Lowell Country Designs

AHA Marketplace for Nov. is up!

2010-10-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

You can find my new offering on the American Holiday Artists Marketplace.
http://www.ahaartistsstudio.com/Lowell_studio.htm

Busy making Santas

2010-10-18T03:05:00.000-07:00

I am working like a busy little elf in my work shop. On Nov. 13th I am doing a Christmas show. I am also listing a few on my Etsy. Here is the first Santa I listed on Etsy. He has a wondereful green robe made from an old Army blanket. I also made a folky little reindeer to go with him. My Etsy id is Primitives by Gloria.
Have a great Mon.

Needle Felted Little Chubby Santa

2010-09-23T04:51:00.000-07:00

I am working on a few Little chubby needle felted Santa ornaments.
Available now on Etsy.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/57030940/needle-felted-christmas-santa-ornament

Adding new Santa stars to my Etsy

2010-09-19T05:04:00.000-07:00

For the Santa collector or ornament collector. Each of my Santa stars are a one of a kind. Signed and dated.

Winner of my free giveaway

2010-09-13T03:58:00.000-07:00

And the WINNER is Tammy Young from a Primitive Place.
Congrats to Tammy.

New Santa's on Etsy

2010-09-09T16:56:00.001-07:00

I have finished 2 more needle felted Santa's for Etsy. I have mounted them on blocks of wood. Etsy id : Primitivesbygloria

Please scroll down to green Santa Star

2010-09-08T02:58:00.000-07:00

All you have to do is comment under the green Santa Star to be in the FREE give away on Sept 12th. I will have a friend draw a number out of a bowl and if it is your number you WIN. Easy as that!!!

The Free give away sign up

2010-08-31T13:45:00.000-07:00

Please sign up for my free give away. Scan down and comment unter the green Santa star. On Sept 12 I will be pulling a number out of the hat to see who the lucky winner is. I can't wait to see who wins.

My Etsy Shop - Primitives by Gloria

2010-08-27T03:35:00.000-07:00

In my Etsy shop I have listed Santa Stars for sale. Please check them out. Here is the one that was pictured in the AHA newsletter. The link is to the left on my blog. Or you can copy and paste the link below.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Primitivesbygloria?ref=seller_info

Also don't forget to comment on the green Santa Star below for a chance to win.

2010-08-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

When leaving Comments on Free Give away I need..

2010-08-26T02:24:00.000-07:00

Thank You to all the nice comments on the give away. However, when leaving comments could you please leave an email address. In the even you win and you have only left your first name and no trail to get back to you I won't be able to notify the original winner. Thank you.

My Free Give away

2010-08-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

Starting today at 5pm til Sept 12th anyone can join in the FUN for a chance at winning one of my Santa Stars for FREE. All you have to do is comment on this post. I have been creating Santa stars for 16 years. Each one is a one of a kind. I first carve/sculpt the face. It is then painted and antiqued. A 6" star is made from fine quilt shop cotton. Each sign and dated. Good luck to the winner of this one. Enjoy going to the other artists blogs and commenting on their free giveaway. Their blog links can be found on the left side of my blog.

Today is the DAY

2010-08-25T02:49:00.000-07:00

This evening at 5pm EST our new Marketplace opens up. Along with the great giveaway. Check back this evening and I will have a picture of my freebie up.

Count Down to AHA Marketplace and GREAT Blog Giveaway

2010-08-24T02:49:00.000-07:00

AhA Marketplace opens August 25th with Grand Giveaways!
The AhA Studios Marketplace is open for business August 25th!!

And to celebrate this momentous occasion all Artisans are participating in a Blog Give-away! This Give-away will run from August 25th through September 25th. The rules are very simple, and you have a chance to win more than one prize.

Here's how it works.

First, each Artisan has posted a picture of our give-away prize clearly marked on our blogs. Next we have all chosen a random number.

All you have to do is post a comment under each prize picture. Now, if your comment corresponds with the Artisan's chosen number, then hooray, you win the prize for that blog. So, the more comments you post, the more chances you have to win! Easy!

Each of us have listed our fellow Artisans on our blogs, so all you have to do is follow the list from blog to blog, find the prize and comment. What could be easier.
This evening I believe I am able to show a pic of my free giveaway.
Remember Aug. 25th!

Great Blog give away

2010-08-22T04:44:00.000-07:00

Starting on Aug. 25th the GREAT Blog give away begins. And the American Holiday Artists Margetplace opens. This is so Exciding! Stay tuned. I will post a pic of my give away on Aug 25th.

I have added more Santa Stars

2010-08-20T02:59:00.000-07:00

I have been adding more of my One- of - a- Kind Santa stars to my Etsy store. I will be adding a few more that I fifnshed. Getting ready for the American Holiday Margetplace. Kick off on Aug. 25th. My Etsy shop will be linked to to the new Marketplace.

I have finished 14 Santa Stars

2010-08-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

I have finished 14 Santa Stars. I have been making one of a kind Santa star ornaments for 16 years. They are signed and dated. Each face is sculpted/carved from clay. I had the inspiration after taking a 40 hours of classes with Harley Refsal. He is a famous Scandinavian flat plane carver. He taught us how to carve on bass wood. Being labor intensive I turned to clay.
I am listing my Santa stars on Etsy. My user Id is Primitives by Gloria.

New- American Holiday Artists Marketplace Coming Soon

2010-08-15T04:57:00.000-07:00

At the end of Aug. the launch of the AHA artists Marketplace will be launched. There you will find some very talented folk artists. You can find my work under Primitives by Gloria. There will be links to our other sites too. Very exciting. Please check it out when it opens.

I decided

2010-05-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

Good Fri. to all my wonderful followers. I have decided I am going to post pictures of all my Americana patterns.

Memorial Day will be here soon.

2010-05-13T04:06:00.000-07:00

I am proud to be an American. I am a proud Army mom. I am very proud of my sons.
Because of this I started designing Americana patterns. God bless America.

