Boot Cuff Crochet Patterns Coming Soon!

I confess... my name is Bella and I'm a boot addict.  I love boots and love to wear them every opportunity I get and now with these boot cuffs I can totally change my look!  I can go for a more sophisticated look with the Button Decor Boot Cuffs, or if I'm feeling a little a little sassy the Denim Ribbon or if I'm feeling down right girly the Pink Thrill!  These are a great way to sass up a boring pair of boots or make your great boots even better.  I'm just in the process of the final draft of this Trio of Boot Cuffs but stay tuned, they should be ready by this weekend!

*************Now Available at my Etsy shop :  http://www.etsy.com/listing/96696950/crochet-pattern-trio-of-boot-cuff or on Ravelry :http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trio-of-boot-cuff-patterns *************

Spring has Sprung in New Brunswick Canada!

 I don't want to jinx anything by saying it but.... I think spring has finally come to my little part of the world!  The temperatures are rising, the snow is melting, and the gnomes have cleaned out their doors and are starting to think about emerging from their dens!  :0)

This little guy is sure ready for spring!  I found him sitting as happily as can be sunning himself on our wood pile.... I hope the cats don't see him!  Happy Spring everyone!

Big Adventure to the Ice Caves...

 Yesterday morning we got up early, dressed ourselves warmly and headed to the local Ice Caves.  The hike up to them (the way we went) is straight up and we were basically walking on our hands and knees because it was so steep!  An hour later we arrived and boy was it worth the effort!

 Inside the caves looking out....

 Inside the caves.

 Inside the caves to the left.

 We had them all to ourselves the entire time we were there! 

 Time to say goodbye.

The walk home.  Not many people get to see our community from this view.  See what I mean about being steep?  It was a long walk but it was well worth the effort.

Rare Wildlife Captured....

 As I was walking by my window this morning I stopped dead in my tracks.  What was that lump in my crab apple tree?

 Much to my surprise it was my adorable little Frosty!  No reason for him to be up there that I could see.

 He was just hanging out.  Checking out his domain....

 Oh!  He notices me taking pictures of him.  Time to come down.

Do I hear "treats" being rattled in their bag?  We call this little guy our "little crazy white monkey"... do you see why?

Loving Pairs - Needle Felted Lion and Claire and Ice Queen and Polar Bear

 Some loving pairs have moved into McBride House.

 This is Claire and Leontes.  Secret friends that must hid their peculiar friendship.

 Both are fiercely loyal to one another, but alas, not everybody understands their friendship.

  They have a touching story to tell and you can read more about them here.

 This is Ice and Snow.  Where one goes, the other follows.

 Slender and dainty, Ice makes a wonderful friend for the lumbering and slightly clumsy Snow.

They too have an odd sort of friendship that you can read more about here.

Then there were these two!  What a battle before these two became companions... I won't go so far as to say they are friends though!

I'm still not sure if these two are friends yet, but I think they are working on it!

See these pairs and more at McBride House!

Year of the Dragon (Needle Felted).

"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...

 

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....

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

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...

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!!