Autumn Prose (and Maddy picks another winner!)

Glorious and bittersweet is the month of October ~ the colors, the crispness in the air~ the surprise of warm days that pull you outside to enjoy the scenery and the scents. (mybabyjohn)




~the changing colors, the scent of wood burning in the fireplaces to keep folks warm on chilly nights. It's the time of pumpkins, and spices, hot drinks and reflection. (Flower Lady)

~the light and soft tones of nature, together with the strong reds and yellows from falling leaves, is gorgeous, and makes me feel so good. (Dorthe)

Fall means the temperatures are finally cooling. The sky turns a wonderful shade of blue. We can get out and walk, watching as the neighborhood decorations come out. (Snap)

Autumn!! ~my favorite season because of cooler temperatures, bursts of forest color, hot apple cider, and the smell of cinnamon in the air. (Poetess Wug)

What to say about Autumne~~ the smell of apple cider and cinnamon, fires in the hearth, apple pie, wool sweaters, leaves falling~~always takes my breath away. (Michelle Petite Louise)

The sun is warm, the air is crisp, the trees change color and harmony ~~ the squirrels get squirrelier every day! (Daph)

~~the color of the sky is such a clear blue in the fall ~ a different color than any other time of the year~~ (Mosiac Magpie)

~~ those misty autumn mornings ~ going out collecting acorns, chestnuts, and seed heads from the woods to create autumn displays. (LuluLiz)

What I like about October is the aroma, the falling leaves, the temperature, the falling chestnuts and acorns, ~ the wind, the first time you light your fire, the preparing of your garden to sleep, ~~ (Jacoba)

One of my most favorite things is the peaceful feeling it brings to me. I feel very close to God walking amongst the fallen Autumn leaves, watching an eagle soar that has migrated here for the upcoming winter. (Julie Marie)

~~red maple leaves, pumpkin pie, and time with family around the Thanksgiving table. (Kristen)

the rich colors of fall~~a brisk walk in the woods on a chilly day and the anticipation of a cozy wood fire waiting at home! (Fearless Nester)

Autumn is a cozy time of year~~ we all start snugging down for the winter. Warm cider, cold noses and fingers at football games, pumpkin pie, and falling leaves. (Canngil)

~~crisp mornings and warm gentle afternoons ~ pumpkins in fields of browning vines ~ visiting the cider mill and taking pictures of the changing leaves. (Her Art Nest)

These poetic words of prose are not mine - but yours. Comments from readers and followers of my blog, left in response to this Harvest Nest giveaway ~~ have touched me so, leaving a lasting impression of your hearts and souls. Every comment, every word , every thought - a picturesque description of your love for this season of change. I could not just leave them be - (just leaving them to sit there in the comment section of my blog) - and so I am sharing them with you all!

What do I love best about Autumn? The magic of the leaves changing colors ~ the hunt for the best view of the colors and the aha moment when the sun is behind a tree and lights up all the colors. It's magic! (Fuzzy Slippers)

Fall does have a way of holding our hearts at bay when we say goodbye to summer's sweet melodic songs.

(Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives)

~~I have only just begun to appreciate Autumn's splendor. I now reveal in the peaceful calm the days hold. Once the air was permeated with the sounds of bird song...now, if one listens intently, you can hear the leaves trickling from the branches before quietly making their swaying decent to the ground. There is an ethereal hush to Mother Nature right now, before the cold and dark sets in~~ (Paula)

~the crisp mornings, the first frost, the first snowflake, the first hint of woodsmoke in the air. As a photographer, I find fall light is a gift. (A Scattering)

~~~

And the winner of the Harvest Nest giveaway - (as picked by Miss Maddy girl) - is Elaine Dale. Elaine's beautiful photography blog, A Scattering, is a visual paradise. Her love of the beauty of her Newfoundland homeland and the Canadian countryside where she now calls home is evident in her stunning photography. Please visit Elaine and all the wonderful bloggers that have been referenced in this tribute to Autumn.

~~ (these nests are certainly well traveled! the last nest contest winner was from Russia - and this little nest will travel to Canada! The last shorebird nest will soon be traveling to Australia! This Mama Knitter wants to go along with them!)