Folk Art Pattern Company on Facebook

2010-05-11T10:19:00.001-07:00

Hi, I just opened my pattern website on facebook. There you can upload a free pattern. More fun things to come. Please come join.

Needle Felted bunnies

2010-01-18T05:46:00.000-08:00

I have listed 2 of my needle felted bunnies. They each come with a vintage gilded demitasse.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Needle-Felted-Bunny-Vintage-Gilded-Demitasse-Set-aHa_W0QQitemZ380198517633QQcmdZViewItemQQptZFolk_Art?hash=item588598fb81

http://cgi.ebay.com/Needle-Felted-Bunny-Vintage-Gilded-Demitasse-Set-aHa_W0QQitemZ230425826499QQcmdZViewItemQQptZFolk_Art?hash=item35a67314c3

Wonderful Customers

2010-01-12T13:47:00.000-08:00

What would we do without those treasured customers? It would be a pretty grim life in my estimation. They motivate me and inspire me to continue in my creative endeavers. One of my very favorite customers has a big collection of my one of a kind Sanat stars,Santa carvings and needle felted Santa ornaments. I was so honored to think Kathi decorated an entire tree with my ornaments and then she called the tree "Glorious Gloria tree". Yes, our customers are to be treasured! Thank you Kathi and thank you to all my wonderful customers.
The photo is Kathi's tree.

Happy New Year

2010-01-03T13:28:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it is 2010. Time just seems to fly.
Well, I have started the creative process for this year. I hope this year brings us all health,hope and happieness.
I just finished a rabbit door greeter. I am listing it on Ebay tonight. And on artsaflutter my Queen of Hearts is up for sale.

Christmas is over but I am still working on Santa's

2009-12-28T03:33:00.000-08:00

It seems like every year I continue to make Santa's through out Jan. I vow I will continue through out the winter. "I need to stock pile" I say to myself. But several weeks after Christmas it seems I have thought of rabbits. (my second favorite thing to create). I have been making Santa's since May! You would think I would tire of them. Maybe I would if I had them stock piled,but I don't have any left. So Sat. I decided to carve several. I guess it is my way to calm myself after all the hussle and bussle of Christmas.
I listed 2 of my carvings on Ebay last night.
Here are the links: http://cgi.ebay.com/Primitive-Folk-Art-Carved-Santa-Ornament-aHa-OOAK_W0QQitemZ380192059730QQcmdZViewItemQQptZArt_Sculpture?hash=item5885367152

http://cgi.ebay.com/Primitive-Folk-Art-Carved-Santa-Ornament-aHa-OOAK_W0QQitemZ380192064796QQcmdZViewItemQQptZArt_Sculpture?hash=item588536851c

Happy New Year!

Last Santa of the year

2009-12-19T16:04:00.000-08:00

I have listed my last Santa of 2009. He is quite special to me. He has a red wool robe,cape and hat. A sweet little needle felted sheep. Found on ebay. id"folkartfromvermont. Listing ends Mon. evening.

Nearly Christmas

2009-12-18T03:41:00.000-08:00

Well, I think I am finshed Christmas shopping. I still have more wrapping to do. Every year I vow to like wrapping and every year it turns out to be a chore. We are in the BIG chill in Vt. Below zero at this time of year is unreal.
I have 2 Santa's listed on Ebay. I made a OOAK original make do. It is a folky Santa on a moon sitting on a wooden abstract Christmas tree. It is one of my favorite pieces.
Here is the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230413794166&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT
Have a nice day and stay warm.

My Santa Carvings

2009-11-29T14:48:00.000-08:00

I have probably told you all this before..... Fifteen years ago I took Scandinavian flat palne carving classes at Fletcher Farms in Ludlow,Vt. It is a 57 year old artist school. Ludlow is a ski town but in the middle of it all is a great school that teaches all types of art. In the summer teachers from all over the country come to teach. My teacher Harley Refsal taught me the 200 year old art of Scandinavian carving. I learned on bass wood but I have devised my own method on clay. It is less labor intensive and I can still do what I love to to do even with arthritis.
I will be listing some on Ebay tonight.

More Santa's

2009-10-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

Oh I love the fall. And even though I have been creating my Santa's since May I get more excited now it is fall. So this is the beginning of my show and tell. Some have muslin needle sculpted faces and some have my carved clay faces. I really like going back and forth.
Ok that is enough for now.
These and more can be found on my new Etsy store. Primitivesbygloria

NEW Etsy Shop

2009-09-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of setting up and filling a new Etsy shop with some of my finished goodies. The Santa stars that I have been designing and selling for nearly 15 years. Along with other finished items.some of my epatterns and needle felting kits. It should be a fun site.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=8109191

Give Me Goodies

2009-09-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

On Sept 22nd I will be giving away one of my new "handy" credit card wallets for FREE. Hit on the button with the cookies to go see the site. The give away will only be up for 24 hours. The wallet pictured is the one I will be giving away.
Have a nice weekend. Gloria

Americana Santa

2009-09-13T04:09:00.000-07:00

This week I have offered 3 Santa Stars on Ebay. I especially love the America one.
The link is :http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Lowell-Country-Designs_Finished-Items_W0QQ_fsubZ8QQ_sidZ33355049QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322
The faces are hand carved and hand painted so each one is a one of a kind. The Americana fabric dates back to 2001. It is the very last piece. I love it because it has a slight tea dye look.
Have a nice Sunday.

