The Mighty Oak

The weather is cool and rainy today and very much like Autumn.  After walking the dogs in the rain and smelling the crisp air my mind turned to changing leaves and Oak trees in particular.  So I was inspired to put together this collection of awesome Oak trees and Oak leaves.  I found lots of great Oak themed items, everything from Tree of Life pendants, to vinyl wall decor, to paintings, photos, and sculptural wall decor.

The Mighty Oak

   Curated By: CreativeCritt...

ArtFire.com

Craft Supplies

I hope you enjoyed this little taste of Autumn- I know I enjoyed putting it together! :-)

~Michelle of CreativeCritters

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My Mulberry tree and the animals it attracted

The topic for the Polymer Clay Smooshers Blog Ring this week is Mulberry.  First I thought of the color, then my own Mulberry tree popped into my thoughts.  I saved that tree, you know.  The birds must have planted it right next to the downspout on the house, and by the time I noticed it growing there it was about two feet tall. It was already getting cramped in that small space, and wouldn't have survived another year there.  I had no idea what type of plant it was, but it looked healthy and pretty, so I transplanted it to the middle of the yard where it would have some room to grow.  It was a fast grower and before long it became a good sized tree loaded with delicious mulberries.  This is why I save plants- you never know what they might become!

 

The Owl Tree pendant from CatsWire 

I wasn't the only one who enjoyed those sweet and juicy berries though.  Birds of all types flocked to the tree to devour the fruit.

 

Loving Critters Holiday Tree from ClayCatShop

And the groundhog, squirrels, chipmunks, and other critters would gather underneath the tree to gobble up all the fallen berries.  And the berries would rain down every time  the birds would shake a branch!

 

Steampunk Bat Pendant from Desert Rubble

I even spotted  bats flitting around the tree at night!  I think they were attracted to the insects feeding on the berries.  Bats eat lots of bugs (especially mosquitoes!) and they're always welcome in my yard!

Sadly my productive Mulberry tree got sick and died last year :(  It's bark started peeling and all the leaves dried up and fell off.  My animals friends were very upset that there were no berries this year, but I may plant them another tree next year.  I miss seeing some of the different birds that were drawn to the tree, and i know my chipmunk family just loved those berries.  My fat old groundhog even climbed the tree to get at the best ones (which was a really funny sight)!  You wouldn't think those roly poly groundhogs would be able to climb trees very well.  Even if i end up moving soon, I might plant a mulberry tree before I leave.  A little gift to all the animals who have been my friends and neighbors in this house ;-)

-Michelle of CreativeCritters

The Polymer Clay Smooshers Buds and Blossoms Challenge

The theme for the Polymer Clay Smooshers Challenge this time was Buds and Blossoms, which worked out really well for me.  I've been sculpting lots of new floral themed items, and coming up with ideas for this challenge was no problem!  My first entry was my miniature Flower Garden sculpture.
 
This incredibly detailed piece took quite a while to complete, and I did Work in Progress posts on my blog as I created it.  Every tiny little petal and leaf was cut out and individually shaped.  This garden is also a tribute to Gramma, who passed away last May.  It contains some of her favorite flowers, including roses, hydrangeas, daffodils, tulips, Irises, and hyacinths.
My second entry is a floral wall hanging incorporating vintage jewelry bits, metal charms, and beads along with the polymer clay.
 
I made pink polymer clay roses, flowers in shades of pink and blue, and leaves and vines surrounding the piece.  Three little hummingbirds and two purple butterflies (painted metal charms) are spaced evenly among the flowers.
Both these pieces were a lot of fun to make, and tested my skills and creativity as a sculptor.  The rest of the entries for this challenge are just beautiful!  This guild has so many very talented members!  Be sure to check out all the entries in the Buds and Blossoms Challenge, and while you're there, vote for the theme for our next challenge.  I voted for Sci Fi because I've got some new ideas I'd like to try out ;-)
Thanks for stopping by!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Water, water, everywhere!

I love the water, and was lucky enough to live on a small lake when I was a teenager.  My brother and I taught ourselves how to swim and spent every day possible in the water.  Even before we lived on the lake my big brother would take my younger brother and me down to the river, and we'd play for hours in the shallow water.  One memory really sticks in my mind.  We had found an inner tube from a big truck tire, took it down to the river, and spent hours taking turns "riding the rapids" in the tube.  I remember relaxing in the tube, gently bobbing in the water, the sun shining on my face.  The sense of peace and joy I felt at that moment is something I've never allowed myself to forget.  Being with my brothers and sharing that special time together still fills me with joy.  My older brother Jeff is gone now, so it's a bittersweet memory, but one I cherish. 
I also love water themed artwork as well.  And when I find something as awesome as this Water Dragon Necklace from WyvernDesigns on ArtFire.com, well, I've just got to share!


 
And how cool is this?  It's called Neptunes Original Daughter and was sculpted by BlueJane on ArtFire.com.  The colors are just gorgeous, and those eyes are so intense!
And then of course there are mermaids!  You just can't have water without mermaids!  Although this beauty is perfectly happy to hang on your wall.  This mermaid wall hanging was sculpted by FantasyClay on ArtFire.com and is full of texture and detail.
And this Dragonfly Spirit Box from Into The Dawn on ArtFire.com reminds me of the dragonflies that used to hang out with my brothers and I while we were swimming.  If you stayed real still and held your finger out sometimes they'd perch there for a minute! 
All of these wonderful pieces were created by members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild.  I thank them for creating such beautiful work and making me smile!  Be sure to visit their shops and see all the delightful items they've created!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Autumn Inspired Handmade Items from CreativeCritters

These items were all inspired by Autumn, which is one of my favorite seasons. As the weather cools, my creativity seems to heat up.  I've been adding new Fall items regularly.

Autumn Inspirations from CreativeCritters

   Curated By: CreativeCritt...

ArtFire.com

Handmade Soap

Thanks for stopping by to check out my creations!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters