter journey.

They do poo poo all over they place, but David just mows over it. Free fertilizer I say! Hee,hee,hee. Honestly though, I simply find them so beautiful. I love the sound of their wings when they fly. I love how they honk and the little noises they make when I feed them. But, the best thing of all is how they come back every single year to visit me. Such wonderful friends they are. They always make me smile.

Hoppy Friday.
xx,
Michelle

Something Fun this way comes - Sneaky Peeky!

Here's a few sneaky peeks of an upcoming Halloween collection. These will be ready for purchase September 3rd. They are fast, fun and fabulous little projects to make. I will also have kits available. Stay tuned!

 

 

 

 

Harrington and Hannah will see you back here on Friday.

Hugs!
Michelle and the Bunnies

Mid Month Madness Winners and Sale Reminder

Did you have a fun weekend? I really can't believe it's Monday already. Good gracious time is just flying by! I spent the weekend working on some new fast and fun designs for Halloween. They will be available for purchase September 3rd. I can't wait to show you!

That being said, I wanted to remind you that the 20% off sale in my SHOP will be ending on September 2nd. After that date, I will no longer be carrying single balls of Valdani floss. I will continue to carry kits and collections, but not single balls.

There are also some great fabrics and other supplies you can stock up on so you'll be ready for all your holiday crafting.

Alrighty then, let's get on to the winners of the final Mid Month Madness!

I'm always amazed how things can turn out. In this case, it was really amazing to see the number 25  selected by the Random Number Generator. It's Speedy bunny's mom, Rachel! Woo hoo! Speedy is doing very well after his eye surgery. Thank you all for your happy wishes for him. Rachel's first choice was the cookbook.

Our next winner was number 1, who is Jane Galley! She chose the Fons and Porter quilt book.

Our final winner is number 103, who is Sherry of Createology! Sherry chose the felt.

I'm really excited that everyone chosen got the prize they really wanted. Thanks so much for your fun comments. I was laughing bunches this weekend while I read them. (Sherry and Jane, send me an email with your address. Rachel, I have yours.)

Well, I'm off to Bunnyville to get some work done. Hop back and visit Wednesday. I'll give you a sneaky peeky of the Halloween designs. ;)

Hugs!
Michelle and the Bunnies

Mid Month Madness - The Finale

Well hi there! Welcome to the last Mid Month Madness. What? The last? Yep, I'm afraid so. It seems it's going to be a super busy fall and end of the year. I have a ton of deadlines and lots of traveling to teach Folk Art Fusion. So I decided to take something off my plate and this was it.

However, I do have something really fun planned starting in January. It's called "50 Felt Flowers." It's going to be something to inspire you to create a tiny piece of art every week. Something just for you that makes you smile. Stay tuned! :)

Alrighty then, let's get on to a giveaway shall we? Since this is the last Mid Month Madness I decided there should be three winners!

Prize "A" is this Tabletop Quilts book by Fons and Porter. 

Prize "B" is this bundle of Exotic Felt.

It's sooooo soft!

Prize "C" is this Christmas cookbook for quilters! Lots of yummy stuff in here to make!

This giveaway is open to friends around the world. To enter the giveaway leave one comment on this post. List, in order, your prize choices. (Example B, C A) If you are a follower of this blog, signed up on the right sidebar, you will receive two chances.  In your comment add that you are a follower.

The random number generator will choose three winners on Monday, August 19th. The prizes will be awarded in order of numbers chosen and prizes choices listed.

In closing we are sending light, love and happy wishes to our bunny friend, Speedy. He is having surgery today to have his eye removed. :(  We love you sweet boy!

See ya back here Monday.
xx,
Michelle and the Bunnies