Tri- Fold Large Wallets

2009-08-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

I have been making large tri-fold wallets for nearly 10 years. I just love that you can organize your whole life in one. I finally retired the one I made for myself 6 years ago. I feel rather bad for my old wallet. It had become like an old friend or that favorite pair of old jeans. BUT IT WAS TIME. I decided on a blue,gray, cream and green print by Amy Butler. In fact I liked it so much that I made another one just like it and put it on Etsy this morning. I love to embellish with special buttons. Either handmade ceramic, fabric covered or vintage.
The link to my Etsy listing. Please check out all of my listings.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30105516

Santa climbing a Candy Cane

2009-08-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hi,
Several days ago I finished a 7" candy cane with a 4" Santa. It was truely a labor of love because the Santa has tiny little legs and srms. Just turning and stuffing them was a chore. But I do love a challenge. The pictures don't do this ornament any justice. I have put him on ebay for auction. The starting bid was $1.00.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380152689314&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Busy Aug.

2009-08-22T07:01:00.001-07:00

Wow where has this month gone to? My daughter and her 3 little ones were here for week. The twins are 3 and the little one is 2. They are busy...very BUSY! It took this Gran a week to recover. Gosh they are so cute though and say the darnest things.
Anyway I am getting back on track. I plan on sewing a bag or 2 today. Love going into my fabric stash.
Have a great weekend.
Gloria

Making Miniatures

2009-08-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

Goodmorning,
It looks like a nice sunny day in Vt.
I have always enjoyed making miniatures. Why I am really not sure because it is more difficult and tedious. The parts are small and difficult to turn and even the stuffing is a chore. Once I get through that part the rest is fun to me. I used to make miniature quilts too. It is a challenge to get the points to match,but I love the challenge. It is the same way with miniature folk art.
This week I made a pumpkin witch riding a crow. It was well over 8 hours of work to make this piece. He is listed on Ebay this week. A true Halloween collectable.
Have a great day!

8 Ft. Sunflowers

2009-08-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

This summer has been incredible. I have self sewn 8 ft. sunflowers in front of my shop. They just kinds over took the front of the shop. They were blooming before the end of June. I have enjoyed them so much I just had to share.

Santa riding a Hen pull toy

2009-07-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

I have been busy at work all weeekend. I decided to make a santa riding a hen pull toy. It was time consuming but alot of fun. #1 I prefur to make miniature things and they seem to require a bit of patience. I also love detail. The more the better.
Pictured is in the process ans several of the finished piece.
Have a nioce day.

Listed on Ebay this week

2009-07-25T04:23:00.000-07:00

I have 4 Santa ornaments up for auction. They go off on Sun. evening.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=230359073704
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=380142325769
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=230360385180
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=380141026461
Thanks and have a wonderful weekend.

This week's Santa's

2009-07-13T03:02:00.000-07:00

The sun is out and there is not a cloud in the sky. This is exciting!
This week on Ebay I have 3 Santa ornaments listed. I am sure I will be listing several more on Tue. evening.
My links to all my websites are right.
Have a nice Mon. and I hope the sun is shining whereever you may be.

Time to Sew

2009-07-12T03:31:00.000-07:00

Good Sunday morning. Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. I have been itching to do more sewing. For several years now I have not been able to sew and create as much as I would like. The economic down turn has given me more time. Why are there always pros and cons to things. Anyway I have decided to fill my Etsy store with lovely bags, wallets,coin purses and makeup bags. I adore beautiful fabrics and I so enjoy working with lots of color.
Well, I hadn't made one of my large wallets in a few years. I had several customers last year wishing I would make some more for my brick and motor shop. I had misplaced my directions,so that meant starting over. It is a tri-fold (7" x 4").
Inside there are 8 credit card pockets,check book holder,coin purse and a place for bills. Well, after 5 hours I finished one and now have my directions all written down. Whew after that I will not misplace my directions again. All in a days work.
Have a nice day.......the sun is out here in Vt.

My auctions for this week

2009-06-23T04:34:00.000-07:00

Well, finally it is a gorgeous morning in Vt. It has rained here for 40 days and 40 nights. Not really but it certainlt feels like it. My sun flowers in front of the shop are over 5 ft. That is unheard here in Vt.
This week I have a huge slate blue chenille star with one of my santa's on it. It can either be a tree topper or for a door. He certainly makes a staement. And I have a santa ornament with an antique piece of a crazy quilt for a hat. He looks like he is up to mischief. And then there is a sweet little santa ornament with a wispy Cotswold beard.
Check them out on Ebay. Id name is Folkartfromvermont.
Thanks,
Gloria

Wool Special

2009-06-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

Soon it will be time for those wonderful fall and Christmas shows. I have a buy 2 and get a bag of your choice. Super deal. The special will go on as long as supplies last.

This week's auctions

2009-06-15T03:16:00.000-07:00

Hi,
Yesterday was my birthday. I was born on Flag Day. A very special day in mind. I just don't where the time is going.
This week on Ebay I have listed 2 Santa ornaments and a pull toy. Pictured below.
I so enjoy making my little pieces of art.
Have a great day!

New Santa ornaments for this year

2009-06-03T05:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have started my Santa ornaments for this year. Every year I make countless Santa ornaments. They have been my best sellers for many years. There are the 3?D carved ones,Santa Stars, Prim Santa ornaments and this year the new head Santa with gorgeous curls. The pictues are the new head Santa's.
The special on my mohair and wool site is: Buy 3 bags of wool and get 1 FREE.
Thanks and have a nice day.
Gloria

Specials on my websites

2009-05-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Hi to all,
It has been a rainy week in Vt. I so prefer the sun. I do love to see the lawns so nice and green and the flowers are lovely. I have my hanging baskets hung on the porch. I have chose a red, white and blue theme this year. I am thrilled because the humming birds have come to feed off my red flowers. I will get pictures.
SPECIAL: Buy 3 bags of wool or wool roving and choose a bag for free. www.mohairandwool.com
On my pattern sites buy 2 patterns and choose one for free. You will need to email me with your free choice after purchase. I am putting a no limit on my specials.
www.Folkartpatterncompany.com
www.Lowellcountrydesigns.com
This is the special from May 30th to June6th.
Thanks,Gloria

Memorial Day Special

2009-05-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I am offering a HUGE special for Memorial Day. On my website http://www.folkartpatterncompany.com/ you can buy one pattern and choose one for FREE. This offer is for epatterns and mailed patterns. Just email with your free choice.On my fiber site- http://www.mohairandwool.com/ if you buy 3 bags of wool, wool roving, mohair or alpaca you will get a FREE bag. The free bag will be the same top quality. I do not give out seconds.

