The Hogscald Holler

First Thing of the New Year!

2012-01-04T06:15:00.000-08:00

I have started the New Year by needle felting this fun little guy.He is so ready to party and for having a great year.He will going to the "Studio on 6th" to meet a nice lady and talk her into taking him home with her.

Live Deeply and be Happy!

Vicki

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T06:54:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

This is my sweet grand baby playing pic-a-boo. I wanted to start the new year with a smile.

Well it is a start of a new year,what are your plans?This past year was not the most productive for me.For this new year I have given myself a good shake to get rid of what ever was holding me down. Now on to a NEW year that this is going to be very creative for me. I have a open mind and heart and I am ready for the the art to flow.
What do you do to get your creative mojo moving? What or who inspires you? This year I would like to use this blog to inspire and to be inspired.Talk to me, tell me you about your art.I would love to know more.

Live Deeply and Happy New Years.
Vicki

How Can It Be So Long?

2011-11-30T06:13:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted on here.I seem to still be having a hard time finding my place in this new life.Here I have time I have always wanted to do my art, but I can't seem to get my head in it.I need someone to kick me in the butt. What helps you get your creativity on?

I did get my new display at "Studio on 6th" all ready for shoppers and I think it looks nice now. I will have to really get some new things made for the first of the year when the Christmas items are gone.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Few More Rugs From Truman Lake Rug Show and Hook-In....

2011-09-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

Here are more of the rugs from Truman Lake Hook-In. Enjoy!

I need to get hooking. I have so many rugs I want to hook.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Pattern for Nelda.....

2011-09-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

My good friend and hooking buddy Nelda, asked me to design her a pattern for a camp she is going to next month.She had a picture of a shirt that she liked and it had paisley all over it.She wanted it 30 ins.by 60ins. which is the biggest rug I have designed so far.She also hooks in a 9 cut most of the time.

Well, two days and 4sharpies later I have a pattern that I hope she will like it.I know she will not be able to do all the little designs with a 9 cut but I wanted to make it so someone working in a smaller cut would have details to work on.

As I was working on this design I have started thinking of how I would do it.I have not ever hooked a rug this big but I think I will start color planning it so I can.

Here is Nelda hooking out-of-her box, she is using a 3 cut.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Truman Lake Rug Show and Hook-In....

2011-09-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday I was in Warsaw Mo. for the first Truman Lake Rug Show and Hook-In sponsored by "Saltbox Primitive Woolens."

The "flock "from the Saltbox were so muck help and made the day great.Here you see the flock doing a song and dance for us.

Sherry DeMate of ShabbySheepWool.com was so cute in her apron.

Here is a picture of the crowd.

Patty and helper doing door prizes.

Wendy Miller in her booth.Stay tuned for info on Wendy coming to the Eureka Springs Rug Hooking Camp.

People around hook-in.

Tammy from "Skip to My Ewe"

Here is Maggie Bonanomi. I bought one of her books and I can't wait to make something from it.

This is part of Maggie's booth.

One of the ladies was working on this wool quilt.It is going to be beautiful.I really want to try some of this.

Now for the rug show.I will let the pictures speak.

I will post more pictures soon.

Live Deeply, Vicki

Bid Day Tomarrow, HOOKING!!!

2011-09-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

I am sitting for in a motel in Warsaw,Mo. working on this rug.The beads are on and the edge is almost done.Tomorrow is the Truman Lake Hook-In.I am all setup and ready to go. I will take lots of pictures for you and post them soon.

Live Deeply
Vicki

I Am Still Alive and Back to Work....

2011-09-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been away for so long.I have been suffering with something that I don't know how to describe.The last two months I have not been able to do anything but set on my butt and flip through the TV channels.I could not hook,I could not felt and at times I did not feel like moving.At first I thought it was the birthday that was coming up, the big "50". Well, it came and went and that was not it.Nope! I am OK with turning 50. Two weeks later I was talking to my daughter and I realized what my problem was, I need to be outside more. When I am in Springfield I have to go down three sets of stairs and out a locked door and then I am on a parking lot.I am a country girl and I need fresh air and sunshine.So I am over this feeling down,I am moving on.

Now to what I have been doing.Two weeks ago I went to Bishop Hill, Il. for their "Clay and Fiber Show." Here are some pictures from the show.It was a very fun two days.The pictures above are of a lady (sorry I can't remember her name) doing bobbin lace.

There were lots of potters.

And some beautiful pottery.

There was some wood turning going on.

There was some spinning going on but I did not get a picture of the spinners, but this wheel was in the shop and I think it is beautiful.

There was broom making too.

Here is Frank taking a brake from broom making.

This is a wood burning oven that they were backing bread and pizza in.It was yum.

This weekend Adam and i went to a ice cream social at the Marbold Farmstead.It was a beautiful day to be outside.

I demoed needle felting there.

And Adam just sat there and looked cute.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Look Who's 1 Year Old Today....

2011-07-21T18:51:00.000-07:00


That's right! My sweet little grand daughter is 1 year old today.Her mommy (Framed by Amber) took this picture and the little dress was made by Rosie Rose.Happy Birthday Auna, Nana loves you very much.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Teaching Rug Hooking in Clarksville.....

2011-07-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

Miss Auna is almost a year old now and she thinks she is a big girl.She is trying to feed herself.She did get a little of it in her mouth but most of it got on her face and hands.

