Bella McBride

Year of the Dragon (Needle Felted).

2012-01-13T13:38:00.001-04:00

"I desired dragons with a profound desire. Of course, I in my timid body did not wish to have them in the neighborhood . . . .But the world that contained even the imagination of Fáfnir was richer and more beautiful, at whatever the cost of peril." -- J.R.R. Tolkien

Did you know this was the year of the Dragon? Knowing that has inspired me to do a series of Dragons based on the characters of my childhood favourite, King Arthur's Court.

This is the first of my series, a dragon called Emrys. Emrys was actually the familiar name of Merlin. He is made from a wonderful Bluefaced Leicester roving from Argentic Creations that was a Christmas present from my mother-in-law.

Emrys is a solitary dragon who lives on the edge of the moors where he makes his bed on stoney plans of moss and rocks.

He is a pensive dragon often found deep in thought but when his focus is on you, you feel his mighty power.

One might think that he is named after Merlin the magician but I have a feeling Merlin is in fact named after this great ancient beast. Click HERE to see more about him!

Bad Start to the New Year...

2012-01-06T18:53:00.000-04:00

My New Year isn't starting out like I want it to. I'm afraid I'm grumpy again.... as you can see from the above self portrait of me.

I wish my rear view was as cute as this little Blue Bird of Unhappiness though.

Yep, there is no doubt about it.... you are standing on my LAST nerve.

Actually I'm just kidding. I'm not really grumpy, I mean how could you be grumpy while creating these little guys? They are so much fun to make and until you get those final eyebrows placed just right you don't know just how grumpy each little bird is going to be. This little guy is extremely grumpy... in fact, I think I'll just put him in the cabinet for the night while I go to bed. Sweet dreams little guys!

A New Year....

2012-01-02T20:59:00.000-04:00

What will the New Year bring? It's time to reflect and think if there is anything different I want to do this year. Things I want to change, things I want to stay the same. Things in my business, things in my personal life. "The unexamined life is not worth living" quote rings so true this time of year. Any big plans or changes coming your way? I know one thing I want to do... felt, felt, felt and felt some more! Will there ever be enough time to get all my ideas out?

This shepherd is a special order for an Etsy customer who ordered a herd of sheep.

Every herd of sheep need somebody to look after them, don't they?

Will your new year bring new friends? How about a re-acquaintance with an old friend?

Gargoyles are one of my favourite felted creatures to make. Everyone of them turns out different and with their own personalities. This little guy is called "Road Trip".

I don't know what the new year will bring at the McBride House but I wish you all a safe and healthy new year!

Boxing Day Sales at McBride House

2011-12-27T19:46:00.001-04:00

Didn't get exactly what you wanted for Christmas? Well how about buying yourself a little treat or start your Christmas shopping early for next year and take advantage of Boxing Day Sales at McBride House.

Fighting Brothers are on SALE!!!

And this smiley little snowman is on sale too.

A touch of Canadian Winter is also on sale.
These are just to name a few! There are still some Santa's, Christmas animals and even a toy chest on sale! Get them now before these one-of-a-kind pieces are gone!

White Christmas...

2011-12-25T22:02:00.000-04:00

They said is wasn't going to happen, but it did.... we actually had a beautiful White Christmas this year. To all of my friends, families and customers, regardless of how or what you celebrate this time of year, I wish you all the very best now and in the coming New Year. Happy Holidays!!

It snowed....

2011-12-23T12:02:00.000-04:00

There really is nothing more to say... it snowed this morning.... sigh.... Christmas is now here.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Christmas at My House

2011-12-20T11:13:00.000-04:00

I love Christmas decorations. My house is just filled with little bits of shiny every where you look. I tend to simply add my decorations in amongst my usual decor and it gives it such a full look.

Starting in "my room". My room is my sanctuary where I do my needle felting and simply go to relax. It is filled from wall to wall with my favourite things. I keep the Christmas decorating to a minimum in this room but I do have a little tree with some favourite blown glass ornaments.

I usually change these from year to year on a theme basis but this year is was simply a mix of favourites.

Then out of my room and into the main part of the house. These little guys sit on my antique sewing machine (which was a gift from my parents when I was about 10). It's one of my favourite treasures and will always be in a prominent spot in my house. Two of these little dogs remind me of a long passed beagle named Biscuit.

I found this little chair in sofa in Winners years ago and they are one of my all time favs. Aren't they cute? I want a house someday where life size versions of these would fit in.

This collection sits quite comfortably on our dining room/kitchen table. Above it is a simple black chandelier that is draped and dripping in crystals and snowflakes. You can see our wood stove burning in the background. Sigh... cozy!

Into the kitchen with a window sill covered in two of my favourite things.... animals and blown glass.

I could have added a dozen pictures!

The other window in the kitchen can't be left without blown glass!

Still in the kitchen. Our house is open concept so the kitchen is a big part of our house. This was a purchase at a charming little shop that used to be an old pharmacy. Full of little shelves and interesting architecture. In it is my Mom's holly.

Sitting on the island is a childhood favourite. We used to have hot cocoa in these mugs after a day of skating on our pond. These bring back soooo many happy childhood memories. In the background you can just see a bit of the chandelier I mentioned previously.

Full circle heading back into my room (the door to my room is beside the pink china and behind the tree are the stairs to the studio and bedroom). My Christmas tree! Christmas is not Christmas without a tree... a real tree. Cut and drug home by DH and put up that same night.

And that is just a small sampling of Christmas at my house! Merry Christmas to all of my internet friends and customers! I wish you all the very best over the holidays and the coming New Year!

Pink Christmas

2011-12-06T15:05:00.000-04:00

Anybody who knows me knows I love pink. It's not just a matter of liking it, it makes me happy!

It kind of makes my heart sing...

Like this little guy. My heart was surly singing a happy tune while creating him! All those pinks, mauves and purples offset by grey? Be still my heart. Click HERE to see this guy on McBrideHouse.

Now while the Santa and Reindeer are a favourite, there are certain shades of pink that make me sing different tunes. This soft pink Santa is the perfect shade of pink. I sing like a song bird! Tweet, tweet!

Or this one... still singing!

See that's me singing away!

This kind of pink normally only makes me hum, but add the purple and the grey? Singing loud and clear!

This one is more mauve and purple with my favourite grey. But again, add the soft country blue? Ta da! Singing again!

A Wise Man once told me... sing like there's no tomorrow.

Don't forget to check out McBrideHouse to see all these little guys and more! What's your favourite colour that makes your heart sing?

First Big Sale for McBride House!

2011-11-24T19:46:00.001-04:00

This weekend is the big Turner's Christmas at the Coliseum sale where McBride House along with Argentic Creations will have their wares on display! I'm so excited I could just burst! I've never been good at waiting and these will be a long 3 days of waiting to see how my little guys do out in the public eye.

These are just an example of some of my little guys waiting for a new home.

Just look at those little curled toes!

What's a show without Reindeer and Santa Claus?

Or Reindeer and Santa's Sleigh?

Or Santa Riding a Sheep?

Three Wise Kings will be making an appearance.

With gifts, of course.

And a camel....

And barn animals.

These are just a few of the many example so if you are a local please come out and say Hello to them!

First Snowfall of the Season

2011-11-18T14:17:00.000-04:00

I awoke to the most wonderful thing this morning... the first snowfall of the season. Just enough snow to make everything sparkle with the anticipation of the company season.

And when the sun finally shone on our winter wonderland it was too beautiful to stay indoors.

Mom and I bundled up like a couple of pumpkins and went for a walk, breathing in the freshness of the air.

We weren't the only ones out this morning. Who says deer don't cross bridges?

The bridge crosser?

Does it get much better than this? Three deer laying in amongst the snow and trees trying to find a patch of sun to keep warm.

And what better sculpture than this to list today! Santa and his new little friend.

He always knew from a young age that he loved Polar Bears. Every waking moment was spent studying, observing and wishing one was his.

Then, one fateful day, it happened. A baby Polar Bear wandered into Santa's village and from that moment on he knew he would never again long for a bears friendship, he would never be lonely, he would never be cold again. Companions forever.

Waterford Hat Crochet Pattern by Bella McBride

2011-09-20T19:18:00.000-03:00

It has been a long time coming but I've finally done it! I've just released a new crochet pattern! It's called The Waterford Hat and you can see it here.