Here is a picture of me with a baby angora goat. This is Senorita's baby SI Si. She was born on Easter.

Thank you and have a wonderful holiday weekend. I am excited I will be going to my youngest son's graduation.

Thanks,Gloria

I am starting my Santa's

2009-04-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

Yes you heard me right. Last year I was so behind. Plus I have been in the mood to create my Santa's and ornaments. Last weekend I made a santa with a paper clay face and Border leicester sheep's wool beard. I also designed a sheep to go with him. The sheep's body has needle felted Blueface leicester curls. Today I am going to work on some needle felted Santa ornaments.

More pictures to come.

President's Day Special

2009-02-15T04:46:00.000-08:00

In honor of President's Day I am giving out a FREE Americana Pattern. Buy ONE pattern from my wedsite. http://www.folkartpatterncompany.com/ or http://www.lowellcountrydesigns.com/ and then choose a FREE Americana pattern. It can be a mailed pattern or an email pattern. After you purchase a pattern just email me with your choice. Email- Glorialowell@aol.com *(the pictures above are a few of my Americana patterns).

This special is only valid til Mon.evening Feb. 16th.

Remember we live in the "Home of the Free because of the BRAVE".

Thank you and have a nice day. Gloria

Remembering an old friend on Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T06:27:00.000-08:00

I think as we get older we begin to think about our childhood friends. It is something I have been thinking about for awhile now. So I decided to look up a dear old friend just to find that she passed away lasy Aug. 26th. Karla Phelps Hogan was only 54. As a young teen she was always fun to be with. We spent hours listening to 60's music, giggling and talking about boys. Karla always wanted to get married and have a nice husband and children. I was so pleased to find that she had a nice husband that adored her and 4 beautiful children. She was a marathon runner and won many awards. I remember she could run like the wind. Her family has made the most amazing tribute to her in her my space page. Don't put off looking up those old friends. Reach out to someone today.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Gloria

Working on a NEW felting kit

2009-02-11T02:57:00.000-08:00

A year ago I needle felted a male and female mouse. I just love them. They sit on a little corner shelf in my dining room. Yesterday I started a new set of mice. They are prototypes for my NEW and up coming felting kit. I hope to have this kit released next week. I am still struggling with the little girl mouses's skirt. The orginal one is felted. I'm thinking maybe a little wool one with needle felted flowers. I guess it will be a surprise.

Heat wave in Vt. 40 degrees today!

Have a great day.

Carded Cormo Sheep's Wool

2009-02-09T03:52:00.000-08:00

Good Monday morning,

I am pleased to say my neice is back carding wool for me. I had a bad bout of bursitis caused from carding wool. My neice is a senior in high school. Next year she will be off to college. Here is a huge pile of gloriuos Cormo sheep's wool carded by Meaghan. Oh I will be dying this in lots of amazing colors. The Cormo is a fairly new breed in sheep. It is a cross between the Merino and the Coopworths. It is so lovely and soft because of the Merino and is a super wool for needle felting because of the Coopworths.

Have a great day.

Gloria

Last day for Needle Felting Kit Special

2009-02-06T04:25:00.000-08:00

Goodmorning,

It is super cold here. Ten below yesterday morning and around zero this morning. I think I am ready for spring!

Today is the last day of my needle felting special. Buy one at full price and get 30% off a second kit. I want to thank my wonderful custopmers that have taken advantage of this nice little savings.

I will leave the special up on my websites until Sat. morning. http://www.folkartpatterncompany.com/ or http://www.mohairandwool.com/

Have a great day,

Gloria

The Calm after the storm

2009-01-29T04:10:00.000-08:00

Goodmorning,

The storm has ended and it is cold but quite calm out this morning. I just took some pictures from my porch. One of my shop sign, one of the barns across the street and one of the colonial house across the street. I was able to catch a little of the sunrise. And I love how the flag blowing in the wind from my porch got in the photo.

Have a lovely day,

Gloria

NEW Improved Little Bunny Needle Felting Kit

2009-01-27T09:37:00.000-08:00

Needle Felting has become the new trend for 2009. I love needle felting because it is so easy, portable and relazing. I have released 7 felting kits in the last 2 years. I have a few more that I want to get designed and released. Time always seems to get in my way. My 2 Santa ornament kits and the Bunny, Peeps and Jelly beans are done the traditional way. Solid wool and no sewing required. The Polar bear, Little Bunnies , Gold E. Bear and Panda bears are needle felted over a muslin body. This method gives them a nice vintage look.

Here is a picture of my NEW revised Little Bunny Needle Felting Kit. You get color picture, step by step directions, 2 felting needles, tan muslin, pattern templates, wool stuffing and wool hand dyed wool rovings. There is more then enough supplies to make 2 bunnies.

SPECIAL: Tell me you saw this blog and you can buy the first kit at full price and buy a second kit at 30% off. Just email me after your first purchase and let me know what kit you want at 30% off. I will invoice you through pay pal or I can run your credit card. This special is only good til Feb. 6th. (my daughter's birthday).

Thanks and have a nice day. Gloria

http://www.mohairandwool.com/

http://www.folkartpatterncompany.com/

Felting Needles

2009-01-23T04:39:00.000-08:00

Today I would to talk about a very useful tool. The felting needle. It is a needle that is approx. 3-4" long. It has tiny barbs on the end. So when poking the needle into wool roving it tangles the fibers thus felting them. It is also useful to doll makers. The primitive and folk artist use it to felt the doll's hair. It is very easy only requiring a lot of poking. It forces some of the fibers into the head of the thus securing them. No more yucky glue or stitching. Some reborn artists also use them. They carefully root one to two hairs at a time into the doll's head.