This last weekend I taught a rug hooking class for an art group in Clarksville,Ar. I had a great time and I hope the ladies did too.

It was a beginning hooking class and everyone worked hard and did a great job.

Lynn was my hostess for the weekend.I really enjoyed getting to know her, her hubby and her mom.

Kaethe got comfy on the couch as she hooked.

Sherry is working on a horse.

Janie is making great headway on her rabbit.

Barbara is working on a bird.

Sally's little sheep are coming out very cute.

We added some green strips in the background of Lynn's horse.

I hope all the ladies will send me pictures of their finished rugs.

Live Deeply

Vicki

Funny,Funny,Funny..

2011-07-05T06:22:00.000-07:00


I love this lady's work! I hope to take a class with her someday.

I love this video! Can't tell you how many times I have see someone wearing something that caught my eye and all I could think of is "that would look great in one of my rugs."I love hooking with recycled wool.

Live Deeply and recycle something,
Vicki

I Love My Country......

2011-07-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July to everyone!I hope ya'll have a safe and wonderful day.I feel very lucky to live in the USA and I love my country.But there are people in this country who are trying to change our history.I keep hearing about our Constitution saying we have "separation between Church & State".That the church should stay out of the "State".If you read the letter I have posted below you can see where that saying came from and what it was meant to be talking about.Thomas Jefferson wrote this letter to a church that had wrote him with worries that the "state"was trying to tell them what to do.Jefferson's letter make it clear that he was talking about the "state" staying out of the church not the other way around.Below is a link to where I got the copy of this letter.

Jefferson's Wall of Separation Letter

To messers. Nehemiah Dodge, Ephraim Robbins, & Stephen S. Nelson, a committee of the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut.

Gentlemen
The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction. my duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, & in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more and more pleasing.
Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.
I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection & blessing of the common father and creator of man, and tender you for yourselves & your religious association, assurances of my high respect & esteem.
Th Jefferson
Jan. 1. 1802.

I hope we as a country will take back our history and teach it to our children the way it really happened.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Hooking Today....3 Cut......

2011-06-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

I started working on this little violet pincushion that the students of Victoria Hart Ingalls did at the NWA Hook-in.I was teaching a class so I could not take her class.So I bought the kit and now I am working on it.

You might notice all the values of the greens laying at the top of my frame.He you have looked at my blog for very long, you know I am more of a primitive hooker.But I am trying to learn to fine hook.

I have all the hooking done now and I will get the rest on the pincushion done soon. I also started the edge of the jar rug.I started with one color and got it half done but I ran out, so i had to take that out and find different
color wool.I am pushing it close on that color too, but I think it will work.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

I Need A Help....Please...

2011-06-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Show so over, this is my booth all packed up.Doesn't look like much like this.As much as I love fiber shows,I am not sure this is my market.I meet some great people but the show did not pay for itself.I don't know if I had kits for needle felting and rug hooking, it may have helped.Seemed that most of the money being spent was spent on supplies and not the "folk art" part of the show.How do you pick shows to do?How do you know what show is the best for your art?How do you sale "your" art to the people at a show? I am not a good salesperson at all. I tend to take the low presser style "Hello. if you have any questions please let me know".So as you can see, I am questioning if I am doing the right thing by doing shows at all.

This week I have been hooking.I just finished the hooking on this rug.May need to change one of the flowers on the side.This is the rug I did in Anita White's class at Eureka Springs Rug Hooking Camp.

I really like how the jar turned out.

Now I am trying to decide which beads to use for the little stem flowers.

This is where I need help,which beads do you like?


Live Deeply. Vicki

More Pics From Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Show...

2011-06-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

This is the most colorful show I have ever been to.

Beautiful yarns.

There is a group of rug hookers at the show and they have a few rugs to show.

I love this rug!

There are many bunnies around the show too.

More color.Oh my! Beautiful....

Live Deeply and come on down to the show...
Vicki

First Day at Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Show...

2011-06-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

This is my booth at the show.My sister Traci got to come with me and we are having a great time.We got the booth all setup yesterday and today we had a fun crowd.

Traci has been working on some quilting and doing so shopping.

The last three pictures are of the booths around use.Can you say "hog heaven".

We are like kids in a candy shop.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

My Big Weekend is Here....Wish Me Luck

2011-06-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

This weekend I and doing the "Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair"that is being held at Grayslake,Il. I thought I was going by myself but I ask my baby sister if she would like to go and she got it worked out, so now Traci is going with me.I am really looking forward to spending the weekend with Traci.

I have been working hard to have lots of things for my booth.If you are in that part of the world come out and see us at the Lake County Fairgrounds.You can go to their web-page and see everything that is going on this weekend.

One of the new things I have being working of is these little hat hair bow.Auna is helping Nana model them.

She looks so cute it the hat.I wish she could go with me and model at the show.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Venders of NWA Hook-in....

2011-06-20T06:01:00.000-07:00

We had great venders at our hook-in this year.This was the first year for Don from Oak Hollow Productions.

Pat Wallace with Saltbox Primitive is a regular.

This was the first year for Janice Johnson and her hubby from Wooly Woolen.

Judy Cripps and her hubby have Rustic Rugs.

Gina Levesque with Across Generations.

Aileen Anderson with Bear Creek Rugs.