I've actually had it written and tested for almost a year now but kind of forgot about it. The pictures of me in the blue hat (yep, that's me!) were taken last year right after I had pneumonia and I'm VERY pale. Sadly the new pictures in the purple hat look just as pale!

The Waterford Hat is a really easy crochet project and easy to wear. Lots of fun trying to decide what colours to make it!

Don't forget to see it here and stay tuned for one more hat pattern coming soon! It's a departure from the usual and is a pill box style with crocheted cables. I may need a pattern tester for that one very soon though! Anybody interested in testing the Cambridge Hat Pattern?

Fall is Coming...

2011-08-21T15:28:00.000-03:00

A little birdy whispered in my ear today that seasons are changing and fall is quickly on it's way.

"Wooo says fall is coming" said this not so wise owl who sits on a stack of pumpkins.

"I said Fall is coming and it's time to turn my tail on summer and get ready for winter" said the little sparrow.

"Hmmmph! Well I never!" exclaimed an outraged owl.

See what I have to put up with around here!

Summer Love.....

2011-07-26T16:45:00.001-03:00

Poor Mac Duff was feeling a little bit lonely. He's been searching for love and thanks to me (big pat on my back) he found his one true love.

This is Raspberry Ruadh (which means red in Gaelic). She's not as sure as Mac Duff when it comes to love and is playing it a little bit coy. She's going to play the field for a little bit and is heading for the Kingston Market this Saturday to Paulette's stall.

I haven't broken the news to Mac Duff yet and am hoping to maybe find him another "true love". Maybe a blue dragon? We'll see.

To Market, To Market...

2011-07-23T18:44:00.000-03:00

Today was an exciting day for me! For the first time my little needle felted sculptures were for sale at the Kingston Market!

I bought some fabulous roving from the wonderful Paulette from Argentic Creations and made MacDuff the Dragon from it. I sent her some pictures of him and long story short.... I took some items for her to sell at her stall at the Kingston Market!

And guess what? Two of my little creatures are going to a new home! Grey squirrel and Lady Victoria will be heading off to their new families.

So if there are any locals that want to see them in person, please stop by to see Paulette at Argentic Creations.

These are just a few of the little guys that I took with me today.

Little Miss Rabbit fit in perfectly with Paulette's silver jewelery creations. I love silver and pink together!

I sent "Hoo's There" owl to watch over everybody. He doesn't miss a thing.

Don't forget to visit Paulette's stall.... or I'll sic Grumpy Bird on you!

Mac Duff the Needle Felted Dragon... Dreams of a Dragon

2011-07-22T16:50:00.001-03:00

Here he is! The most handsome dragon you've ever seen! At least that is according to Mac Duff... he is a little full of hot air you know!

He loves to show off his long tail and green spikes.

His first flight is coming soon and he trembles with the anticipation of soaring above his beloved moors.

He awakes from his moss covered rock bed and shakes the dew from his tense muscular torso.

Today's the day he thinks to himself. All the training and planning comes down to this.

He turns and lumbers toward the edge of the rocky cliff and tentatively takes a step forward.

One final deep breath and he soars knowing that I'm there to catch him if he should falter. Click Here to see more!

St Martins Fundy Trail

2011-07-21T10:06:00.000-03:00

The weather is hot and what better thing to do than head out to the coast and visit St Martin's Fundy Trail.

The wind off the water was cool and refreshing, the views spectacular and the company wonderful. Finished off the day with a creamy seafood casserole at the local restaurant. Ahhhh... summer living.

Sneak Peak

2011-07-20T18:13:00.000-03:00

Just a little sneak peak at my newest creation! More to come soon!

Summer Friends

2011-07-19T07:56:00.000-03:00

Ahhh... I love summer.

Lady Bug Picnic

2011-07-16T19:11:00.000-03:00

Won't you please join me on this lovely day for a picnic?

We can have a basket of veggies or delve into that little pink cupcake?

I've put on my Sunday best red shoes! Bella says only a ladybug can pull off that many red shoes. I think I'm flattered!

Bella said she would join me for a picnic. That's her holding me!

I'll see you there! Click Here!

Counting Sheep...

2011-07-13T22:00:00.000-03:00

I can't sleep. Endless nights of tossing and turning. What to do. I guess it's time to count sheep.

One Gordon Ramsey sheep made for a special order.

Two Gordon Ramsey, Three Gordon Ramsey.

I still can't sleep. A flock of Gordon Ramsey's!

Nope. Still can't sleep. What about a saddled sheep?

Maybe if I picture myself on the back of Lindsey Woolsey I can drift off to sleep... wish me luck...

Summer Daze....

2011-06-29T20:02:00.000-03:00

Yep. It's official. Summers here.

Spring is Coming!

2011-03-18T19:38:00.000-03:00

Finally! The snow is melting, the time has changed and the creatures are starting to emerge at McBride House.

Red the Chipmunk made an apprearance last week begging for acorns.

Oh, look! He found some!

Hopefully he will share them with Madeline the squirrel.

This little woodland gnome was out foraging for some food today with the help of Mr Hedgehog.

This owl can't believe that spring has finally sprung!

Mr Toad is very anxious for the spring peepers to start singing.

Finally this little woodland gnome is picking up the few acorns that the chipmunks and squirrels missed.
Check out these and much, much more at McBride House!

Winter! Who Needs It!?

2011-03-01T14:21:00.001-04:00

I think this winter weather is getting to me. I'm tired of it. So tired of it that it's beginning to affect my needle felting.

As you can see, this "Ain't no bluebird of happiness!" In fact I think it's a self portrait.

This little owl is so "foul" that his colour matches his mood.

He even looks grumpy sideways!

Yep... no way around it... we're GRUMPY!

Snow and More Needle Felting

2011-02-26T10:31:00.000-04:00

Life lately consists of snow, needle felting, snow, needle felting, snow.... well you get the point. It's been a tough winter this year and there just doesn't seem to be an end in sight. Just when we think it might be at the turning point, BAM another snowstorm. But that means lots and lots of time to needle felt and to day dream of new ideas.

One of my newest sculptures in my Lion Gentleman. He quite fancies himself after his hero Einstein.

He even combs his hair the same way!

Alistair was a chubby child and was teased as a little boy.

As he grew up, however, he became the handsome Elephant Man that he is now.

Considered to be the envy of his peers he constantly sports a tuxedo, top hat and cane. Nobody is teasing Alistair now!

Now for the snow.... lots and lots of beautiful snow.

See that little bump behind the icicles.... by the trees... that's the picnic table that I mentioned in the previous post!

This is what I see when I open the front door.

My favourite bird.... the chickadee!

Look at my clothes line!

And finally, a little touch of spring.

Sigh.....

2011-02-14T14:30:00.000-04:00

I've been talking about all the snow that we are getting this winter and I thought it was time that I took some pictures so everyone can see what all my whining is about.

This is the view outside my kitchen window... see that lump underneath the trees? That my dear friends is the picnic table I built last spring. I would imagine if it wasn't under the cover of the trees it would be completely buried and you wouldn't even be able to see it.

My greenhouse. We already went out and shoveled the snow off the roof of it once this winter. I'm surprised the poor thing didn't collapse under the weight. I swear we heard a sigh of relief from it when we were shoveling!

Finally, this is what I see when I open my front door. There is actually a 6 inch step from the floor of the deck to the ground so add another 6 inches to the amount that you see. If you look to the left you can just see my car... and that isn't a snow bank, that is just the amount of snow this year. We got a snowblower so there really aren't any snowbanks... thank goodness! Now you know why I've been complaining! This will take forever to all melt!!

Bunny Rabbits Have Come to McBride House

2011-02-11T10:03:00.000-04:00

Oh my goodness! I think it's rabbit season at McBride House! They just keep multiplying!

This little bunny went to a new home in Arizona just last week. She took a good supply of lettuce leaves tucked under her jacket to make it through the long trip.

Sunny Bunny is looking for a new home. Her blue eyes just sparkle against her creamy white coat.

This little girl comes with her own basket of vegetables so that she won't be stealing yours.

She promises to be good! How can you resist a little face like that?

And then there is Sir Bounce-a-lots. He likes to well... bounce a lot!