I sell felting needles on my supply pages of my websites. Hobby stores seldom carry them, so they are difficult to find.

If anyone is interested in seeing a video on needle felting Easter Eggs please email me at Glorialowell@aol.com

I will email a short video free of charge.

Have a wonderful day. Gloria

Needle Felting and Kits

2009-01-20T11:12:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about today. I grew up 20 miles from Hartford ,Ct. It was during the 60's. The riots in Harford were a scarey time. When I was 17 our car got pelted with rocks by angry young men. There were burning garbage barels in the middle of the street. I feel this country has come a long way since then. And I am very pleased and hopeful for our country. At 17 I would never dreamed that some time in my life a black man would be president. God bless America and god bless out new president.

Well, the topic of the day is needle felting but I had to address a very historic day.

Needle felting is a fun and rewarding craft. To think that a ball of sheep's wool can become a one of a kind piece of art. It is easy and only requires wool roving and a felting needle. Poking the needle into the wool roving over and over felts the wool, thus felting it. If you were to look at wool under a microscope you would see that each fiber has microscopic little scales. When applying heat or pressure to the fibers they tangle around each other. The tangling is known as felting.

I love the fact that needle felting is very portable. You can take it on vacation or to the drs. office. No sewing machines. And each finished piece is differnt and they are good conversation pieces. My needle felting kits can be found on http://www.mohairandwool.com/ Extra rovings and supplies can also be found on that site. Also on my pattern site. www.folkartpatterncompany.com

Have a wonderful day. Gloria

Carding Wool for Needle Felting

2009-01-18T06:24:00.000-08:00

Good Sunday morning. It is snowing in Vt. It is really a pretty snow.

Today I would like to talk about my wonderful carding machine. A carding machine combs wool fibers into soft wonderful rovings. Once it is nicely carded then it can be dyed. Wool, mohair and alpaca take dye nicely.

I have a Louet Jr. It is perfect for my needs. It is a hand crank so it is a bit of work.

I am epecially fond of Romney and Cormo sheep's wool for my rovings. It is soft and has a nice luster and felts beautifully. Check out my roving page on www.mohairandwool.com and check out my needle felting kits on the the kit page. Felting needles and core wool can be found on the supply page. Have a great day,Gloria

A Time for Primitives

2009-01-11T06:02:00.000-08:00

Another snow storm in Vt. I will take some pictures and post tomorrow. But first I would like to tell you about a wonderful website I am on. http://www.atimeforprimitives.com/

There are many lovely talented ladies on this site. Please check out the items they will have for sale. I love belonging to this group.

Candy the owner of the site posts a lovely blog everyday. http://atimeforprimitivesblog.blogspot.com/

Here is Candy's banner. If any of you prim ladies are looking for a nice place this is it!

Sunni The Alpaca

2009-01-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of Sunni. He is a white Suri Alpaca. His fiber was used for the beautiful reborn dolls pictured below. Alpaca is straighter and finer then mohair. Alpaca is about 22 - 24 microns. Mohair measures 28- 30 microns in order for it to still be considered kid grade. Adult human hair is approx. 50 - 70 microns.

Suri Alpaca Fiber for Reborn dolls

2009-01-08T04:59:00.000-08:00

Suri Alpaca fiber is the softest finest fiber there is except for an angora rabbit fur. The microns are less then angora mohair. Meaning it is finer. It is quickly gaining popularity with some very experienced reborn artist. These two dolls are white suri alpaca that was dyed black by the artist. The second picture is from Kathy Polakowski from Lil Heirlooms Nursery. And the first picture is of a beautiful doll Kelly Lynn Smith designed. She ran an on line class on this doll. Check out her classes on: http://www.angelsunawares.net/

Reborn artist's rooting mohair

2009-01-07T03:55:00.000-08:00

Big storm here today. That is fine by me. I have been plenty of things to keep me busy, so I will spend the day inside working.

I have started a new testimonial page on my http://www.mohairandwool.com/ site. I am a folk artist but I have to say I am totally fascinated by the art of rooting mohair.

I know making up the mohair for the reborns is a ton of work. From the washing to dying to combing it out. After spend hours preparing it I then send it off to some very talented reborn artist. They spend days rooting several hairs at a time. The results looks like a real babies head. Here are some beautiful pictures that have been rooted from my mohair. The doll artists name is Kimberly Dawn from Angelic Treasures Nursery.

Tomorrow I am going to talk about rooting with Alpaca. Another spectacular fiber.

Needlefelting

2009-01-06T03:44:00.000-08:00

Brrrrr it is cold here in Vt. A big storm is expected tomorrow.

Several years ago I fell in love with needle felting. So I set out to learn more about this 200 yr. old art. It is gaining more and more recognition and becoming a popular art form once again. I find it so relazing. This is a picture of my new customer Inez Morris. website: http://www.primitivepineapple.com/

This is her first attempt at needle felting. Aren't they wonderful!

She used my Country Santa kit.
Read her testimonial on : http://www.folkartpatterncompany.com/pages/Testimonial.php
Have a great day.

I have started a testimonial page

2009-01-04T04:51:00.000-08:00

Good Sunday morning,
The sun is up in sunny chilly Vt. Don't worry my Christmas template will be gone after this week. Mt template gal is working on a new one for me. Sara from Graphic Pretties.
http://www.graphicpretties.com/
I have started a testimonial page on my Mohair and Wool website. Here is the link:

http://www.mohairandwool.com/pages/Testimonial.php
I so enjoy seeing your dolls and Santa pictures. It is so much fun for me to see what is done with my wool,mohair and alpaca. It makes all the hard work of preparing it so worth it.
Have a great day,
Gloria

Christmas is Over

2008-12-26T03:36:00.000-08:00

It doesn't seem fair all the hustle and bustle and then it is over in one day. It is impossible to see everyone. But I am looking forward to the New Year and a new president.