And first time this year, Kay Kjeldgaard and her beautiful baskets.

And last is me, but I never get pictures of myself with my booth.

Live Deeper
Vicki

Don't Forget ...

2011-06-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

Don't forget it go over to my new blog and look at all the pictures from the NWA Rug Hooking and Rug Show..

The Winner Is.....

2011-06-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

A while back I had a drawing for a cute little felted owl.I know I would she the winner at the Hook-in,so I waited to reveal the winner till now so I could give it to her in person.Mindy was the winner.Here is Mindy with her new pin.I tried to get a picture of her with her eyes open, but we gave up after 10 tries. hehe

I have posted new Hook-in pictures over on the new blog,so pop on over there and take a look.Arkansas Rug Hooking

NWA Workshops.....2011

2011-06-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

Well, the weekend is over and the NWA Hooking-in and Workshops is over for this year.We had a great time.The first few pictures are of my needle felting class.Above Kathy is working away.

Nola had tried felting before and she took right to it.

Carol had never felted before but if you look at the last picture you will see she did a great job.

Mindy took to felting like a fish to water.There was a lot of talking and laughing going on in our class.

Here is Victoria Hart-Ingalls class.

They worked on a sweet little fine-hooked violet.

Nelda had to do some shading and if you know Nelda,you know that really pushed her.

Someones violet in the works.

Aileen Anderson's class worked on finished edges.

Martha is working hard in class.

This is Carol's bunny she made in my class.

I have started a new blog just for the hooking events I do in Arkansas so people can find the info they need better.I will make a link on the side of the blog so you can find it all the time.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Almost Hook-in Time....

2011-06-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

It is almost time for the NWA Hook-in and Rug Show.This is a picture from last years hook-in.I think I have everything ready and now I am just waiting for everyone to get here.All that is left to do is bake cookies.If you are coming to the hook-in and want to bring your favorite cookie, bring it on.We Love Cookies!!

I will be posting pictures of the hook-in the first of next week.

Please, everyone be careful on the road coming to Eureka Springs and I will see you very soon.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

NWA Hook-in 2011

2011-05-31T05:56:00.000-07:00

BORDER WORKSHOP with Judy Cripps

Do you ever wonder how to do the border of your rug? This workshop will give you lots of ideas. We will discuss:

1. How to draw a straight border

2. Size and shape of borders

3. Border Design

4. Border Color

Everyone will start with either the Eureka House or Happy 4th rug pattern. They are 17 X 18 and drawn on linen. The 2 inch border on each will be blank. I will have lots of examples to show you. After the talk I will meet with each of you and together we will design a wonderful border for your rug. Hopefully each rug will be a little different.

The cost for the pattern is $22.00. WOOL IS NOT INCLUDED so bring your own. As soon as I have a class list I will contact you and send you a color photo of your rug to help you color plan. I will also have wool available to purchase but try to use your own. These are small projects and great for using up your scraps!

We still have a few spots open in this workshop at the Hook-in June 10, 2011. If you would like to be part of it please let me know fast.

War Eagle Craft Fair Canceled ! But all Indoor Shows Still Going...

2011-05-05T06:40:00.000-07:00

Because of all the rain the Ozarks have been getting this spring War Eagle Craft Fair has been canceled. So what to do? I was thinking I would just work around the house this weekend.Then my friend Jody call and ask what other show I was going to do?What!!!I can't get into a show at this late date! But she got me thinking, so I got on my trusty computer and got to work.The people at the "Ozark Regional Arts and Crafts Show" had heard the news and made arrangements for more space.So I will now be at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center.So come look me up there. I girls from the "Sawdust Cabin" will be setup next to me, just like War Eagle.

I have been hard at work felting lots of fun things.This is some of the wool I use.I guess you could say this is my paint pallet.

This is my work space right now.It looks like a crazy person has been in here.

Here a sneak pick at a new idem I will have at the show.Cute,cute,cute.

Cats are running wild,a must for spring. I will also demo needle felting at the show,so stop by and I will show you how it works.

Live Deeply and come see me!
Vicki

How I Spent My Weekend....Hook-in at Bishop Hill Illinois...

2011-04-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend I got to go to a hook-in at Bishop Hill, Illinois.This was the first year for this Hook-in and we all had a great time.Here is Ella overlooking things as everyone arrived.
Ella and her hubby Frank own "Prairie Arts Center" in Bishop Hill and what a cute shop it is.They sell all handmade things.Jeffrey Goard is the potter at the shop and I would like to say a big "think you !" to Jeff for the door prizes he gave for the hook-in.I won a fantastic coffee mug and I am drinking coffee from it right now.

I know Ella's daughter Sherry was a big help to her mom in getting everything ready for the Hook-in.It was great to finally meet Sherry.

Lots of hooking was getting done.

Janice from "The Rug Hooking Store at Black Horse Antiques" was the vender for the Hook-in and a lot of shopping and planning of rugs was going on.Thanks to the sales team for all the help you gave everyone.

I do believe there was more talking done then hooking, but isn't that what a Hook-in all about.

The store had some great things to look at and beautiful wool too.

Ella had a new pattern to buy wool for.Here you can see a big group effort in color planning Ella's rug.

Here is a few rugs that being worked on.

This hippo was wonderful. I don't think the colors are showing as good here as they looked.