Thumper is the cutest little fuzzy rabbit that will surely wipe away those winter blues and put a smile on your face!

Top Hat Rabbit is always prepared for any emergency and insisted I give him two carrots to take with him. I'm worried what he has tucked in under that hat though!

And then there is this lazy little rabbit that hitched a ride home from the market on this poor unsuspecting turtle.

He's all dressed up in his Sunday best!

Stay tuned for more! You know how fast rabbits multiply!

Winter Wonderland in New Brunswick

2011-02-10T09:03:00.000-04:00

Winter has hit New Brunswick, Canada hard these last few weeks. In places the snow is up to my hips... and I'm not short either! Roofs all over are being shoveled off before they collapse buildings... which they already have to a unfortunate few.... us included. So needless to say the weather has influenced my creativity and blue and white has hit McBride House!

These two silent warriors slip through the night. Boy and beast act as one as they face the snow and cold. Guided only by a single lantern and the knowledge that they will soon be home, safe and warm in the company of loved ones. For now they silently lumber on enjoying the strength of each other as they battle against the elements. The silent warriors.

Grandfather Frost has also made an appearance in this winter wonderland.

I love the snowflake on his back.

Then last night this polar bear and his best friend showed up! She's his best friend and him her. They go everywhere together. Some days she's content to walk along side her armoured bear, other days, when the temperature dips way below freezing he insists she ride on his back. Nobody knows what they do all day but all they know is that they are inseparable. Just as best friends should be.
Stay tuned though, I have lots more to show you! A very whimsical streak has come over me and I have Gargoyles, Birdmen, rabbits riding turtles, a man riding a squirrel and even a fae pig!

Hooo's there?

2011-01-12T16:18:00.000-04:00

McBride House is starting to get cleared out of Christmas items and I'm just starting to list some of the new creations I worked on over the holidays.

For example, this handsome fellow is now listed. His name is Darby McBride and he is a St Patrick Day Owl. He likes to read, long flights at night and the colour green. His dislikes are CATS! He thinks they are dreadful creatures!

If you would like to see a little more about him click HERE.

Also at McBride House is this little fellow. He and his rubber duck snuck into my house just last week and had a bath. All he had to do is ask and I would have let him! Instead he left me with a filthy bucket! Click HERE to learn more about him!

And finally a little sneak peak of a new set I've been working on! I should have it listed tomorrow but for now don't forget to check out the sale I still have going on!

Early Boxing Day Sale at McBrideHouse

2010-12-23T07:02:00.002-04:00

With all the hustle and bustle of Christmas coming I decided to start my Boxing Day Sale early! For those of you not aware of what a Boxing Day Sale is, it is the single biggest shopping day in Canada which is held the day after Christmas.

Even my newest Skiing Santa Gnome is on sale!

Happy the Snowman is looking for a new home.... he prefers somewhere where he won't melt, but he's open to loosing a little weight!

SOLD!! I never could get a very good picture of this Lion Nutcracker. If he doesn't sell I think I will wrap him up and put him away with MY Christmas decorations! He really is quite big and I'm hoping to make some smaller versions of him for my shop next year.

This little snow girl is going to be featured in the CDAA (Canadian Doll Artists Assocation) January Newsletter! She and her brother are both pretty excited!

Again, this fireplace set is another one of my favourites but never photographed really well. Hmmm.... I might just have to keep that one too!

This gold coloured Santa is priced to sell! I need to make room for my new line of Christmas items that are already in "production"!

Another Father Christmas reduced to go!

SOLD!! And don't forget the non Christmas items are on sale too! This little frog is the last of a series of animals I did and I personally think he was the cutest! Some items just are not photogenic and are much cuter in person.

My little red Angel is on sale too! If she (and most of her fellow felted Christmas friends) don't sell then they will probably be taken off line and reworked into something else. So if you really like something, act now because they might never be the same again!

Hmmmm..... Where did Christmas go?

2010-12-15T08:02:00.000-04:00

Two days ago the ground was covered in a layer of white fluffy snow. Every tree branch and blade of grass was painted with white Christmas magic...

See? Magical! It feels like Christmas!! Then yesterday morning I woke up to the below pictures.

Rain! Not only rain but rain and MORE RAIN!! We were very lucky where we were and only lost our power for three and a half hours. A lot of New Brunswick fared far worse than we did and had major flooding. But that magical snow has been washed away and forecasters are predicting a green Christmas for New Brunswick Canada. I guess I had better go decorate that Christmas tree sitting in the living room... maybe that will bring back some Christmas spirit.

Winter Images and A Little Helper.

2010-12-11T07:42:00.000-04:00

We have the most beautiful snow these last few days and I just had to share it with you!

And while I was out taking pictures I had a little helper purring steadily by my side.

He was soon distracted by a chickadee but none the less stayed by me purring the whole time!

I've never had such a friendly devoted LOUD cat as my little Frosty! I can hear him talking as he crosses the yard to meet me and then his purrs are like some loud engine constantly running. He also LOVES the snow and will catch snowballs that I throw to him. Who needs a dog when I have a cat like Frosty?!

Too Much?

2010-12-09T13:34:00.000-04:00

I don't know... do you think this is too much?

Nahhh... that's the beauty of Christmas decorating... the more the merrier! Happy Holidays everyone!

Early Morning Snow

2010-12-07T18:07:00.000-04:00

A heavy snow falling from a tree onto the roof above my bed woke me last night at 3 am. As I walked around a silent house the lights suddenly flickered and the entire sky was engulfed in a blue glow... twice. Apparently a transformer blew causing the sky to light up. Quite beautiful really, but scary too.

The interruption in power turned on all the Christmas lights and I grabbed my camera and took a shot of the glow of the lights and the branches engulfed in a blanket of snow. Magical.

The same tree was still glowing at 7 am. My Charlie Brown tree lights look much better with a blanket of snow!

Then an immature bald eagle landed in a tree above our pond. Beautiful. It was a magical morning... except for the slush covered roads! Ahhh... life in the Maritimes.

Santa's New Gnome Helpers! Needle Felted Creations now on McBrideHouse.

2010-12-06T16:04:00.000-04:00

Gnomes, being the elusive creatures that they are, are slowly being pushed out into mainstream by the expansion of humans into their slowly shrinking forests.

In order for them to maintain their elusive lifestyle they are joining forces with Santa Claus and helping to deliver Christmas presents to the increasing amount of boys and girls.

This is the perfect job for them. They are very quiet and can sneak about the house with nary a sound. The only real problem are house cats, which are the gnomes mortal enemy.

So please remember to provide your house cat with lots of extra food Christmas Eve so that poor Santa Gnome doesn't have to worry about being eaten!

This particular Santa Gnome is in charge of the more snowy regions of the world, hence the skis. Because of Santa Gnome's love of nature he is very fast on his skis and has helped Santa Claus tremendously in his ability to reach those boys and girls in more remote regions of the world.

Stockings Hung by the Fire With Care....

2010-12-03T19:38:00.000-04:00

I just started to decorate the house for the holiday season but ran out of energy and daylight before I got any pictures taken. But it got me thinking about my little fireplace set that I needle felted a while ago. Have you hung your stockings by the fireplace yet?

This fireplace set not only comes with a fireplace but a Christmas tree and Santa forgot his sack!

I don't know? Do you think Santa can fit down the chimney?

If he can I sure hope the fire isn't too hot! Happy decorating everybody!

It's Starting to Look a lot Like Christmas!

2010-11-28T07:19:00.000-04:00

A doe and a kid on our property that we've been watching all fall. Their coats have filled in and they are looking very healthy for the upcoming winter. This is one of my favourite things to do is to put out apples and squash for them and to check the game camera to see what has come in the middle of the night.

Canadian Doll Artist Association Interview

2010-11-21T19:06:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I was contacted by the wonderful Joy Liddy, the Newsletter Editor for the Canadian Doll Artist Association, to do a feature and interview with me and my felted Santas for their November issue. As you can imagine I said yes, and was very excited to be included with other such wonderful doll artists. Below is my interview! It was an exciting day and I'm still walking on Cloud 9!

