Impatient... again!

My last post was SO effective in energizing myself to do what needed to get done that I thought that this week I could use a different kind of reminder.

I've had several people inquire recently about visiting me at "My Shop"... This makes me SOOO happy and SOOO IMPATIENT!  So this is my advice to me today...

A Swift Kick in the Pants!

Sometimes, everyone needs one!  Including me!  I don't know if it's because the kids are home or if I have a lingering case of "heat exhaustion" but I have been a tad unmotivated lately.  So this morning I'm giving myself a Swift Kick in the... PANTS!

Inspiration from the Adirondacks

I know that no one enjoys someone else's vacation photos...but every year I use my vacation in the Adirondacks to gather inspiration.  The whole region is so filled with great artisans and amazingly talented people.  So this is my "Appreciation" to those Adirondack People who Create!  All of these photos were taken (without flash) at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, NY.  It is by far the most inspiring place I've ever been.  And I return as often as I can. I'll publish more Inspiration photos from our other Adirondack travels soon... I promise!

If you have to be at a desk...Choose one that makes you smile!

Amazing Quilt Display!  I love Applique Quilts!

Adirondack Pooches need awesome Adirondack Doggy Houses!



Once used as a Surveying tool...Now it's Historical Art!

Tell me that this isn't better than those ugly plastic swings!

I need me one of these!

Look at the intricate design and remember there was no electric tools when this was built!

Adirondack Lean-To

Amazing and Intricate Arbor!

Birch Bark + Twigs = Andirondack Style!

Timeless Adirondack Beauty!

I am truly inspired by this piece!

Love, Love, Love!

Everlasting Friends

I saw this quote and thought of one of my Everlasting Friends.  Most of us have one or two of these special people.  The photo is one I took on a hike in the Adirondacks!  I always find such beauty and inspiration in the Adirondacks.  Guess I'm feeling sentimental today.

Falling in Love with Instagram!

I love old, rustic, junky, vintage, anything that reminds me of days gone by.  Like Wooden Screen Doors!  That's why I'm falling in LOVE with Instagram!  A new(ish) trend that turns photography into the art I remember from my Mom's Kodak picture albums!  I especially love how using Instagram customizes my screen door photos!  It adds a vintage quality and charm to my unique Adirondack inspired doors.  I'm going to share my Instagram creations here but if you'd like to follow me on instagram just search: northcountryrustics  or follow me on Pinterest at: http://pinterest.com/ncrustics/ and remember that you can find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/northcountryrustics ~ Hope to see you all... Everywhere!



"Bear in Bed"



"Country Christmas"



"Western Lodge Bed"



"Eagle & Moose"



"Barn Door"



"Beavers!"

"Jumping Buck"



"Eagle over the Adirondacks"

"The Perfect Place"



"Forest Family"



"Sunflower Garden Gate"



"Buck Shot"

Me & My Creations



"Birds And Branches"



"Jersey Love"



Cedar Bear Bed



"Buck Shot under Branches"



"Darth" Moose ~ The Force is Strong with this one!



Saranac the Bear



Rustic Wall Hangings!



Dandelion Delight

Dandelion Delight!

I am sooo excited about my latest screen door creation!  And for so many reasons!!!

Reason #1:

Once upon a time I wanted to try a different style of carving so I headed into the workshop and came out with a cute dandelion carving on barn board. When Hubby came home and saw my adorable carving he wrinkled his nose in doubt..."It'll never sell."  After nearly a year...I was starting to think he was right.  And you know, I was not happy about that!  Was I the only one who could see the beauty in a dandelion?  Just when I'd given up hope I got a message from Sherri asking about the carving.  Hubby is WRONG...all is right with the world!

Reason #2:

Not only did Sherri like the carving but she ordered a door to match! That was like an extra bonus "Ha~See I knew what I was doing" to the Hubby. With over 30 Facebook messages between Sherri and I about this and other projects we were finally able to agree about the design. I began carving and I have to say...I still love the dandelion design. It's so simple but it's such a strong reminder of summer!  I have to admit the project took me much longer than I could ever have imagined but that was because I had some medical drama thrown into my schedule.  Still, I felt awful that it was taking me so long to complete...Until...

Reason #3:

I was just about done with the dandelion door when I watched one of my favorite show's (and Facebook addictions) Junk Gypsies on HGTV.  In the episode that aired Sunday night (Office of Daydreams) they painted a Native American symbol on the screen in a screen door.  Suddenly, I knew why I hadn't finished the Dandelion door yet... So I played around with the concept and I was in LOVE!

Reason #4:

Sherri (the kindest and most patient person ever) had her doubts about painting the dandelion "fluff" onto the screen.  But once she saw the sample pictures... she threw caution to the wind and said, "Let's go for it!"  I love a girl with Spunk!

Reason #5:

I used a simple paint pen to add "fluff" to the screen.  It was simple to do and yet it added so much character and whimsy to the door.  If your going to have a dandelion door it should feel fresh and playful and I really think that I capture that spirit in this door!

There you have it...5 reasons why I found this Dandelion Door Delightful!





Rustic Wall Hangings

I'm sorry it's been a bit quiet on the blog...That just means it's been a bit loud in the workshop!  I've been working so hard on many different items including a custom dandelion door that I'm really in love with.  I'll be sad when it goes to it's real home.  More on that soon...but for now I thought I'd share with you some of my latest wall hangings!

I'll admit that I've been working on this mirror project for a very long time. Mirrors make me nervous but now that it's done...look for a lot more mirror projects soon!  This mirror features a Bear Cub learning to Climb the branch frame of the mirror.  Real Pine Cones adorn the corners for added rustic flair.

"Cub with a View"

This was my first shelf project!  I had sooo much fun on this whimsical bear.  I hope he finds a happy home (maybe in some child's bedroom)... "Saranac Shelf" has a rustic bark edge and a lot of rustic whimsy!

"Saranac Shelf"

The next photos are of two projects I made a while ago...featuring "Hootie" and "Grumpy".  I love working with cracked log slices.  It's so easy to imagine a critter living in that tree once.  I have heard that "Acorn" loves his new home!

"Hootie"

"Grumpy"

We donated these pieces to a benefit for a good friend who was injured by a falling tree.  Sometimes, it is easy to take for granted things like trees, wood, even paper...but these common items are brought to us by everyday people working in the woods, doing jobs that are often very dangerous.  So when we have a chance to support the people who bring all this to us...It makes us proud to be able to help.

"Saranac Shelf" ~ "Cub with a View"
"Hootie" ~ "Double Trouble"