~~~

Those Harvest Nests will be next year's Limited Edition nest series and will be available mid-September. Please continue to leave your comments here regarding your love for Autumn and the bounty of the Harvest. When the nests debut next fall - once again - I will use your comments and your poetic prose in the posting, (linking to your own blogs - of course!) Thank you for sharing your thoughts so beautifully.

~~~

For me - Autumn is a time to slow down. A time to watch carefully as the outside world comes alive with color and beauty. A time of thanks - a remembrance of blessings and those we hold dear in our lives. I am grateful for each and every one of you~~

Vicki

Finally - those "Shorebird Nests" are here!

Where do little shorebirds nest-
Where do they go to sleep and rest?
Where do they lay their fragile eggs-
Where do they rest their little legs?
(me) (pitiful, I know!)

" Designer Nests" - it was bound to happen!

A home for little shorebirds~ the colors of sand and surf~ misty foam bubbles that ride along the waves~ scattered shells that lie along the beach~ a little birdy fishing net that holds a little fish~~~

~~~

And because she is a "prissy" little shorebird - she has embellished her nest with colorful bits of sea glass - (from the beautiful beaches of Bermuda).

~~~

And nestled within - so safe and warm -

three adorable little handmade speckled shorebird eggs

and hiding among the fibers of the nest~~







one very shy, but "oh so sweet" little shorebird ~~








handmade especially for these little nests~~~



These creations have been both a labor of love and a labor with each nest taking up to 8 hours to create. Each nest is uniquely embellished with petite seashells, little "pearls", swarovski crystals (ohh ahh), beautiful vintage beads and ribbons, vintage estate jewelry, sea glass bits from this beach in Bermuda, (each nest will have a few pieces of blue sea glass) and to build the nest, three layers of the most beautiful and exquisite yarns that I have ever owned. Each birdy fishing net will contain a little glass fish and a very special seahorse (vintage occupied Japan).

Finishing off each nest - (just inside) and guarding those little eggs ~ is a beautiful "crystal" starfish.

You can find these nests in my newly created ETSY shop - Le Nid. Have I been busy or what? (I hope you will visit me there!) There is also a link to my shop on the sidebar.

While the nests are all "generally" alike - each is actually unique in that they were created one at a time - one day at a time - by me. No two are totally and exactly alike.

There are only 20 nests in this "Limited Edition Shorebird Series". The first and last nests of this series - numbers ONE and TWENTY - are especially unique. These two nests are embellished with the most rare and coveted blue sea glass bits found on that wonderful Bermuda beach. They also contain my most favorite vintage jewelry pieces (seashore themed of course) - and for these two little nests only - a little sea turtle hanging on to that little birdy fishing net.

These Shorebird nests are slightly larger than the regular "green" nests that I usually make. These nests are each about 5 and one half inches wide and about 3 3/4 inches tall.

This Shorebird Nest Series will NEVER be repeated. I will not be taking orders for these nests - so when they are gone - they are gone. The next Shorebird Series will debut in summer 2012 and will be entirely different - (those plans are already in the works! - really - they are!!).

~~~

Each nest wears a little seashell tag (isn't it cute?) that is dated, numbered as to the location in the series, and is signed by me.

~~~

The first and last nest in this series (numbers ONE and TWENTY) are very special indeed. Priced slightly higher than their companions, the ENTIRE proceeds from the sale of these nests will be donated to CHARITY.

Benefiting from this donation is the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, located on the gulf coast of Florida. This sanctuary is the largest shorebird hospital in the United States and receives over 8000 admissions yearly. The staff at this hospital and sanctuary provided the primary source of treatment and rehabilitation to shorebirds injured in the recent disastrous oil spill on the gulf coast. They are excited to be the recipient of the proceeds from the sale of the "first and last" series Shorebird nests. This donation will go a long way in providing care for injured shorebirds and for their rehabilitation as well.

A few years ago, the Gardener and I were walking along "our" beach in Satellite Beach, Florida. We came upon an injured gannet bird. She had a large fishing hook deeply embedded into her wing and she was tangled in a fishing net to the point that she could scarcely move. Seeing that beautiful bird in that painful and pitiful situation absolutely broke my heart. She was terrified - I could see it in her eyes.

We wrapped the bird in a towel and I gently held her while the Gardener cut the hook free from her wing. We cut the netting away and them placed the bird into a cat carrier that I had borrowed by knocking on a strangers door and saying, "excuse me - but do you have a big cage or a cat carrier?" We then took her to the local animal shelter not far from the beach.

The folks at the shelter told us that the gannet bird was migratory and that she should have already returned to her home in Nova Scotia. She had obviously been wounded for several days. We checked on her over the next few weeks and after several weeks of rehabilitation - she was released to return to her home in the Northern Atlantic. I have never forgotten this experience and have wanted to do something special to help little shorebirds ever since. When the oil spill tragedy occurred earlier this summer - I know that we all felt the anguish of this situation and looked for opportunities to help. This is my contribution to helping~~~

~~~

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What's up nest for the Designer Series nests? Next fall - that Harvest Nest will make it's debut as a Limited Edition Series. And then next Christmas - a stunningly dressed and elegant nest perfectly suited for the holiday - also a Limited Edition Series. Each of my designer series nests will always be linked to a deserving charity. There is so much need - everywhere - (if we can) - we need to give~~~

~~~

And in the late spring - Shhh! - (be really quiet - don't wake the baby) - think a little nest in pinks and then another little nest in blues. (Not a limited edition) - these little nests will live in my shop and you can visit them there!

But those green nests (you know the ones!) - the only way to get one of those is to email me and get on the waiting list. The next "nesting" season begins in January! (That may be the only nesting season next year - because as you can see - it is going to be a very BUSY year!)

~~~

There is no way that I could do this all by myself~~~ (are you kidding!!!)

These stunning little shorebird eggs were created (one at a time - each one rolled and then hand painted!) by my friend Michelle. These nests would be nothing without the addition of such precious eggs. You can find Michelle at her ETSY shop here. Those of you in need of some beautiful eggs for your little nest decorations will most certainly want to check out the creations that Michelle has in her shop! You can also find Michelle at her fabulous blog. Dearest Michelle - I cannot thank you enough for your tireless "egg rolling" - your creative spirit and willingness to help me has made all the difference~~

Seriously - you are going to go gaga over these eggs!

Presentation is EVERYTHING!! and my friend Sue Kosec is a mind reader! Have you ever had a friend who just always seemed to know what you needed - even when you didn't? I just send Sue an email and say "I need~~~" and she instinctively creates the most perfect wrappings for my nests. She is a "tissue paper" wizard! Sue stamps my tissue papers that I use to wrap the nests - (really - you think I have time to do that?). She also created these adorable cards (bearing a special message from me) that will accompany each little nest. You can find Sue here at her email - kosec@sbcglobal.net. Sue does not have a blog - but she should because she makes the most beautiful cards you have ever seen! If you need a special card - she's your girl!

These precious little tags were created just for me by my friend Jackie. Another talented creative person who can take my "I need~~" and turn it into the most perfect accessory. Jackie has an ETSY shop full of lovely gift tags - and if you don't find what you need - she will make it for you! Thank you dear Jackie - You have always been so wonderful to help me! (that's Sue's tissue paper creation peeking out from underneath those precious tags!)

~~

And those precious little shorebirds - those sweet little birds peeking out from between the fibers - those were specially created for me by Stephanie at Meltin' Mud Studio. She makes the most beautiful ceramic buttons in so many shapes and designs. Dearest Stephanie - your little birds are so precious and they are the fitting comliment to these little nests! Thank you, thank you!!

The photos of these Shorebird nests were taken at the beautiful home of my cousin Mona. Her home is a "shorebird" delight - every room is filled with magnificent shells and "beach themed" decor. Playing for an entire morning in her home while taking these photos was sheer and absolute joy! My dear friend Mary was the photo prop assistant - we moved furniture, moved table decorations, moved lamps, totally turned Mona's bedroom upside down, ransacked the closets~~ there was no room in the house that was left unscathed - all this just to take photos of these NESTS! (Mona is the one that looks like a movie star - the other one, you know, is me!)

And then - when we were done taking pictures - Mona fed us a wonderful lunch on this beautiful table! (I really should have taken photos of the fabulous meal that she prepared - but I am not kidding - we were starved and I totally forgot to take the pictures. That is hard work destroying someone's house to take photos of NESTS!!)

My son Rob has deemed himself "Manager of Nest Operations" - and his advice has been invaluable. (I did not send that boy to private collage to earn a business degree for nothing!) Thanks babe - see how well your Mama listens to you!

And lastly, my heartfelt thanks to my dear friend, Mary, who tirelessly listens to my "nest" conversations and is always, always, supportive and encouraging. How can I ever thank you my treasured friend? I cannot even speak it - you have done so much to encourage me.

If someone would have ever told me that I would begin a "career" out of knitting birdnests ~~ well you know what I mean. For me~ this is proof of what can happen when you give life to your passions~~~

~

Thank you, thank you, ~~

Vicki

Harvest Giveaway (and a little "shorebird" sneak peak)

"Delicious Autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly around the world seeking out successive autumns~~~
George Eliot




In celebration of the bountiful Harvest ~~ the colorful palette of autumn leaves ~~the last hot breathe of summer as it floats across the breeze~~~ my Harvest nest.




These nests will NOT be available for purchase until next fall - (they will be one of next year's 2011 Limited Edition designer series) - but this little nest is available NOW! Miss Maddy girl is going to give this little Harvest nest away on November 1 to one of my lucky readers and followers.

Here is how you can enter~~

1. Please leave me a comment telling me what you like best about Autumn. (you may enter as often as you like - but please no more than once per day)

2. If you wish to share this contest with your blogging friends - you are welcome to use my photos on your blog. Please leave me a comment telling me that you have done so - and I will enter you 3 more times.

3. My readers from all over the world are welcome to enter this contest. I will happily send this little nest to you where ever you live. (Remember - the last little contest nest was mailed to Russia!)

If the winner is one of my followers - I will add one of these little jeweled birds to your nest. Miss Maddy girl will draw the lucky name on November 1 - she is all about picking a winner you know! (Actually, if I say "contest" - she thinks "cake!") (guess we will have to have a pretty little Autumn cake for her after she picks the winner!)

Hip Hip Hurray! The "August nesting" is now completed! Over 50 little nests made with love and delivered to their happy new homes! (it took me almost 3 months to complete!) (If you thought you were on the August list and did not hear from me - please email me directly!) The next "nesting" will begin in January and is somewhat limited as we are doing some traveling this coming winter. Because there are some new designs in the works (!!!) there will NOT be an April nesting next year. (I will TRY to work one in later next fall~~).

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If you are waiting for those "Shorebird Nests" - mark your calendars for the October 17 debut! Until then - here are a few little "sneak peek" photos~~~

I made 20~~

" a little birdy fishing net"

"three little speckled shorebird eggs"

each of them hand made

and painted

(they are precious)

"a shy little shorebird"

peeking out beneath her little nest.

(hand made especially for these nests)

~~~~~

I can hardly wait for you to see them! Won't be long now~~

Vicki