Happy New Year!

May your New Year be filled with an abundance of happiness, prosperity and good health! Happy New Year Everyone!

Winter Wonderland in New Brunswick

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!

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

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?

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?