Bella McBride

A Fabulous Felter of Santas

Tell us a little about yourself. Hi! I'm Bella.... the girl next door, a former botanist, lover of all things pink, caretaker of two cats, one husband and too many felted creations to count. I love the smell of old books and the written word. I am a work in progress, an animal lover, a lover of nature, passionate and fiercely loyal. I have expensive taste but am very careful with my money, I need my solitude, I am a terrible speller, I am extremely resourceful and I am really good at finding lost items.

Tell us a little about where you live. I was born and raised in the same small community that I live in now in southern New Brunswick, Canada. I am very fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world with my entire family living only a few minutes from me.

How Long Have You Been Making Dolls? I started down this path of making Santas, gnomes and other little creatures just a few years ago.... and haven't stopped since!

Why did you start making Santas? In my early 20's I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and over the years I have fought this tooth and nail and have struggled to find a proper balance. Because of this, working outside my home became more and more difficult so I needed a way to supplement our income, and give myself a creative outlet. I've always wanted to have my own business and finally decided that time passes no matter what, so why not give it a try! And as to why Santas? Who doesn't love Santa Claus? Everybody needs a Santa Claus, right?

What do you enjoy about making Santas? I love the challenge of coming up with new ideas and trying to translate that into the raw wool. It's amazing just how many different styles of Santas one can come up with! Each of them is unique and takes on its own personality. I also love to write little stories to go along with each listing when I sell them. Sometimes I get carried away with their descriptions but I think it adds magic and life to each of them.

What type of media do you use? I make my Santas from a technique called needle felting. This involves poking and prodding different colours of wool with a very sharp barbed needle until you reach the perfect shape. It literally takes thousands of pokes, hours and hours and sometimes days to reach just the right one-of-a-kind soft sculpture.

Why did you delve into the designing side of doll making? I just sort of fell into it. My mother-in-law gave me a felting needle and some wool and the rest is history! I'm entirely self taught and I've never been very good at following directions or colouring inside the lines so the designing side of it just came naturally.

What tips would you give to those looking to designing their own? Whatever medium you are using, let the medium tell you where it wants to go. Don't follow a picture but let the medium work as it wants to. Sometimes it will come out exactly the way you see it, sometimes it will come out different but better than you expected. You will only get frustrated if you try to force it into something it does not want to become.

What challenges have you had to overcome in your doll-making career? The toughest challenge is that my fibromyalgia affects my doll-making career in a number of ways. One of the ways is that my hands get really sore and I have to really limit my amount of time needle felting. The other thing is that I get extremely tired very quickly so doing any kind of show to sell my work is just about impossible. I sell online but do miss the personal contact that comes with selling in a show. However, if it weren't for my health problems then I probably would never have started needle felting in the first place!

What are your goals as a doll maker? To continue learning and to continue having fun!

What recognition have you received over the years? The best recognition is a sale! The fact that I live in a remote area and am able to connect with people all over the world through my work is the best recognition I could receive.

Where has you career as a doll maker taken you both professionally and personally? Professionally it has allowed me to start that business that I have always wanted to start and personally it makes me just plain happy! I'm my very happiest when I'm creating!

What has influenced you? I come from a long line of resourceful and artistic women and creating is simply in my blood. I feel a drive to create something from nothing and that challenge also really influences me.

What words of advice would you give to us? Don't do this unless you love it... and stop doing it if it's not fun anymore. If this happens don't be afraid to stop and try something new.

Needle Felted Angel Flying to Australia!

2010-11-17T10:16:00.000-04:00

I had a custom order for a wonderful customer in Australia. She wanted a cream and gold Angel and having only ever done one other Angel before I was a little nervous to try it again.

Between rain drops yesterday I managed to get a few pictures of her. I thought she really blended in well with the brown leaves and red berries.

I gave her wings a quilted look and no, it's just the picture that makes the lines look so crooked!

After a lot of nervousness I listed her and waited to see if she was what the customer wanted. Whew! She loved her and she's now flying her way to Australia! Safe flight my little one!

It's All About the Pink! More Needle Felted Santas Have Arrived!

2010-11-14T08:27:00.000-04:00

Pink... sigh.... my happy colour! I dyed a batch of wool to just the perfect shade of pink and chaos ensued! I just couldn't stop myself from making more and more pink Christmas items! Below are the results of a pink felting frenzy! This little Snow woman is dressed in her lovely pink cloak ready to met her boyfriend.

Grandfather Christmas looking very regal with his staff.

A Santa loaded up with presents and a tree.

A fun little Elf or Santa... either way he is Fat... sorry, make that Fluffy!

A special order Santa made for a woman who's entire house is filled with pink items... including a pink microwave!

The newest addition to the pink family of Santas. He has his own pastel presents behind him to help him stand.

See! I couldn't stop myself!! I love pink!!

Needle Felted The Holly and the Ivy Father Christmas and Grandfather Frost

2010-11-04T20:57:00.000-03:00

When Father Christmas wants to feel like one of the elves this is the outfit he puts on! He tells me that sometimes he just get tired of wearing that big bright red suit and wants to wear something that blends in more with the red and green outfits that the elves wear.

I don't have the heart to tell him that his cloak is way nicer than the elves and that he still stands out in a sea of elves! It just doesn't matter what he wears, he will always be the top dog.

I didn't know this, but in Russia their version of a gift giving figure is Ded Moroz, or Grandfather Frost. His home is in the far north of the country in Velikiy Ustyug and he distributes gifts at New Year instead of Christmas Eve.

He traditionally wears blue and white and walks with a magical staff and comes through the front door rather than the chimney. He also does not say "Ho, ho, ho" but instead 'zdravstvuite rebyatishki!' or 'hello kids'. And if you are from Russia and are reading this, please forgive me if I have any of this information wrong!

Just two of the new Santas I have listed at McBride House. Don't forget to take a look at all the new creations I've been making lately!

True North Needle Felted Father Christmas... a Harbinger of Snow?

2010-10-31T06:53:00.000-03:00

It's early Sunday morning, the fireplace is going, the house feels warm and snug, everything is quiet and when I turn on the lights outside I can see a light dusting of snow on the ground. Sigh....Our first snowfall of the season. Right now it feels magical. In a few months it won't seem so magical... better enjoy this feeling of tranquility while it lasts!

This snow does come at the perfect time for my True North Father Christmas that I just listed last night! Do you think he brought the snow? Kind of a coincidence, isn't it?

Wooland Gnome Needle Felted Soft Sculpture... New at McBride House!

2010-10-28T15:36:00.000-03:00

Due to the expanse of the human population into otherwise unpopulated areas, the Woodland Gnome has been forced to retreat further and further into the deep woods making sightings of them extremely rare. Luckily for me I live in a sparsely populated part of the world and have on the rare occasion spotted a few of these wonderful Gnomes!

Look at how close I got to this guy! According to him he is about 28.5 cm tall (about 11 inches). I'm not sure why the half a centimeter is that important, but he stressed to me that he was 28 AND A HALF cm tall!

As you can see he also has two little spotted toad stools that he rests his little bum on. You can see more about him HERE at McBride House!

Autumn Sale on Felted Items at McBride House!

2010-10-18T09:03:00.000-03:00

I'm having a SALE at McBride House! All Autumn items are reduced to sell, sell, sell!

Mr Pumpkin Head Man is now on SALE!

He's loosing his head over the worry of not finding a new home! Winter is coming and really wants to go somewhere warmer.

Also on sale... Headless Horseman.

I'm even putting my Haunted House on sale! I don't know though.... I really like this one.... maybe I should keep it myself? Hmmmm.....

It even comes with it's own little ghost, but you better hurry up before I change my mind!

And finally, in the Autumn Sale (don't forget to check out the other sale items though), a little stack of pumpkins. Happy Autumn everybody!

Evandale Hat Crochet Pattern

2010-10-14T15:35:00.000-03:00

It's been a long time since I've released a new pattern but I've finally done it! I've had this one and another one on the back burner for a long time but haven't felt up to going out and taking pictures of them. Today was the day! I'm really not sure about showing this much of my face though!!

I really wanted to design a hat that would completely guard me from the world on those days where I just wanted to hide... you know that kind of day... the kind of day you want to watch but not be watched! This hat comes down past the brow-line and allows you to peak out from under it without the world seeing you but still allows you to give that handsome stranger a coy little smile. You might just say that this hat helps keep the mystery alive!