We all had a great day and it even snowed a little.Sherry said it had to snow on the daffodils.

Live Deeply
Vicki

A Great Night with Beautiful Women...

2011-04-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

Adam, Aaron and I had a great night last night.We went to a Celtic Woman concert and it was fantastic.What beautiful women and voices. Everyone there was so talented, even the back-up player.If you ever have a chance to see this group of ladies you just have to go.

Live Deeply and go sing a song,
Vicki

Give-a-way and New Things for Sell...

2011-04-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

I have posted new things for sell on my other blog Hardcastle Folk Art. Now that I am not working a "real" job, it is time for my art to make a living for me.Can a artist make a living from Art? I really want to sent the rest of my life making art and getting it in the hands of people that will love it.I also love teaching others the art forms I love.
To help with that I am having a Give-a-way!!! I will have a drawing for this sweet little needle felted Owl pin. Please go look at my selling blog and be a follower of this blog, then leave a comment here. I will draw a name on April 20th.

Live Deeply and make art.
Vicki

Rugs Coming Along and New Journal.....

2011-04-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

I have been hooking my little heart out.My fine hooking project is coming right along.Here I am looking a pictures of my teachers footstool and am hooking as much like hers as I can.
I really want to take some pictures of real flowers and start a project from that point. I am going to get outside with my camera and stake out some flower beds.Hopefully people will not think I am too crazy.

You fine hookers out there tell me what you think and also tell me what helps you.

My sheep is coming along too. I have made some changes and I am still not sure about the face.The main problem I am having is I am away from my wool stash.I have very little wool with me so I am having a hard time.I NEED WOOL In Illinois! It is very hard to work from to houses.

Adam and I went to a craft show Sunday and I found the neatest journal from"The Journal Ladies" .The journals are crafted by a mother-daughter team.Each journal is crafted from salvaged vintage books.

They use acid-free paper in each journal and also some of the book's original pages.

When I open this book the first thing I saw was this sheep. I just had to have it.Go look at the link above,I think you will love them.

Live Deeply and Enjoy the Sun Shine....
Vicki

What I am Up To Right Now...

2011-04-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

I am in Springfield for a few week and I have been busy with a move we made.Now I am trying to get some hooking and felting done.
One fun thing I just done is set-up my art for sale in a great shop called "Studio on 6th". It is the cutest little shop right down town Springfield.It is a all handmade shop and it has a lot of outstanding artist showing there.
The artist I have meet are so nice and it is a must-see when you are in Springfield.

I have also started a class on fine hooking with teacher Raedean Windish.When I was at camp one of the ladies showed me a ad in Rug Hooking magazine for classes and the address was 6 blocks for our new apartment.Can you believe it, so I had to call and she had classes going so I jumped right in.
This is the morning glories I am working on.

Here is my sheep from camp.I love the way it is coming out.
I am also hoping to get my tree man rug bound.I found some yarn that I think will work.

Ok, back to work.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Rugs from Eureka Springs Rug Camp 2011

2011-03-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

Sarah did a great rug of a peeping-tom being flashed by the lady of the house.

Bonnie's rug is looking so good.I am sorry about this first 4 pics, I had to use my phone.

Itinia's sheep is so cute and she got some of her flowers done.

If Cheryl had one more day I think she would have got this rug done.Cute,Cute,Cute.

Anita loves bright colors and she really hit it with this rug.I can't wait to see it finished.

Cock-a-doodle-do....Jody is going to town on her chicken rug.

Kathy was a beginner when she came to camp but she did a great job.I know she loved it and will keep on hooking.

Laura's sheep was smaller then all the others because she is making a tote bag from it.What a sweet little sheep.
Kate and Ella got rugs loaded up before I got pictures.Bad girls.

I hope everyone had a great time ,I know I did.It was very nice meet the new ladies and I hope they will come back to Eureka Springs Rug Camp sometime.

Aileen Anderson is a wonderful teacher and I want to thank her very much for working with me.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Day Two of Camp With Aileen Anderson

2011-03-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

Lots of hooking went on today and rugs are moving forward.Even though it was cold outside the sun was shinning.

This is our newest hooker, she is a beginner and she is doing great.
Kate is our fastest hooker.I think she will get her rug all done.

Mindy came to spend the day with us.She is almost done with a rug I designed.It looks beautiful.
Frank play for us today.

More to come,

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Day One of Eureka Springs Rug Camp March 2011

2011-03-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

Camp got to a great start today There is 12 of us in class and here you can see Aileen talking about how the hook a sheep.
I was so busy today I forgot to take very many pictures, but here are a few.

Ella is working on the sheep but she has turned hers into one with horns.
Jody is working on a chicken and a barn.
Here Aileen is helping Anita with some flowers.
Yes, those big pink things are going to be flowers. I will show you more later.
This is my sheep.I am using three yarns for mine and I hooked it very high.
I am putting some fun wool yarn in to look like grass.I really like how it looks.

Live Deeply and go pet a sheep.
Vicki

And They Are Off......Eureka Springs Rug Camp

2011-03-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

Most of the ladies arrived in Eureka Springs today and are ready to start hooking.
It was a beautiful day in the Ozarks and as you can see our hooking room has great light.
Eureka Springs Rug Hooking Camp starts first thing tomorrow and I know we are going to have a great time. I will keep you posted.