I finally finished my lion that goes with the lamb. I am very pleased with how he turned out. Just hours and hours of needle felting.

I already miss working on Santas so I think I shall start the year out by working on an uncle Sam.

My site http://www.lowellcountrygifts.com/ is under construction. I am rebuilding it. It is going to be awesome. There will be only finished items on that site. My patterns can be found on http://www.lowellcountrydesigns.com/ or http://www.folkartpatterncompany.com/ and the all the fiber can be found on http://www.mohairandwool.com/ I have found it is much more user friendly for my customers to have it this way.

Here is a pic of the lion finished.

An afternoon of relazing

2008-12-11T03:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon I decided that I needed a stress relieving afternoon. I have been going straight for weeks. Between the shop,open house, a show and orders I finally wore myself down. I love needle felting. It is one of the most relazing things to do. It is time consuming but rewarding. I love sheep so I needle felted a small sheep. Each little Blueface curl was felting on individually. I hope to felt a lion to go with him.

Santa's on Ebay

2008-12-10T04:20:00.000-08:00

This last weekend I had my annual Holiday open house in my shop. It was wonderful and tiring. I am still trying to recover and catching up on orders. I will be listing a few of my Santa's on Ebay. The two I have listed today. Links below.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=380088538947

And the link to my tree topper /make-do:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=250339949796

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T04:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

I love this time of year. The air is so fresh and crisp. I want to give thanks for so many things. Good health, good food, a wonderful family and lots of great customers.

I have just listed on my http://www.mohairandwool.com/ site some gorgeous Cotswold ringlet locks in cream and hand dyed deep blonde. There is a Thanksgiving freebie on both my fiber site and my pattern site. http://www.folkartpatterncompany.com/

The special will end Nov. 30th.

The Big chill

2008-11-25T03:33:00.000-08:00

Check out my 2 NEW Santa patterns. Mr Claus and his mouse and Mr. Claus Jr.

Well, I made it through my first show in 5 yrs. It was unseasonably cold. It felt like it was Jan. The show went quite well but I did catch a cold. I hope it lifts before Thanksgiving. Although I can't complain because it is the first cold I have had in 10 yrs.

Today we are suppose to have high winds and power outages. I have my fingers crossed that we do not loose our power.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

My first Christmas show in 5 Years

2008-11-18T14:57:00.000-08:00

Bluefaced Border Leicester

Shetland Wool

Cormo Coopworths

For 10 years I did 5-6 Christmas shows. I believe I thrived on it. This Sat. I am doing a show in Middlebury, Vt. I think one should never skip a year or 5 years in my case. It is just too difficult to get back on track.

For over 12 years I have made Santa stars with hand carved faces. They have really become my signature. I never tire of making them. I think it is because there are no two alike. Plus I love trying out all the differnt kinds of wool. It really makes each one unique.

My Shop

2008-11-17T15:23:00.000-08:00

Wow it is hard to believe it is Thanksgiving next week. I have decided to do a Christmas show for the first time in 5 years. After I opened Lowell Country Gifts 6 years ago it just became too difficult to get enough things made for showws plus the shop.

This year I am pleased to have a very talented glass blowers Christmas balls in my shop. His name is Jason Lewis. His work amazes me. It not just a glass blown ball. There is some really cool glass work going on inside the ball.

New websites

2008-09-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

I know it has been quite some time since I have blogged. Life sure does get crazy sometimes. In July I opened a new website. It is just for my mohair,wool,alpaca and needle felting kits. I really felt I needed to separate them from my patterns in order to make things more user friendly for my customers. It seems I was right. So July 11th http://www.mohairandwool.com/ was launched. I also can accept credit cards as well as pay pal and money orders. On Aug 27th. ( my youngest son's 29th birthday) I launched my new pattern site. I love the new look. http://www.folkartpatterncompany.com/ Lowell Country Gifts and Lowell Country Designs will soon only have links to my new sites. I do have plans for Lowell Country Gifts but it may be a year before I get it changed over. So please do go and check out my new sites.

Thanks,

Gloria

NEW Pattern Release

2008-03-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

Well, it is finally here. I released my Colonial Hattie and the Chocolate Bunny this morning. It is an 11 page pattern that is brimming with fun! In the pattern you will find 3 color pictures, all the directions for the big bunny,mini chocolate bunny and the little egg and the pattern pieces.

It is now available on my website. You can purchase a instant download e-pattern or a mailed pattern.
Have a nice weekend.
Gloria

Power outage and directions

2008-03-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been several days since I blogged. I was planning on getting the directions written to my new pattern on Sun. Sat. night we had a bad ice storm. I woke up at midnight to a large pop and a light show. The transformer outside my bedroom window had blown. So we were out of power for some time. I believe I am back on track today so I can get the directions written. Mean time check out my Etsy. I have 2 new needle felters packs on sale. I am planning one more. It will be natural colored wool.
Have a great day.

My New Pattern & New Marketplace

2008-03-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

Well, I told you a couple of days ago I have been working on a new rabbit pattern. "Colonial Hattie". Well, she now has a chocolate bunny in her basket. Being so close to Easter i thought how fitting but to design a miniature chocolate bunny to go in her basket. The chocolate bunny looks good enough to eat!

Well, when my daughter was a little girl she loved to watch the Little House on the Prairie. She called them "her little girls". It was the cutest thing. Well, she is 35 now and has 5 babies of her own. I was remmebering how sweet that was and how she loved that show. Just remembering that beautiful memory gave me the inspiration for this rabbit with the bonnet.
I joined a new marketplace today. I am in a group on ebay and we have decided to launch a website. Please go visit my page: http://oldprimitivesisters.com/Vendors/sites/lowellcountrygifts/index.php

And please check out the other ladies too. It is a wonderful group of ladies.
Have a wonderful weekend.