The Evandale Hat is made by crocheting two strands of yarn to create a stiffer formed shaped hat, similar to the original flapper style hats, therefore, the stitches will be tight to crochet. Just like the flapper style hats, it is meant to come down past your brow-line, in a loose fitting style.

Pattern includes 6 pages of easy to follow instructions with 10 step by step pictures to help you along the way.

Yarn: Any Worsted Weight Yarn (#4) just be sure to check your gauge.
Notions: Crochet hook, darning needle, ribbon or trim of your choice
Stitches used: Hdc, Dc, Tr and Ch

Skill: As always, designed for any beginner!

To see more click HERE!

Kings Square and Loyalist Cemetery

2010-10-03T21:08:00.001-03:00

A trip to Kings Square and Loyalist Cemetery in Saint John, NB was on the agenda this weekend to look for nuts and seeds of interesting trees. We found a few, but I had fun taking pictures of the monuments and tombstones.

Give me that cookie NOW!!

Needlefelted Headless Horseman and Pneumonia....still.

2010-09-17T10:09:00.000-03:00

This is exactly how I'm feeling. I'm still sick with pneumonia and am on another extended round of antibiotics. My head feels like it's detached from my body and the world is just passing me by as I do nothing but lay on the couch, read and watch TV.

I haven't got my needles out and felted for ages but it occurred to me that this Headless Horseman was exactly how I'm feeling! To read more about him click HERE.

Heat Wave! Time to Cool off with some Christmas Needlefelting!

2010-09-01T10:05:00.001-03:00

It has been a scorcher this week making it really hard for people to breathe.... especially for those of us who have pneumonia! I'm getting better and can now shake my head and ask "who gets pneumonia in the middle of summer?" Me, that's who!! Meanwhile I thought it might be nice to give you a preview of some of my Christmas items to help cool things off! This is one of the many Santa's that I hope will be making a trip to a new home this Christmas.

These three little Santa Bear's would make a great addition to somebody's snowman collection!

A combination of Santa Claus AND a Snowman! This would appeal to collectors of both Santa and Snowmen.

Kiss kiss! These two Snowpeople met when they were both just a couple of flakes! To read more about their love story click HERE!

This is one of the many elves that help Santa make all the toys. I'm not sure if it's true, but I've heard that the yellow elves in training are the hardest workers and will do anything to make your Christmas wishes come true! He also comes in Blue, Magenta, and Green.

Gotta have a Frosty in here to help cool things down!

And finally... a pink Santa for those who love pink!

There! Does that help cool everybody down and get them thinking about Christmas? If not, there are lots more Christmas items at my shop!

Down and Out

2010-08-27T14:54:00.001-03:00

Thank you to all of you who have inquired as to where I've been. I'm down and out with bout of pneumonia but hope to be back and at it soon!

Needle Felted Headless Horseman at McBride House!

2010-08-10T20:06:00.000-03:00

He had been searching for days and finally, out of the corner of his vision he saw it.

It was the perfect pumpkin, round, plump and a beautiful orange colour.

As he stooped and picked up the glowing pumpkin there was only one question on his mind.

Would it fit?

So what do you think? Does it fit?

Canada Geese and have a Happy Monday!

2010-08-09T18:20:00.000-03:00

I spotted these Canada Geese on a local pond one day coming back from the post office.

Aren't they majestic?

My Garden

2010-08-04T19:18:00.000-03:00

Just some images of my garden taken this long weekend. Enjoy!

Medieval Village Needle Felted Set by McBride House

2010-07-30T13:57:00.000-03:00

The entire Medieval Village together. I think they would look really nice on a fireplace mantel, a piano top or even shelves.

From left to right: The Small Stone Country Church, the Rose Cottage and the Crofters Cottage.

The Stone Cottage, the Tudor House and one of the 3 trees that comes with the set.

Just For Fun

2010-07-29T10:03:00.000-03:00

Sometimes it's easy to forget that I do needle felting for the fun of it. A pressure comes over you to sell, sell, sell and the fun aspect of it gets lost. Not with these little houses! I had so much fun creating every single one of them and in all honestly couldn't pick a favourite! Today I will take individual pictures of them all and list them hopefully by the weekend, but this is just a little sneak peak at my new Medieval Village!

Gardens and Garden Helper

2010-07-25T09:18:00.000-03:00

I've mentioned before that Daylilies are my favourtie flowers in my garden and each day I have a new one opening. This is one of the special varieties from Prince Edward Island that my DH took me to for my birthday and told me to pick out whatever I wanted!

This is another PEI Daylily that I think is called Gunmetal. Different, but pretty!

The year that we bought this house my parents bought me a crab apple tree to plant in the garden. It is just loaded with little red apples this year!

Finally, my little garden helper! I had to take a lot of pictures of Frosty and couldn't get him to stay still until I finally snapped this one! It's like he's saying "Alright already! Enough with the picture taking and pet me!!"

Haunted Halloween House

2010-07-22T10:51:00.001-03:00

I think I've mentioned before that I love houses? Well after making my Church I went completely in the opposite direction and made a Haunted House!

The front of the house has a little 3-D pumpkin and a potted shrub along with crooked shutters and creepy vines.

You can see in this picture the sculpted shingles on the roof. Very time consuming to do them, but so worth it!

This side and the back has a tree growing up and around the roof and if you look really closely you can see a bone sticking out from under the shrub.

The back with the tree and a broken window covered up by boards. See the smoke coming from the top of the chimney? Somebody must be home keeping the home fires burning!

Ahhh.... that's who's keeping the fire going! A little ghost! I'll bet he'll sneak into the package when I mail this to a unsuspecting customer!

2010-07-21T07:36:00.001-03:00

There is an old saying that my husband repeats: "Fog in the holler brings sweat to the collar." Meaning that when there is fog in the hollow (valley) then the next day is going to be hot!

These were pictures taken last night.... going to be another hot day today I'm afraid!

2010-07-19T14:17:00.000-03:00

Ever since I can remember I have always loved buildings. Something about them just speaks to me and gives me that warm feeling. This leads me to my newest soft sculpture.

It is based on the church that not only I was married in, but my parents and my grandparents as well!

Of course I've used some artistic license so that it can be used all year long by doing each side in a summer and a winter scene.

One side has a lovely rose brush trailing up the sides of the church and...

.... the other side has snow cover trees, shrubs and windows!

I really can't decide what side I like better? I think in the winter I will like the summer side and in the summer I will like the winter side. The grass is always greener...

Christmas In July Sale!!

2010-07-15T20:22:00.000-03:00

It's hard to believe with all this hot weather lately that anybody would be thinking about Christmas, but it's inevitable, the cold weather will come and we will need Christmas presents! So, I'm having a SALE! These Shiitake Mushrooms are one of the items on sale.

As is this little Gnome and his pet owl! They are all ready for the long flight and would prefer to go somewhere a little bit cooler... or somewhere that at least has air conditioning!

Or maybe you are looking for something a little more Christmassy? This Santa is on sale and not only that, any Christmas related item sold will come with a little free gift for your Christmas tree!

Or maybe you are looking for a frog? He's on sale too! Check him and a whole bunch of other items HERE!

The Daylilies are Opening!

2010-07-12T12:08:00.001-03:00

Daylilies are staple in my garden. I love them not only for their gorgeous flowers, but for their hardy foliage. They are all over my garden and the special varieties are just starting to open.

As you can see, it's been raining for the past few days but I think the water drops on the flowers makes them even more lovely.

I've long forgotten the names of most of them, but I don't care! I just love them and can't wait each morning to see what new ones have opened!

All Grown Up!

2010-07-07T20:24:00.001-03:00

We have had some record breaking heat the last few days and as hard as it is for me, it must be really hard if you are a black cat! Poor Loopie! I found this picture of him when he was just a baby... hard to believe he grew into such a handsome cat!

Rights of Summer....

2010-07-04T12:22:00.001-03:00

The weather has been really beautiful lately, but the hot summer weather is fast approaching. Meanwhile, we have been enjoying some Summer pleasures. First of all, my niece has graduated from high school (how can this be!!?) and we were all out is full force taking pictures of her and her date... but who are we kidding? We really were just taking pictures of her and her gorgeous dress!

Next, strawberries! DH and I headed off to one of the local U-picks (there are at least 3 all within a 10 minute drive) to pick a winter's worth of these ruby delights!