Live Deeply and go hook a rug..
Vicki

What I Have Been Up To THis Week...

2011-03-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

This week I got what my daddy calls a "wild-hair" and I took apart a room in my house.This is my guest room and it did not look inviting at all.I did not take pics of the gross carpet that was in there, you will just have to take my word for it. Bad!!!

So I ripped it up and through it out the door.

Here you can see the big hole I cut in the wall.See that pluming sticking out of the wall, it started life as a sink.Yes, there was a sink in the bedroom.My son-in-law did the hard part and capped off the pipes and then I put the wall back together.That is the wall behind him in the pic below.
Now comes the fun part, laying the carpet.Now you might ask way I did not just hire someone to come in and do it.Well, to make a long story short, a few years ago I had two men come to lay carpet in my bedroom and one of them had a heart attack and died.No more of that.

My sweet son-in-law Jay, did offer to help, so here we are working hard.
I think we did a great job.Look out Jay, we have four more rooms to go.

Now here is the room all done.It is my red,white and blue room.If you look close you can see that the walls are papered in brown paper sacks.It also has a hand painted border.

All ready for guest. My mother-in-law will be the first to stay in it, she is coming this weekend.
This is a old printers tray that I have had forever but it has not been hanging for years.Some of the little things in it I have had since I was a child.
I just had to add a little color to my lady.
I love this old wash table I found at a yard sale for 20.00. I am so happy to have one room all done.
By-the-way, Adam does not know what I have been up too.Boy will he be surprised when he gets home this weekend.
I just had to show you what my friend Jody gave me today.I have never seen anything like these but she knew just what they were.
Ain't they cute! Each one has info on the back that tells all about the animal.
It is all most rug hooking camp time so come back the rest of the week as I will be posting about it.

Live Deeply and go rip up some carpet,
Vicki

Need to be "Framed"?

2011-03-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

My daughter Amber finally got her new camera and is ready to go to work.Do you need pictures of yourself, your kids,family,a senior or a wedding? Go to her new website and look at her work.She is still working on the site so keep coming back because she will be adding more pics. Amber loves to do on site and outside pictures.
She is also doing Modern and Artistic Portraiture's. I think she has such a artistic eye.If you want beautiful pictures or something out there, she is the one for you.

I know this sounds prejudice but she is so good with people. I have seen her take beautiful pictures of people that were not photogenic.

This pics are of my favorite little people, my grand babies.

Go take a look at Amber's web site "Framed by Amber"

Live Deeply,
Vicki

More Pictures From Lenexa Hook-in...

2011-03-02T06:54:00.000-08:00

More rugs from the Hook-in.This is great three part rug that a student of Victoria Hart Ingalls did.Beautiful!
Please take your time and enjoy all the rugs.

I have not had time to hook in a long time but I am changing that as of today.Time to hook!

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Pictures for Rock Creek Hook-in, Lenexa Ks.2011

2011-03-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

This weekend was the Rock Creek Hook-in in Lenexa, Ks.Adam and I got into Lenexa about 12:00 Friday night after a 6 hour drive.The roads were good on our drive but the next morning things were not so good.There was a light freezing rain through the night and the roads were slick Sat.morning.We made it to the show OK but the weather keep a lot of people from coming.
I am posting some pictures of the show today and I will post more tomorrow.I did not get name s for the rugs but I hope you will enjoy them anyway.

This is one of my new pins.I have been having fun making little monsters.
Here is Adam working the booth.I wish you could see the pin I made him,it says " I love Hookers". He really does love talking to all the ladies and the hubbies of some of them.

There I am with all my goodies.

For all the hookers that did not make it to the Hook-in, we missed you.Hope to see down the road sometime. Don't forget about the" NWA Hook-in" in Eureka Springs, Ar. June 11,2011.Ice should not be a problem then.hehe

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Getting Ready for Rock Creek Hook-in in Lenexa,Ks.

2011-02-14T20:07:00.000-08:00

I will be hosting a booth at the Rock Creek Hook-in in Lenexa,Ks. The hook-in will Feb.26, 2011.We always have a great time at this event.If you are there please come by and say hi.
I am hard and work on my needle felted pins and animals for the show.I am also trying to finish are rug for the rug show.It is the rug I started with Anita White and I would love to have it done so I can show her there.She always has a fun booth at this hook-in.
Papaw got a little grand baby time this weekend when he came home.
Auan loved helping play the mandolin.

We are back in Springfield Il. I would love to meet any rug hookers and fiber artist around Springfield.

Live Deeply
Vicki

Snow, Snow Everywhere.....

2011-02-11T19:42:00.000-08:00

I thought I would show you a few pics of the last snow storm we had.It looks beautiful but I am ready for it to go away.Even the lake has frozen over.
I love the view from our house.That is my daughter's VW bug setting down by the road as they could not get it up the drive because of the last snow storm we had and then we got all this.
That is 13 ins. of snow in one day.I am ready for sun shine and lots of it. How about you?

Live Deeply,
Vicki

The Hogscald Holler Come to you from Springfield,Il.

2011-02-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a while sense I have posted much so I thought I would let you know what has been happening in me life.

All last year I had a new job that I liked very much but it took a lot out of me.When I got home everyday I could not get the energy up to do much.Then we had a new grand baby come and we just had to spend our free time getting to know her.