Up and running

2008-03-05T13:12:00.000-08:00

I have been having a hard time using the computer in the last few days so I have not been able to Blog. My DSL keeps going out and another storm. I hope to see the tulips soon.
I am working on a new pattern that I am very excited about. My wonderful webmaster doesn't know this but I am naming it after her business name. It is a rabbit with a colonial style bonnet so her name will be "Colonial Hattie".
I hope to have pictures posted tomorrow.

Polar Bear and Bunny

2008-03-01T05:13:00.000-08:00

Goodmorning,
Snowing again. I think we got about 6" over night. Will it ever stop!
I decided to make one of my little Polar bears.

He is for sale on Etsy. He is also a kit in the "kit" section of this website.
The link ti it;
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9937800
This bear is not the traditional needle felting. I have made a muslin form stained it and then needle felted wonderful super soft Alpaca over it. It gives it a primitive look.
I have also been in a bunny mood. Over the last few weeks I have worked on this little guy. He is done in the traditional way. Many hours has gone into him. I used only a single needle to needle felt him. He is also for sale on Etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9928601
I have been having a bit of cabin fever. I have a great love for African violets so I decided to stick my little bunny in the middle of the flowers. Think spring!

Vermont Cow

2008-02-29T02:51:00.000-08:00

Well, this morning is the coldest morning of the winter. It is 15 below here. BRRRR
Yesterday I made one of my Vt.cows. I hadn't made one in quite some time. It is one of the first patterns I released. It comes in two sizes. The larger size looks wonderful tucked in a cupboard or on a window sill. The ornament size looks great on a Christmas tree. Especially if you make a bunch. This coming Mon. I will be doing my segment on primsisterstalkradio. It will be a V-pattern. (a video demo). It will be about how you can make plain old muslin into something that looks like soft worn leather. It has a cool look and feel.

So be sure to check it out on Mon. at: http://www.primsisterstalkradio.com/thisweekshow.htm
You can always go back into the archives and check out all my v-patterns.
Have a wonderful day.
Gloria

Goldie Bear and the Sun

2008-02-28T06:08:00.000-08:00

Goodmorning,
Oh wow the storm is over after 36 hours of steady snow. The sun is out and I have to say even though I have had enough snow it is absolutely gorgeous.
I desided to make a Goldie Bear. I have put him on sale on Etsy. The link is:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9889996
He is a darling primitive needle felted bear for a collection. I also sell the kit so you can make your own. It is found on this website or Etsy.

Have a nice day. I am going to be working on my segment for Monday's show on primsisterstalkradio.
Gloria

The storm

2008-02-27T03:54:00.001-08:00

Well, this storm hasn't been quite as bad as predicted. But it looks like a winter wonderland. The snow has clung to the trees making it look like a true Vt. post card scene.
I am going to work on a small needle felted teddy bear today. And I also need to work on this week's segment for Primsisterstalkradio.
Here are several pictures I just took from my porch.
Have a wonderful day.

A Vermont scene Before the REAL storm

2008-02-26T14:22:00.000-08:00

Well we are in for a HUGE NOREASTERN TONIGHT. iT HAS BEEN LIGHTLY SNOWING ALL DAY.
So I thought I take a picture of the barns across the road. This picture is taken from my porch at approx. 4 pm on Tue. I am going to take a picture on Wed. afternoon to share with you.

33" so far this Feb. Largest snow fall ever in the month of Feb.

My Etsy store items

2008-02-24T13:33:00.000-08:00

2008-02-24T04:31:00.001-08:00

Find more photos like this on Indiepublic

I am a member of Indiepublic

2008-02-24T03:06:00.000-08:00

Good Sunday morning,
I am pleased to say I have joined a great networking website. It is dedicated to the artist or handcrafter. It is also associated with Etsy. I believe in the age of all the cheap imports that we need to support and buy handmade. This is something I have been doing for years. I so appreciate people that work and create with their hands.

View my page on Indiepublic

I would like to invite any artist/handcrafter to join me on Indiepublic.
Have a nice day,
Gloria

Miniature Needle Felted Bunny on Sale at Etsy

2008-02-23T08:13:00.000-08:00

Hello,
Today is sunny and chilly. Some differnt from yesterdays snowstorm.
I had so much fun making the miniature primitve needle felted bunny that I had to make just one more before I went onto other things. I am planning a new pattern in the next week.
This is the link to my little bunny. Of course if you want to make your own you can hit the "kit" button on my website and buy the kit.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9774223
This one I included a vintage looking ribbon bow.

Be sure to watch the show on these little bunnies on Monday. (www.primsisterstalkradio.com)

Have a wonderful weekend.
Gloria

Primitive Felted Bunny

2008-02-22T10:13:00.000-08:00

Well, another snow storm in Vt. This is the craziest winter in years.

Yesterday I made one of my sweet little primitive needle felted bunnies. He was a special order for a lovely customer but it was a nice change to do some primitive needle felting. I devised a technique about a year ago where I needle felt over a muslin body that has been coffe and cinnamon stained. It is sparsely needle felted over the muslin body to look like an heirloom. I so love the effect. My primitive needle felted kits can be found on my website on the kit page. http://lowellcountrydesigns.com/kits.htm

Anyway I have been doing V-patterns (stands for video patterns) on http://www.primsisterstalkradio.com/. Each Monday Brenda does a fabulous job of putting together a fun show for everyone to view and listen to. In past weeks I have done segments on the traditional needle felting. After several requests I decided to this week's show on the Primitive needle felting. It is a ton of FUN!

The key to the sucess of these little gems is the wool stuffing. I wash and card the wool stuffing for the bodies. The wool stuffing is also included in my kits.
A carder has many comb and brushes the wool til it is soft and silky. It is then called a roving.

Have a wonderful day.

