Tuesday, January 1, 2008

A NEW YEAR

I didn’t want to miss saying Happy January First to everyone—even though I didn’t get a chance to get my next mosaic post ready.

So, instead of Mosaics, here’s a quick and easy project! You can use your Snowpeople to populate an entire tabletop village or to add pizazz to a window ledge.

By varying the hats and trims you can create gourd-eous Victorian ladies, cowboys, farmers, fisherfolk, even mermaids.

It’s all in the hat! Make a narrow brim for a bowler, a wide upturned one for a cowboy. A doll’s straw hat denotes a farmer.

What You Need:
Small ornamental gourds (from your garden or your favorite craft shop)
Red and black waterproof markers
White glue
Tiny seed beads
Larger beads for fastening neckties
One square of black stiffened felt
Miniature doll hats
Scraps of ribbon or fabric
Raffia or yarn
1/2” pom poms
A thin nail or metal skewer for piercing gourds
Twigs

What To Do:
Use a skewer or sharp nail to make two holes for arms, then fashion the headgear.

Glue on a store-bought doll hat or make your own as follows: Color around the stem end of the gourd with a black waterproof marker. Vary the amount colored from 1/4” to 1/2”. For each brim, cut a circle of black felt. Cut out a hole in the center to fit individual gourd and slip on.

Use a red marker to draw mouth. Glue on beads for eyes and buttons.

Tie on “scarves” or “neckties”. Glue on bows or bow ties.

When all materials are securely attached to the gourd, poke in twigs for arms.

PHOTO CREDIT:
Photos by Dan Mayers.

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

Meet Michelle, a mosaic artist with a whimsical streak!

In addition to her mosaic cupcakes, Michelle "bakes" layer cakes, mirrors, clocks, and furniture. Visit her blog or head straight to her gallery of designs. Either way, I think you'll enjoy the trip.

31 comments:

Siobhan said...

Hi Barbara, These are so cute! What a great idea.

Siobhan xo

Alison Gibbs said...

How cute your 'Snowpeople' look.
Happy New Year
Alison

Dianne said...

How adorable Barbara. I must introduce you to "The Gourd Lady" who JUST retired at age 91 from one of our holiday shows. Its a wonderful story. She was even on the Jay Leno show a coulpe of years ago. She made crafts from gourds and always wore a gourd hat and earrings. Such a sweet, sweet lady. I'll send you pictures.
Until next time,
Dianne Wood

NeereAnDear said...

What absolute fun!! Your little people are too cute... clever way to take those fall decorations and put them to good use....

PS thank you for the compliment

HUGS
JO

sherri said...

The snowpeople are "snow" adorable - Looking at the wonderful array of Mosaics featured on your Blog makes me want to dive right into a vat of grout and submerse myself with vintage broken tiles! I've always wanted to try my hand at mosaic art.
Happy New Year to you!
xo Sherri

Gail McCormack said...

Your snow people are adorable.
I didn't realise you still had a mosaic artist to feature, I've enjoyed your little series so much, will look forward to meeting the last one.
Happy New Year to you Barbara!

Pineapple Villa said...

Hi Barbara, thanks for visiting me - i hope you have a wonderful 2008 too, Mel xxx

Pineapple Villa said...

Hi Barbara, thanks for visiting me - i hope you have a wonderful 2008 too, Mel xxx

NeereAnDear said...

Meant to tell you I have seen Michelles work before ... she is pretty clever isnt she? those cup cakes are so whimsical

HUGS
JO

Marcela said...

Hello Barbara
The snowpeople are adorable
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS !!!

Hugs
Marcela

Sandy McTier Designs said...

Hi Barbara,
Thanks for the New Year wishes. Just had a stroll through your lovely blog ~ WOW! Hope you won't mind me adding you to my favs?!!
Have a wonderful New Year!

Blessings,
Sandy

Genevieve said...

Good answer Barbara!!!! I think I will have to add that to my list!!!!Happy New year!I love your snow people!!!

Back Through Time said...

Happy New Year to you!! And I am so glad you stopped by for a visit. I will be back to visit you as well! Your snow people are great!
Michelle

kari and kijsa said...

How cute are those snowpeople!! ANd the cupcake- a yummy mosaic! Wanted to wish you a wonderful, prosperous, safe and healthy New Year! Here is to a fabulous 2008!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

Michele Kovack said...

Love the gourd snowmen! Too cute! Love the mosaic too!

tea time and roses said...

Happy New year to you Barbara! Thank you so much for your visit and sweet comment on my blog! Wishing you the very best for the New Year!

Smiles...

Beverly

Mosaic*Queen said...

Thanks for the feature Barbara and a very Happy New Year to you!!!!
Hugs!

Michelle

PAT said...

These snow people are so cute, Barbara!

Thanks for the link to Michelle's blog!

Pat

Anonymous said...

Very cute idea that I'll file away for next year! Thanks!

Happy New Year!

Manuela

Cindy Garber Iverson said...

Little gourd snowpeople... So cute! I love how you've photographed them (I would notice that wouldn't I?)

And I love the mosaic cupcake. I don't think I've ever seen one before. Gotta watch the teeth with that one. ;)

Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage

Barbara said...

hee hee..cinco de mayo...countdown here...(it's my birthday...lol)

you have a lovely blog! i'm going to go peek somemore!
nice to meet you!
(another) barbara!

kari and kijsa said...

What a clever idea!!! Fabulous!!!

Have a happy New Year!
smiles,kari and kijsa

Anonymous said...

What a cute and creative idea. I'll have to keep this in mind.

Happy New Year!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Hi Barbara! What cute litte people! And you know I love to see other mosaic artist!!
Penny

Celestina Marie said...

Barbara, these are really sweet. I love to paint gourds as well and offered many this season. Yours are really adorable. Thank you for sharing! Happy New Year!
Celestina

CIELO said...

Oh, how cute! Blessings to you and yours during 2008, my dear Barbara. A new beginning has been given to all of us... let us enjoy it! And remember: Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go. (Brooks Atkinson)

Cielo

Anonymous said...

Hi Barbara, your snowpeople are so cute and versatile too!! Jacqui and I would love to attempt these!! Wishijg you a very Happy New Year!! Jenn and Jacqui

Rhondi said...

Cute little snowmen. I enjoyed looking at the link to the mosaics too. Rhondi

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Barbara!

The Snowpeople are adorable! Very, very fun!

Thank you for sharing Michelle's artistry with us - she's delightful!

xo,
Kim

Barbara said...

These are fun. Thanks for visiting and your comments. Are you still reading my story in bed by any chance??

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Cute gourds and Michelle's work is delightful. Thank you for the inspiration!

xo
Becky