Now for the big change, in Nov. Adam took a new job in Springfield,Il. 420 miles from home.He went there and I stayed here to finish my job for the year.

I spent the month of Jan. in Springfield with Adam.This pic is of the apartment building we have there. Right down town Springfield. That is a LOT for this little county girl.

I think I will be spending 2 weeks there and 2 weeks in the hollow.I can't give up my Ozarks.

Now all you hookers and fiber artist in Illinois, let me know where you are and if there are any shows or hook-ins going on.I would love to meet fiber people from Illinois.
I think I will be looking for a place to host a camp up there.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Rug Hooking Camp in Eureka Springs,Ar...

2011-02-07T19:18:00.000-08:00

March brings the next rug hooking camp in Eureka Springs,Arkansas and this year the teacher is Aileen Anderson of Hot Springs Village,Ar.
I love this pic of Aileen hard at work teaching a class at the 2010 NWA Hook-in.

Aileen has had a life long love of sewing and handwork. Starting at the are of 8 with doll clothes for her Barbie, she is rarely without something to work on.

Now days she is busy dyeing wool fabric and yarn for rug hooking and wool applique.
She loves to teach all styles and is an accredited McGown rug hooking instructor.Aileen has ongoing classes in Hot Springs Village and in Jacksonville, Ar. Her studio, Bear Creek Rugs,is located in Hot Springs Village,Ar.
This rug is a wonderful pattern Aileen has designed and she will be teaching the different techniques she used on it.
Beginners are welcome in this class, so if you are a first time hooker or have been hooking for years,Aileen will have great things to teach you.

Dates for this camp are March 23-26,2011. Arrival and setup is March 23 and class will be all day 24,25,26 going home on the 27th.

If you would like more info please let me know.You can look back on here to see pictures of past camps.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

What a Show......

2010-12-13T18:02:00.000-08:00

The Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar was a great show.The crowd was huge and very fun.Amber went with me this year and I think she really had a good time.Above is a new display for rings that I was trying out.
I have been buying old suitcases to use in my display and I think I like them a lot, and you can put everything in them and they are easy to carry.
Here is Amber hanging pins on the big display that is two screen doors.She was such a big help and I would love for us to make art and do shows together all the time.

I did a little Christmas shopping but I can't show you that yet.

Live Deeply, Vicki

Yes! I am still alive.....

2010-12-10T21:30:00.000-08:00

Ok, to all my blogging friends out there, I am still alive.Life has made MANY changes at the Hardcastle house sense the last time I was here.Many of you have e-mailed,to check on me and I have a long story to tell you.But, tonight I just want to tell you that I will be at the Deluxe Indie Art Show Dec 11, in Oklahoma City.If you are anywhere around there come see me.

Mindy, this is for you, new pics of Auna at almost 4 months old.

I will be back to tell you what has been going on here.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

"Fall" is in the Air !

2010-10-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

Fall is in the air here in the Ozarks. Days are getting cooler and nights have a nip in them.Time for pumpkins and crows.Speaking of that, look at the great gifts I got from Amy over at http://athomewithamy.blogspot.com. We took place in a Fall Swap and it was so much fun.
These wooden sighs are so cute.I am looking for just the right spot for them.
A hand painted towel with a crow on it will hang in my kitchen.
Love, love,love this wreath.I have just the door to hang it on.
Not sure yet where I will put this cute needle work but it will get a great home.
Sweet little pumpkin for the mantle.yes,yes,yes
Now which basket will I put these sweeties in.

Thank you so much Amy, I love everything.Now it back to work on my War Eagle Craft Show stuff.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Life Can Give Us Good Times.....

2010-09-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Papa Adam is getting a big smile out of Auna.It is so much fun to have a new baby in the family.
Adam and I when to Silver Dollar City and spent the day there yesterday.It was a beautiful day and the City looks beautiful dressed for the fall.
Speaking of fall, I have been getting ready for the fall War Eagle Craft Fair.I am having fun with some new stuff.
This is some of the new pins I have been working on.

Live Deeply,

Vicki

Little Auna and her First 3 weeks...

2010-08-18T20:09:00.001-07:00

I got spend the day with Auna Grace yesterday so I snapped a few pictures of her.
Had to get one of her and me together.It is hard to take a picture of your self.
Is this not the cutest thing you ever seen.Her Mommy had to use a tiny paint brush.

Big brother is very proud of his new sister.
He call his "baby girl".
I love my two grandbabies so much and I am so lucky to live so close to them.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

What I am Do Now....

2010-08-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show you a few pictures of the place I am now working.I will be posting more as I get them taken.

Simply Scrumptious Tea Room & Emporium

A very good friend of mine opened a tea room and wanted me to come work for her.It took a lot of thinking because Adam and I have been working together for 6 years.But, change is good and I love my new job.
Here are some of the plates we are making there.The food taste as great as it is beautiful.
Are you hungry yet?
Beautiful food and beautiful place to eat it in.Come make it a day in Eureka Springs.We are open Thursday through Monday 11:00 till 2:00

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Rugs From Anita White Camp....

2010-08-09T06:11:00.000-07:00

Here are the rugs and the hookers that hooked them, from camp the summer.All but me, I never same to get a picture of myself.

