Looking Ahead!

It's that time of year again when we are reviewing the past and looking ahead to the wonderful new year. Grandkitties  Sam and Max are enjoying the view and have been such a joy to have as visitors.

I hope you are as eager as they are to see what's in store for big 'ole 2012!!! Happy New Year to all of us!!!! Cheers!!!!

Cheers!

Early this morning, Beau peaked down the stairs. He just KNEW he heard those reindeer on the roof!
We had some fun enjoying Christmas Crackers during our feast! Joining our British friends, Kim and I bought some crackers while shopping last week. The jokes were so much fun, I thought I'd share them:

Our constant companion during the present opening was Rocky. He found a piece of tissue paper to lie on and paid attention to each gift. The kitties received their Santa gifts before we did and enjoyed the day as much as Travis, Jason, Kim, and I did.
Wishing you all every Joy of the season! Love from all the Griffins - two legged and four.

Waiting for Santa Paws!

Kim captured grand kitties Beau (above)  and Beaker (below) with catnip plumbs dancing in their heads.

Happy Holidays to all!!

Warmest Wishes for Love!

Wishes for Love and Joy from my home and family to you and yours!!

All Right!! Time to wrap the presents!!

Sam: "OK boys! Let's get to work!

Cleo: "All right, Rocky, I'll pass the presents out and you get the wrapping paper and tape!"

Max: "Wow, look at the gold stuff with the snowflakes! Let's use that"

Beaker: "Look, Cleo, I'm folding this so nicely!"

Beaker: (thinking) "I just don't know why I have to do this all myself."

Max: "Wow!" Look at that! First there were butterflies on the tree, now there are fireflies all over those twigs!"

Let's Get This Decorating Done!!

Beau: "This string looks ok!"

Rocky: "Uh oh"

Beau: "Where did all those butterflies come from?"

Oh Shenandoah!

On the way home from visits to Jason and Kim, I took the scenic route through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. I wanted to share a couple of views!!

Holiday Dress Up

Rocky is not too sure about this dress up thing - but the collar works for him, don't you think? It was only on for the snap of the photo and then it became a toy! A little added Pixlr fun to frame it up was added too.

Then there's Humphrey. He was a little upset as his hat wasn't done in time for the "going to Hunt Valley" photo shoot - along with some others come to think of it - anyway, Humphrey went to live with Lisa in Maryland, but he should have a moment in the spotlight!

He's an extra fluffy boy - just like Rocky- with that air of expectation about him. I expect Lisa will see that his stocking is filled!

And now, I'm puttin' on my driving shoes again for a quick trip up to "the Burgh" for Kim's birthday on Saturday. I'm going via Maryland to see Jason and his kitties. Don't you know, I've bought plenty of kitty Greenies to take to all my grandkitties!!

Show and Tell

The Christi Freisen (www.cforiginals.com) workshop I was lucky enough to attend had a theme each day. Saturday's was "Winter Wonderland" and, of course, I made a polar bear.

Here's a photo of Christi  - the most delightful, fun, entertaining - I could go on - person you'll ever meet. She gives workshops all over so if you love polymer clay - or even think you might - try to get to one of her workshops. I first got to know her work though a delightful book of hers called Steampunkery. And wouldn't you know, the second day of the workshop, the theme was "Steampunk."

And I made this cute little Steampunk dragon inside an old pocket watch case. Pretty neat, huh??

I had a grand time in Black Mountain and at the workshop and have added some polymer clay supplies and tools to my wish list!!! But for now, back to the bears!! Santa will be stopping by to pick up some soon!

Cupcakes and a Road Trip

Have you ever bought a cupcake for the decoration on top? Well, I did. This little snow guy was just too cute to pass by. One has to accumulate happiness wherever it is  - my theory any way. And now look. Who knew Snow Guy would be so functional as well as adorable!

Frodo inspects Snow Guy as functional bottle stopper! I expect one day, I should make a little body for him, but for now Snow Guy is right on my work table to cheer me any time I look in his direction. Joy can be anywhere - even after the cupcake is eaten!!


I've just returned from a fun weekend in Black Mountain, North Carolina. I traveled there to attend a two day workshop held by the polymer clay artist Christi Freisen. I had such a good time and learned many things about working with polymer clay.
As luck would have it, I arrived just in time for the town's annual "Holly Jolly." All the stores - which in this town includes many art and craft galleries - stay open at night and offer refreshments to those visiting. Black Mountain is located very close to Asheville, NC, and is very picturesque and welcoming. It seemed like most of the town's population joined me in last Friday evening as we enjoyed wonderful decorations and the hospitality of the shops. The main street - called Cherry Street - was blocked off making it easy to navigate the street to visit all the wonderful galleries.

There was even a saxophone ensemble playing Christmas music for the festivities!

Festive windows invited us all in to see the wonderful treasures inside!

There are many artist living and working in that area of North Carolina and I was so lucky to be able to visit the some of the shops where they display their work!

I even found a bear!

The workshop was absolutely wonderful! If you are interested in working with polymer clay, I hope you will  be able to take a class with Christi in person, or, perhaps, do so online. Please visit her website here and take a look at all her wonderful things:www.cforiginals.com

My friendly Blog won't let me put photo where I want them, so I'll save more for another time.