We came home with 36 boxes all waiting to be stemmed and frozen. We decided that it took longer to stem them then it did to pick them! Only took us an hour to pick the 36 boxes and almost 2 hours to stem them! Of course you have to remember I used to pick berries as a summer job for many, many years and my muscle memory came back very quickly!

Then off to the local golf course bright and early this morning to play a round of golf! I didn't play all the holes, but it was nice to get out for some exercise!

Happy Summer everyone!

Happy Canada Day and a Long Hiatus

2010-06-30T15:56:00.000-03:00

It's been a long time since I've last blogged... I don't know if I even remember how to do this anymore?! There have some ups and downs within the last few months but c'est la vie, life goes on. Thanks for those of you who asked where I was and if I was alright!

I would love to wish all my fellow Canadian's (which just passed the 34 million mark!) and all of those of you who aren't Canadian's a HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!

I designed this Santa in honour of our favourite sport... HOCKEY! As you can see Santa is sporting the number 60 (because he lives north of 60 degrees North Latitude!) and has his hockey stick ready to go to play a pick up game with the elves! You can see more about him HERE!

There! Finally, I did it! I blogged! It wasn't even that hard! Happy Canada Day everybody!!

Wonderful Surprise!

2010-04-13T11:16:00.001-03:00

I have a certain routine I do every morning when I get up. You know, feed the cats, turn on the computer, fix the fire, etc, but one thing I do is to check out certain blogs/websites. Once of these blogs is indinorth, a Canadian indi business collective run by the fabulous Beth. Well, to my surprise when I clicked on this fab website to see what Canadian Artist was featured, I saw my little owl staring back at me! What a thrill! You can check out the post HERE.

Mr Owl is actually the second owl that I made. The first one (pictured on the right) was made for a special trade order from a fellow Etsian. Her shop is called VillageBoutique and she makes the most wonderful silverware jewelry from spoons!

I loved the way her owl turned so much that I decided to create another one. I used a combination of coloured wool that I brushed together to give it a special one-of-a-kind mottled look. When I finished Mr Owl I realized that the first one was most definitely a Ms Owl! It always amazes me how using the exact same wool and techniques still leads to a unique soft sculpture. It really shows me that the wool is the one that does the talking and I'm just the listener.

Curiosity...

2010-04-12T08:36:00.001-03:00

Look up.... way up... do you see something in the tree... way, way up there?

Poor little Piggy started to climb the tree and he just couldn't stop himself! After a couple of hours of crying he did manage to make his way down. I'm not sure how much climbing or falling was involved, but he sure was a happy boy when he came back in the house!

Pondering the New Month...

2010-03-30T19:08:00.000-03:00

The end of the month is near, another about to begin and it's time to set some new goals for the month of April. It's raining today and it's the kind of day to ponder the upcoming month. What new things can I accomplish in the month of April? What new adventures will be explored? It's exciting to think of all the things I could start and finish in 30 days. I have one more day to make the list... not too ambitious, not too unambitious, something right in the middle shall do. Stay tuned!

Spring Cleaning...

2010-03-27T10:59:00.000-03:00

Time to re-evaluate your nest and do a little spring cleaning!

Thank you Mette!

2010-03-24T22:38:00.000-03:00

The wonderful Mette from A Polar Bear's Tale awarded me a Sunshine award! There are rules I'm suposse to follow, but I'm like Mette and won't follow all the rules! I'm also too shy to follow most of the rules! So instead I thought I would thank Mette for her wonderful blogging and for inspiring me on my newest creations!

You see Mette is a fellow needle felter and she made the most wonderful large Hookah-Smoking Caterpillar that inspired me to make some larger pieces! So this is a sneak preview of two of my newest large scale pieces. They are modeled after Rein Poortvliet's Gnomes and are actually quite close to life size... in that the gnomes are 15 cm tall! Hopefully I'll get them listed by the weekend on McBrideHouse! Thank you Mette!!

Happy Spring Everybody!

2010-03-21T18:43:00.000-03:00

Happy Spring Everybody! The sap is flowing, the sun is shining, hope is near! This is one of the sap buckets we have hung about our property for the annual Maple Syrup production so popular in this part of the world. For us, however, it is a new adventure and one met with great gusto from DH. I confess it is rather exciting and I myself was out at 6:30 am in my pajamas's, winter boots and one of DH's plaid coats checking the sap buckets to see how much was in them!

Saint Patrick's Day at McBride House!

2010-03-16T11:24:00.001-03:00

Since I am Irish (could you have guessed that with a name like McBride?) I thought I would introduce you to some of my little Irish friends! This little frog certainly must be Irish!

Leander the Lion must have some Irish in him somewhere! I know, I'm pushing that one, but I wanted to show you my newest creation!

Anne of Green Gables is all dressed in her green for the big day!

My little Squirrel wanted me to ask if anybody had any green acorns that he could trade you for! Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Spring Bunnies!

2010-03-13T16:10:00.000-04:00

I can feel it in the air, Spring is just around the corner! The snow is melting, there are a few tiny little bulbs poking through the dead foliage of last fall, the maple buds are swelling, the time changes tonight, the sky is blue, the air is fresh, the robins have arrived, geese and duck flying back home, a time for hope and a time for Easter Bunnies!!

Sqweak! I've Been Overrun!

2010-03-09T13:13:00.001-04:00

Sometimes something inspires me in so many ways I just don't know when to stop!

For example... for some reason I have mice on my mind. This is one of my new Sewing Room Mice that is ready to jump in and give me a hand whenever I need an extra set of paws.

He is a very shy little mouse and just likes to sit on top of his wooden spool holding this special vintage button that he's always wanting me to use!

Then there came Cute as a Button Mouse. Again, this little mouse is insistent that I use this button for something! I keep telling them I don't need a button on everything!

She's a very helpful little mouse though and is very good at reminding me to do things. I think it has something to do with that bow that she keeps tied to the end of her tail to remind herself.

The came along my new Companion Series. These small little mice are so fat and fluffy that all they can do is sit and keep you company while you go about your work. The Sewing Mice are already listed on McBride House, but the Companion Series are still getting their final touches before they will be listed. Stay tuned though!

Cats, Felting and Free Patterns!

2010-03-07T14:50:00.000-04:00

Piggy still has yet to catch a bird on his own (thank goodness!)... I wonder if he's using osmosis to learn their secrets! As you can see, his hearing is still not up to par and I was able to capture quite a few shots of him dreaming of birds! Pretty cute, isn't he?

A little felted Raccoon that's been in my shop for a few days. I love the little pout that he developed as I was creating him. I've said it before, but I love the way each creation turns out with it's own special personality!

If you haven't checked out my new site BellaMcBride.ca then you wouldn't have seen that I have a page of free patterns! Stop on by and see the Belmont Neckwarmer and....

... the Windemere Caplet to just name a few! Both are very simple patterns and show just how detailed my patterns are. I really try to create every pattern so that any beginner can follow them. Check them out!

Sunny Bunny Needle Felted One-of-a-kind Soft Sculpture

2010-03-04T12:45:00.000-04:00

If you know anything about me, you would know I love pink, animals and anything cute! What do you think? Covers all those bases?

This is Sunny Bunny, named after my brother's favourite stuffed toy rabbit he had as a kid. Just look at those little pink pads on her feet!

And she loves to curl up in your hand and snuggle! As always, she and a whole bunch of other little creatures can be found here!

The Moose is Loose!

2010-03-02T15:17:00.000-04:00

I've always wanted to create a Moose to add to my felting collection and finally "felt" that I was ready for the challenge. When I was working in the field as a botanist, I had the opportunity to work in an area that was virtually overrun by moose.

They are really the most magnificant animal you will ever see. There is such a serene power to them... it's hard to describe.

So with some advice from DH (my resident Forester and avid hunter) I came up with this guy!

And before I even got him listed he was snatched up and will be going all the way to Tennessee!

Fox and Bear Felts

2010-02-27T21:31:00.000-04:00

I bought this most wonderful wool last week! It's Romney Wool and has this lovely reddish brown shade. It seems to be perfect for not only bears, but foxes as well! This is Ursula Bear and as you can see, she loves flowers and she has...

