I Wanna Be That House

…that gives kids warm Halloween memories through the cunning use of graphic treat bags. Tied with orange waxed twine, this year’s offerings included chocolate candy bars and gummy “body parts.” You know, an eyeball here, severed finger there…. Any trick-or-treating Dutch Expressionists would have appreciated the gummy “ear.”

Here’s my little friend Henry, the six-year-old Revolutionary War Hero. I tried to get him to stand still and hold the treat bag so I could get it in the shot, but he was so hyped up, this was as good as I was gonna get.

Purl Post: Holiday Knits

The U. S. Postal Service has issued Holiday Knits, the stamps designed and machine-knitted by illustrator Nancy Stahl. Is the USPS subtly reminding us to get started on our hand-made holiday gifts?

I bought a stash of the stamps today—the next time I look at them, I’ll be wondering where the first half of December went.

Christmastime is Near

I have two of these midcentury felt-and-sequin “jeweled” Christmas doorknob hanger kits, but this one didn’t come with the sequins, so I’m using my stash, including vintage ones with excellent patina, and six-pointed star sequins from Tinsel Trading.

I’ve been working on these during my commute because the supplies are portable and compact, and because I’ve been working on these off and on since last year and I’d like to wrap them up, leaving only about 20 other unfinished or unstarted crafts projects on the docket. Oh wait, there’s also the new list of inspiration to reckon with….

Psst…Fresh Velvet Acorns

…now available on etsy.

Crisp Fall Crafts and Decor

I’ve been making fabric pumpkins with bark-wrapped wire stems. I love pumpkins with tall and charming stems, so that’s how I make ‘em. Shown here is a little dining room still life with horse chestnuts gathered in Brooklyn.

I also decorated the mantle with these pumpkins, fresh gourds, indian corn, horse chestnuts I gathered and strung into garlands, leaves, and occasional Halloween-specific items, including this diorama I made in gradeschool:

If you know anyone, the pumpkins are available to good homes.

What Do You Want From Me?

Dear Friends, Family, Random Visitors Sent by Google and Lurkers,

Tell me what to do. I’m brainstorming and prototyping Christmas crafts at the moment and was wondering what would make your toes twinkle. Based on review of my blog stats, clearly many of you looove chickens and acorns. I’m kinda acorned out at the moment, but am ready to take chickens in a new direction. Are you?

Your thoughts, please, on what kind of craft chicken would make the world a better place.

• A skiing chicken?
• A holiday chicken (sitting on a wreath, or wearing a fetching scarf or other festive neck accessory, perhaps?)

Or maybe you have a poultry-free idea, which is also cool.

If you provide the spark of an idea you’d like realized, and I “accept the challenge,” I’ll make it, my gift to you. I will retain all rights, but you get to dream something up, read about it in my blog, then make a loving home for your new crafty item.

Please submit your ideas via the “comments” link above.