Above is Sherri.
Janet...
Kathleen...rug pattern by Jeanne Benjamin www.newearthdesigns.com
Marcia....
Mindy...pattern by me, Vicki Hardcastle..
Aileen... pattern designed by Janice---Wooly Woolens.
Jody....pattern by me, Vicki Hardcastle..
Diane....pattern was made by Diane herself.
Annie...pattern by me, Vicki Hardcastle..
Linda.... "Comstock" a Lib Callaway design
And Lise......pattern by Sally Kallin

Thanks ladies, I had a great time getting to know you better....

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Last Day of Camp and Things got a Little Wild....

2010-08-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

Not only was the weekend the Eureka springs Rug Hooking Camp but it was "Yards & Yards& Yards of Yards Sales" in Eureka Springs.This little red shopping cart was one of the things Anita will be taking home with her.Here Jody and Anita are having fun with it.

If you had been here when Anita unloaded her SUV you would ask " How we she ever get it Home?" Well, all you need is 12 hookers in a room with all that beautiful wool and room is made.I will never tell how much new wool I am bringing home.
Here is a little something I made for lunch today.Now even a smell of it left.So sad!
Hookers at work.
Wool is not just for hooking.Anita got cool today and she wore this piece around all day.
A little demo on how to edge a rug.

I will post pictures of everyone's rug tomorrow.Tonight I am going to bed.
Night....

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Day Two and....Auna's First Rug Camp

2010-08-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

Auna had her first trip to rug camp today.See stayed awake almost the whole time she was there.
Anita was very good at doing two thing at one time, teach hooking and hold baby. I think she could get used to have a grandbaby.
This is what I have been working on.I have no got far but I like how the jar turned out.
Anita hard at work...

Here are so of the class and their hooking.

Back soon to tell you mare about camp.Boy, am I sleepy!!!

Live Deeply,

Vicki

First Day of Eureka Springs Rug Camp....

2010-08-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

Anita and Mindy got right to work this AM, the first day of camp.Anita is so great with color, she makes it look so easy.
Some of the ladies got a lot done today, but I was not one of them, but I did feed them good.

Just wanted to show a few pics from the first day. Now I am off to bed so I will be ready for tomorrow.

Oh, we did have a beautiful rain today.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

The Day Before Camp......

2010-08-04T19:53:00.000-07:00

Anita White made it safe to Eureka.We got all setup and are now ready for class to start tomorrow.We got a early start on my rug.If you look close you will see a hint of what is on my rug.
Do you see the beautiful blue wool Anita dyed for me.
Here is some of the wool we will get to pick from to hook with.Don't you wish you were here?
Live Deeply and keep on hooking.
Vicki

Anita White is Coming to Town....

2010-08-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

Thursday will be the first day of the Summer 2010 Eureka Springs Rug Hooking Camp.

Anita White is the teacher this year and I can't wait. The you on the left is the rug I hooked with Anita last time see was here.I love how it turned out.It is my pattern.The rug on the right was hooked by Mindy.I think it is fun how the same rug can be hooked many ways.

You can go to Anita's blog by clicking her name.

I will keep you posted on how the camp is going.

Living Deeply,
Vicki

Weekend at a Fiber Show........

2010-08-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

Adam and I spent the weekend at the "Fiber Christmas in July" show in Kellyville, Oklahoma.I've petted so much wool in all my life.We meet some new fiber people and had a great time.
Here is some of the things I had for sale and I can say that every dime I sold, I spent and maybe a bit more.hehe...

I wish I would have taken more pics of the whole room.
There was a lot of spinning and knitting going on.There was also classes all day long.
This was sheep-themed fused glass by "Paws & Reflect"
This little guy came home with me.It will go live with Auna Grace.
Pattern for this and many more very cute animals can be found at cheezombie.etsy.com

Thanks very much to Dana and Steve for hosting Adam and I for the night. We had a great time.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Welcome to the World Auna Grace....

2010-07-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

July 21, 2010 was the day my granddaughter came into the world.Her name is Auna Grace and she was 19ins.long and 5lbs 14 ozs.

Her great Grandmother Fannie is holding her here.
This is her great Granddad and my Dad, Joe.
Here she is sleeping like a angel.
I think being a Nana is the best thing on earth.
Adam has already played her banjo for her.
She is 4 hours old here .
Big brother Ryan was very happy to meet his new sister.She looks happy to meet him too.
Auna gets her first look at mommy.I am so happy my baby girl has a baby girl of her own.
Here is my brand new granddaughter and she is beautiful.
Thank you God for the safety of Mommy and baby.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

My Fairy Name...

2010-07-14T07:40:00.001-07:00

Your fairy is called Juniper Icefrost

She is a bone chilling bringer of justice for the vulnerable.

She lives in clear-headed pine forests.

She is only seen during the first snow of winter.

She wears purple juniper colours. She has icy blue butterfly wings.

Get your free fairy name here!

Rug Show at NWA Hook-In....

2010-06-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

This is some of the rugs at the rug show at the NWA Hook-In. I am going to let the rugs do the talking.Enjoy!!!

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Hookers,Hookers Every Where...NWA Hook-In

2010-06-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

This years NWA Hook-In was a great time. As you can see sometimes you just have to get on the floor to plan a rug.
Sometimes it takes a group to plan a rug.

I love this this pic of Renee and Haylee.

Some of the hubbies got some talking done.
Lots of shopping was happening.