...well, she has the cutest ~~little~~ big bum you have ever seen! She is very proud of it though and I encourage her to love herself just the way she is!

And this is Fabian Fox! He is extremely shy and likes to just sit and watch the world go by but...

... he does love to sit in the palm of your hand and snuggle!

Pricilla Una Skunk!

2010-02-25T16:25:00.001-04:00

I would like to introduce to all my blogger friends Pricilla Una Skunk but she likes to be called P.U. for short... I know... I tried to explain it to her, but she's not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed!

P.U., like any good skunk, loves flowers and insisted that I make her with a pink flower... her favourite colour.

She has pretty blue eyes and wanted me to let you know that black is the hardest colour to photograph and she really is much cuter in person! I agree with P.U.! To see her and my other new felted creatures, check out McBrideHouse!

Needle Felted Toad

2010-02-23T19:47:00.000-04:00

I've been having a blast working on some new felted creatures for McBride House. This is just a little sneak preview of Toad.

I asked him what he wanted to be named and he said "You can call me Toad.... just plain Toad." It suits.

Quite the Life...

2010-02-22T10:50:00.001-04:00

The wonderful Bea asked to see some more kitty pictures, so I'm sending her a little cheer and obliging! This is Piggy's favourite spot to sleep. At the bottom of the stairs, right outside my work room! As you can see, his hearing is still not very good so it's easy to sneak up on him and snap a few pictures! Best wishes Bea!

Easter Felts on McBride House

2010-02-12T18:33:00.000-04:00

I truly went into my whimsical side when I created these little felted Easter sculptures. This is my stack of Three Sheep that are looking for greener pastures to escape these harsh Canadian winters. They are needle felted together to form this one tall sculpture.

Next is the Easter Bunny Snowman. Why is the Easter Bunny a Snowman? Well, the way winter is holding on this year in parts of the world where they don't usually get snow, I thought it was appropriate!

Cupcake Man was one of those projects that took a long time to come into existence (you can read about it HERE), but I think he's really cute! And calorie free!!

Now this is where I got completely silly! I hand dyed all this yarn in pretty pastel colours and then needed something to needle felt it with. So, after I had great success with a "Santa" I made last fall that was wearing a pumpkin suit, I decided to make Santa wear an Easter Egg! He has 3-D flowers all around his belly and bunny rabbit slippers!

Completely silly and completely fun!

I love Snowman and couldn't resist making one with a body out of Easter Eggs... and I got to use all those great pastel colours again.

Finally I made an Easter Egg Elf to help the Easter Bunny make all those eggs!

I hope you enjoy!

Still Working!

2010-02-10T14:31:00.000-04:00

I set some goals for myself for the month of February and I'm really coming along on them nicely! I'm so glad that I gave myself something to reach for. It really helps and keeps me inspired! In fact, I've already got my goals listed for March!

So far I've completed the first goal of finishing Bella Rosa Purse Pattern. Next I'm continuing to work on 10 Easter Felts. I have 6 done but kind of ran out of ideas so it may only end up being 6... still, 6 is better than none!

Here's a sneak peak of one of the Easter Felts. It's a Snowman done in my favourite colours! I hand dyed all the roving for these Eater Felts and I had a great time just letting my imagination run wild!

Another Easter Felt! This one is completely whimsical, but you will have to wait until Friday to see what the rest of his body looks like!

An Easter Bunny... well, kind of.... again, you will have to wait until Friday!

The next part of my goals was to finish my very own website! I'm so proud of this one and you all are the very first ones to see a sneak peak! Not even my Mom has seen it yet (Hi Mom!)! My DH showed my how to build it from the ground up and after a few tears and tantrums, it's coming along nicely! Only a few more things to finish and it will be ready!

Bella Rosa Purse Crochet Pattern.... Done!

2010-02-05T15:37:00.002-04:00

Goal 1 completed! I just finished listing my newest pattern: Bella Rosa Purse!

I have to say, I really like this one! It is exactly what I would design for a purse for myself... wait a minute! I did design it for myself!

Soft, pink, whimsical, dainty, feminine!

If you have forgotten, you can see Bella Rosa here!

Continuing Goals...

2010-02-03T13:46:00.000-04:00

Our February Thaw has turned into a February Freeze! This week temperatures have plummeted to -20 C with a windchill of -31 C. For those who don't speak Celsius, that's -4 and -24 Fahrenheit! Brrr! But, it's a good time to stay indoors by the fire and proof read patterns and felt little creatures! For example, the above picture... any ideas what belongs to these little bunnies? Still plodding on to reach those goals... step by step...

New Month

2010-01-31T20:13:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow morning is February 1st... a new month and a great a time to start making some goals. I've been MIA for the month of January. Where have I been? Some exciting locale? Nope, just stuck in my own head, desperately treading water, trying to stay afloat. For somebody with Fibromyalgia, the cold winter months are really taxing. It's very easy to loose your confidence in yourself, and this is where I am now. BUT tomorrow is a new month and I've set some goals!

Goal 1: Next Friday I am releasing a new purse pattern.... I hope. "Her" name is Bella Rosa Purse Pattern and the above is a little sample. She's REALLY pretty, if I do say so myself!
Goal 2: By the end of the month I am to have 10 new Easter Felted creations. No pictures to show... they are all in my head.

Goal 3: The last week I am releasing a new Hat Pattern. I haven't decided which one yet... it will be Evandale (a flapper style), Cambridge (a pill box style cabled hat) or The Tia (a fresh, youthful hat that kind of reminds me of the 80's).
Goal 4: This is exciting... I hope to have my own Website finished and launched by the end of the month!

Gulp... I think I had better go to bed and get some rest... tomorrow awaits...

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T10:43:00.001-04:00

Christmas card my Mom sent to everybody this year.

I know, I'm a little late in wishing all my blogger friends a Happy New Year, but it's never too late to send well wishes, is it? Actually I consider today the beginning of my New Year. DH has gone back to work, most of the Christmas decorations are put away and it's time to clean and straighten up the house. It's time to start fresh and new .... hence my choice of picture today. A fresh newborn year... ready to be conquered! Resolutions? As always, loose that last 10 pounds, start my own website for my patterns (already in the works, I just need to wrap my head around this computer stuff!), decide whether I'm going to continue with my McBride House felting (after 1 lost parcel, and perhaps two, is it really worth the worry?). Make my life more manageable... be nice to myself... and read, read, read! Happy New Year Everybody!!!

Boxing Day Sale At McBride House

2009-12-30T10:25:00.000-04:00

Christmas is just about over and it's time to take down the decorations. It's also time to clean out my stash of McBride House goodies and put on a HUGE SALE!!

From now until shortly after the New Year most of my items are on SALE!!

Don't tell my little creatures, but when the sale is over, their little lives will change forever! Whatever does not sell will be put on a shelf to be reworked into something else!

So this is truly the last time some of these items will ever be seen again! If you like them, take advantage of the sale and bring them home!

Just in case you forget where these little guys live: McBride House!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-24T15:20:00.000-04:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my blogger friends....both two legged and four legged! It must be illegal to be this cute!

Christmas List

2009-12-23T14:24:00.000-04:00

Guess what Piggy wants for Christmas?

Happy Winter Solstice!

2009-12-21T14:44:00.000-04:00

Today, December 21st, is the Winter Solstice. Not only is it the shortest day of the year, but it is the official first day of winter. In my part of the world sunrise began this morning at exactly 8:00 am and sunset is at 4:41 pm. Thank goodness from now on the days will be getting longer! Happy Winter everyone!

A Day of Crochet, Knitting and Chatting Part Two

2009-12-20T11:49:00.000-04:00

What a fantastic day we had talking, crocheting, eating, laughing and knitting!

We had so much fun I actually forgot to take any pictures of us working on our projects! I did, however, get Mom to take a picture of her shawl and send to me. She did the main piece in knitting and I added a crocheted trim. We call it her "Spiderweb" because the yarn for so delicate!

We also had a friend join us for lunch! We had pizza and she had apples!

She is a young doe from last year that came to visit all winter. If you look closely you can see her front right leg is held up? She had something wrong with her leg and can't walk on it, but she made it through last winter and she even has a baby with her this year!

Here she is eating the apples we threw out for her. Mom has this window completely decorated in glass snowflakes and icicles. The make the loveliest tinkeling noise when you brush them!

Mom's famous popcorn balls! One of the first times she made them she didn't add the cellophane. She hung them from the tree on Christmas Eve and in the morning, the floor was littered with popcorn balls and the tree still had the candy canes! After that she wrapped them up in cellophane and ties them with a pretty red ribbon!

Tea anyone?

Pretty little jewel boxes collected over the years.

A favourite elf from our childhood. Merry Christmas everyone!

A Day of Crochet, Knitting and Chatting

2009-12-18T09:22:00.000-04:00

This morning I'm off for a day of crochet, knitting, chatting and just plain fun with mom and my aunt! Mom and my auntie are starting a pair of fair isle gloves together (I'm not a knitter!) and I'm working on a new pair of cabled wristwarmers (yes, cables in crochet!) that I'm really excited about. I'm also working on the above project for my Mom. It's a shawl/capelet/neckwarmer that she has knitted and I'm adding a crocheted trim to it. I just finished the edging on another shawl for her and I'll try to get some pictures of it to show you today, along with some of her gorgeous decorating... I'm talking magazine worthy decorating! Have a great day everyone!

Holiday Weekend

2009-12-14T10:57:00.000-04:00

This was a big Christmas weekend! We had DH's staff party, we were invited to pick out our Christmas tree and my in-laws Christmas dinner. Whew! What a whirl wind of activity with a bit of Christmas shopping, and Christmas decorating thrown in!

Every year at the staff party they have a Yankee Swap where basically somebody takes your gift away if they like it better than their potential gift. The later your name is drawn the better because you have more gifts to pick from. However, the person who's name is drawn first then gets to pick from everybody's. Every year my gift is taken from me and last year it was taken three times plus, once again, I ended up with the "mature" gift! I nervously sat there waiting for my name to be called so I can just get my gift and sit down again. This year my name was drawn second to the last! I went up and for once in my life actually went and exchanged my gift for a little Teddy Bear that was making the rounds. I sat down, all pleased with myself for not being the usual wall flower and thrilled to get a beautiful gift! I drew the last name... oh good, it's a boy's name... he won't take my Teddy Bear! Wait... why is he coming over here? What's going on? He took my Teddy Bear! With a brave smile pasted on my face, I open my gift... it's a sort of jack-knife thing... very nice... but it's not a Teddy Bear. HOWEVER... guess who's name was drawn first? That's right... my darling husband! He promptly takes his "mature gift" and walks over to the Teddy Bear taker and hands him his gift, he tenderly takes the stolen Teddy Bear and brings her back to me! Am I not the luckiest woman in the world?

On Saturday we went to pick out our Christmas tree. How on earth did we ever choose? We had hundreds of trees to choose from, but it was sooo cold and windy we stuck to a small area. I'm afraid I won't be decorating it very much this year since Piggy has now become an indoor cat and he is WILD! He's into everything! It's like having a cross between a cat, a dog, a baby, and a Tasmanian Devil!

I know... hard to believe that adorable little face could be such a terror, but trust me, he is! He's also the greatest purrer and snuggler!

A few more decorations. These beauties are on my mantle in the bedroom.

A new ornament for my house, but it's really an older ornament that has made it's way from Mom's house to mine this year. Isn't he adorable?

Christmas Decorating

2009-12-11T11:52:00.001-04:00

For some reason I just can't get in the Christmas spirit this year! I have the house decorated, presents wrapped, DH's staff party tonight, we get our Christmas tree tomorrow, turkey dinner at the in-law's on Sunday... something has to kick me into gear! Meanwhile, here are some of my Christmas treasures. Some are new, some are ages old, all are favourties!

A new owl for my woodland animal display.

Little treasures from my University days.

DH bought me this one year when he went Christmas shopping with some co-workers for their wives. Everybody made fun of him because he spent so much time looking at the same Teddy Bears trying to pick out just the right one for me. We are a match made in heaven!

My new amaryllis. I just about always go for pink ones, but this year I decided to mix it up and get this red and white one. You can't tell but the blossom is actually only about 3 inches wide!

Last years treat. A blown glass snowflake to hang in my window. Please don't look at the dirty window!

Blown glass turtles that come out to play with the permanent turtles at Christmas time.

And of course, who doesn't have green gum boots, a crown and a knight? Happy Holidays everybody!

First Snow... A Nor'easter!

2009-12-07T13:19:00.001-04:00

After a really unusual warm Fall, Winter has blown in. On Saturday we experienced our first snowstorm... a Nor'easter. The trees were coated in a light fluffy snow... very pretty, but what's to come?

Today the sun is shining, the sky is blue, life continues on.

I brought Piggy outside to see what he thinks of his first snow. He wasn't thrilled with it, but he enjoyed it. Especially when Frosty got in on the action. If you remember last year was Frosty's first snow and he LOVED it! Below are some action shots of us playing in it today.

Thank you so much to everybody who left such kind words for me and my devastating news. Piggy is doing fine and is enjoying the extra attention but I still worry about him. Again, thank you everybody.

Grief

2009-12-03T07:49:00.002-04:00

While trying to do the responsible thing yesterday by taking my two "Baby Kitties" to the vet to be neutered something tragic happened. I dropped them off and when I got home there was a call from the vet saying that Porky died under anesthetic.

Piggy's fine and home again but our heart's are broken.

Happy Decemeber 1st!

2009-12-01T07:17:00.000-04:00

This is a picture from last year and I haven't even thought about decorating the house yet...but.... Happy December 1st everybody!

Please vote for me?!!

2009-11-24T12:20:00.000-04:00

I'm calling on all my Etsy friends to please, please do me a favour? For the first time EVER I'm in the Storque in the Vote for Your Favorite Ornament Contest! It goes from today until Novemeber 30th and I really don't want to embarrass myself or my Great White North Santa Christmas Tree Ornament (whew, that's a mouthful!) with a low showing of votes!

You can vote for him HERE or even HERE. I'm not expecting him to win, there is some pretty stiff competetion, but I would really like him not to be in the bottom...which, sadly, he is right now!

So please everybody? Please Vote for him? Thank you!!

A Gift Week

2009-11-21T15:18:00.001-04:00

It has been the most stunning week! A true reprieve of the upcoming colder, winter temperatures. A little sunspot in the middle of the woods. I expect to see a little rabbit sunning in the beams!

Lichens and moss. How tiny and spectacluar.

The creek running through our property. The brown grass brings out the blue of the water.

Another little pot, I mean spot of gold!

The old crab-apple tree. This is the first tree I climbed as a child, later in life I picked crab apples from it and made wonderful pink jelly, today I enjoy the regalness of it.

That's it, I just wanted to share a beautiful week with you! Have a great weekend everybody!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-18T18:26:00.000-04:00

Is Today the Day?

2009-11-17T07:18:00.004-04:00

Less than a year and a half after opening my Etsy shop my dreams are coming true! As of this morning I have had 999 transactions on Bella McBride Designs. I'm not going to lie, there have been some low points, but goodness, there have been some high points! This little country mouse has met people from all over the world through the tappings of a keyboard. Amazing!

I started out with this as my first pattern... Strawberry Fields Hat. I think it's still one of my favourites and I will never, ever sell the actual prototype. I love wearing it!

And this is my latest pattern... Winter's Eve Mittens. I have to say, it's another instant favourite! I've decided that whomever is my 1000th customer will receive both the Strawberry Fields Hat Pattern and the Winter's Eve Mitten Pattern for free! Will it happen today?

UPDATE!!! Yes, today was indeed the day... dreams really do come true!

Thank you everybody!

Needle Felting a Snowman O' Christmas Tree

2009-11-15T11:35:00.001-04:00

It has been beautiful and warm all this week. I wake up to a fresh frost in the morning and by noon the frost has burned off and the temperature soars to 10 C. The deer only have one more week to go before hunting season ends, and that means I only have to wear hunter's orange for one more week when I go for a walk! Yay!

I was asked by a really nice customer to make her a Snowman O' Christmas Tree to go with her huge Snowman collection! I gladly obliged and got right to work on him!

So this is what I came up with! Do you like him?!

Little did I know that he was going to have some companions accompany him to his new home! This will be my last photo session with the little gang! I'll miss them, but I know they are going to an excellent home!