Tote bags

2008-02-21T04:28:00.000-08:00

Goodmorning,
It is below zero in Vt. this morning. And the "Today" show is in Sugarbush Vt. I really wanted to go up there and see them but opted my warm living room. I figured it would be a mob scene up there. Meridith took the penquin plunge and dove into Lake Champlain. I can not imagine jumping itot the icy lake. BBBRRRRRR
Yesterday I strated making my tote bags again. I enjoy making them but it seems like I never have enough time in a day. In the next few month I will be filling my NEW Etsy store with lovely totes and accessories. There will vintage looking bags to country colors. I use only top quality quilt shop fabrics. No cheap box store fabrics. I also put a lot of love and care in each one.

My Etsy store link: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5565857
Shop handmade. It's the BEST!
Tomorrow I am going to blog about my weekly wool special. And I want to discuss my segments on Primsisterstalkradio.
Have a great day.

Americana Rabbit

2008-02-20T06:47:00.000-08:00

Goodmorning,
This one of my favorite all time folk art pieces. I designed him almost 2 years ago. You can get the pattern for him in my Americana section. But I have finally decided to sell the one and only oringinal Americana Rabbit with Sam the Crow. He is 19" long.

He can be found in my Etsy store.
The link is: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5565857
Have a wonderful day. Til tomorrow.
Gloria

Needle Felting and sewing

2008-02-19T06:10:00.000-08:00

Goodmorning,
Well, it is time for one more cup of coffee. mmm so good!
I have now moved my whimsical little chick from ebay to Etsy. He is $4 less because the final fees are less. Most of my finished pieces will now be found on Etsy. I love to needle felt but it is a time consuming art. No patterns or molds used. I love this little chick. He was approx. 6 hours of labor.

Today I am going to start making my bigger totes with matching coin purse and make-up case. Even if you are a "wash and wear gal" I think these little travel pouches are a wonderful thing. Even though I love prim, folk art and vintage I have a dear love for the retro colors and designs. It is those darn 60's that did it to me!

In the summer I love to go on trips with a girlfriend. We scour the junk shops for old vintage necklaces and brooches. I make the zipper pulls from some of these beads.
Have a nice day. Looks like snow again.
Gloria

My NEW Etsy store

2008-02-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

Hi,
I have been working on filling up my Etsy store. It is a place where I will be offering many of my handmade items. Such as needle felted finished pieces, tote bags, wallets,coin purses and make-up bags. So far I have some of my E-patterns listed,needle felted finished pieces and this week I have been working on my functional make-up bags. The bags will come with a free gift such as a handmade all natural goat milk soap or a lotion. They make wonderful gifts. I will be using a wide range of fabrics from retro to country.

Felted Chick

2008-02-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

Hi,
I wanted to share a picture of my little felted chick. He is all Alpaca, hand dyed and needle felted. He is just as whimsical as can be. I have him up for auction on Ebay this week.

He has been shaded in the differnt colors so he has a lot of depth. I am really proud of him.

Queen of Hearts

2008-02-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

Hi, It has been quite a while since my last post. It is an ice storm here in Vt. I am so hoping that I will not lose my power.
My first NEW pattern of 2008 is called Queen of Heart. It is a fun pattern. I am working on a new needle felting kit. I hope to have it released in the next few days.
Please keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers.
Gloria

Chestnut Hand Dyed Wool w/ Free Felting Needle

2007-05-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

Chestnut Hand Dyed Raw Sheep's Wool

This is a gorgeous Cotswold Sheep's Wool that I dyed a beautiful chestnut color. It is approx. 5" ...

Prim Red Hand dyed wool with free felting needle

2007-05-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

Prim Red- Hand Dyed Cotswold Sheep's Wool

This is a gorgeous Cotswold Sheep's Wool that I dyed a prim red. This fleece got a blue ribbon at a ...

Wool

2007-05-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

As many of you know the wool has become a big part of my business. It goes hand in hand with the patterns. Last weekend I attended a large wool festival. They are just amazing to go to. It seems like i continue to learn more and more about wool and the differnt types of sheep. I watched fleeces being judged. That was so interesting. I never realized that if a sheep was unhealthy how easily the wool pulls apart and breaks off. I watched the most gorgeous fleece come out to be judged. The judge even though it would be the winner. But when he pulled on it to check for strength it broke off and came apart easily. Now I know to always do the snap test before I buy a fleece to sell to my customers. I got one of the top ten fleeces. A gorgeous Cotswold. Just amazing! You can find it in the wool section of my website. It sells for 5.99 an ounce. Here is a picture.

New Pattern

2007-05-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

Each time I create a new pattern it feels like such an accomplishment. It is with great pleasure I bring my latest one to you. It is actually 3 patterns for the price of one. You get the rooster pattern,uncle Sam and the flag ornament with the little eagle. It is so much fun. I really enjoyed creating it. A nice piece of Americana.

New Pattern

2007-04-27T04:29:00.000-07:00

Hi, It has been awhile. I have been busy creating new designs and painting my shop. It is almost time to open for the season. Time sure flies.
My new pattern is a Gardening Hare. What fun this one is. No making cloths because they are painted on. He holds a bunch of carrots and peas.

Well, it is back to the drawing board. Have a nice weekend.
Gloria

My short vacation

2007-03-15T05:28:00.000-07:00

Goodmorning,
It is pouring down rain in Vt. The snow is melting and everything looks dirty. I am ready for green grass and flowers. Anyway I am working on a new felting kit. Felting is an addicting hobby for sure.
I was able to spend several days at my daughters. She has 11 month old twin boys. They are at a really cute age. I have to share.
Have a great day, Gloria

Correction

2007-02-20T04:17:00.000-08:00

I am sorry. The button is E-notes for the free note paper down load.

Free Note Paper

2007-02-20T04:13:00.000-08:00

Goodmorning,
If you go to Note paper and scroll down you will notice there is no price. That is because if you click onto them you will see the pdf file is there for the taking. A little FREE gift to my customers. Thanks and have a great day,
Gloria