Happy,Happy Hookers...

Plan for the 2nd Sat.in June 2011 and come join the fun.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Victoria Hart Ingalls Workshop...

2010-06-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

Victoria Hart Ingalls' class made the cutest little "Scissor Keep" with a sheep on it.They were using 2 and 3 cuts.That is Tom Ingalls standing in the back of the class.
Here is Martha Lowry working hard.
I think most of the class got their hooking done in that day.

Plan for next year's workshop and join the fun.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Happy Father's Day Daddy...

2010-06-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post this picture of my Dad and his Dad.Most people look at my Dad and ask where I came from because of my red hair.And as you can see my Dad is tall and skinny.I am about 15 in the picture and yes I was skinny then too.

Far left is my Dad,then my sister Karri,then my Dad's Mom,then me then my Great Grandma and my Grandpa.The little one out front is my baby sister Traci. This is 4 generations and we are standing in front of the house I grew up in.It was built by my Great Grandda on my Mom's side of the family.

I love you Daddy!!!

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Finish Edges Workshop with Aileen Anderson

2010-06-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

I love this picture of Aileen Anderson as she gets read for her class on Finished Edges.As any hooker knows the edges of your rug is important and there are many ways it finish a rug.Aileen walked her class through many different ways to finish a rug.
Jody and Annie are hard at work with the 8 in squares that their GOOD friend "ME!" hooked for them.in the last mouth that was the only hooking I have had got to do.
Here is more of the class learning, can't yo see their brains at work.
I get the biggest kick out of Rhonda from Liberty, Mo. Girl we need to hook together sometime.
Linda is a great hooker and she is from right here in Eureka Springs,Ar.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Judy Cripps Border Class at NWA Hook-In...

2010-06-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

Judy Cripps taught a class on different ways to hook borders.Above is the pattern the class worked on. Very cute pattern.
Here are 3 of the ladies in Judy's class hard at work.
Judy and Pam Orintas are planning out the what to do next on Pam's rug.

Mindy is behaving herself here, even thou you can see it in her eyes that she has shopping on her mind for the next day...
Thank you ladies for making the first year of workshops at the Hook-In a great time.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Needle Felting Workshop at NWA Rughooking Hook-in...

2010-06-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

Needle Felting Class

This was the first year for workshops at the NWA Hook-in in Eureka Springs,Ar.We had 4 all day classes on Friday, the day before the Hook-in. I think a good time was had by all.

Above is two of the things felted in my class.Yes, I taught one of the classes.I had so much fun teaching needle felting to this group of ladies.

Here is Sammy Ferguson from Best, Ar.and Linda Ward from Raymond,Ne. felting away.

Dulcy Ann Stewart from Springfield, Mo. and Barbara Turner from Garfield, Ar are hard at work here. Note the Band-Aids sitting in the middle of the table, I think only one had to be used.

Katie Struckhoff of Springfield, Mo. and Dulcy are really thinking hard about what they are doing.
Here we have Nancy Peterson from Lincoln, Ne and Linda having a good time.I think we had the most colorful tables of all the classes.

More to come about the other classes....

Live Deeply and go take a class...
Vicki

Have You Been Counted?????

2010-05-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

Starting April 30 I became a US Census Taker.....so when you hear that knock on your door and it is someone wanting to count you, be nice to them, it might be ME....But if it not me,it is someone working just as hard as I am so be nice to them,can I say that one more time,BE NICE TO THEM.
We are your neighbors, that have taken a part time job to help our families pay the bills.

So far I have meet some great people and learned more about the county I live in.I have seen some beautiful homes and views of the lake.I have also seen views from the mountain tops.I have driven some of the worst roads and driveway and I have driven roads that I thought would end at a Hobbit hole or a fairy land. I have seen people that have a beautiful lake house as a 2nd home and I have seen people living in houses not fit to live in.I have seen people with the hopes and dreams of a new home they are having built and people building their dream home with their own hands.

The hardest part of the job is the boss higher up the latter that keep changing the way they want things done.They give you four days of training then change everything they told you to do.I am the kind of person that, you show me what you want me to do then get out of my way and let me do the job you hired me to do.

First thing they do is hand each of us a big binder with a list of address's and maps that "SHOW" us where each house is. Well, that is the biggest joke,because they roads that are not really there and houses that are not houses,address's that can't me found and remember one little thing,we have no names of the people we are looking for just address's.Now if you don't know this,I live in the Ozark Mountains.There are NO strait roads! So if you someone driving around your road looking lost they just be a Census Taker....point they in the right way to go, lend a hand,be neighborly,HELP THEM find the house they are looking for so they can get their job done.

An estimated 48 million addresses will be visited through July 10.By-the-way,did you know the the first Census was taken in 1790 and that the info you give this year can not be released till 2082! That's right,info from the Census can not be released for 72 years.Will you care in 72 years who can read your info?

Ok, it's off to bed for this girl so I can go count people tomorrow..

Live Deeply,
Vicki

5 Annual NWA Hook-in & Rug Show...

2010-05-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

June 12,2010 is the date for the" 5 Annual NWA Hook-in and Rug Show".Cost is $ 20.00 includes lunch.It is held at the "Inn of the Ozarks" in Eureka Springs,Arkansas.We will have many vendors for all you Rug Hooking needs.
These pictures are from last years Hook-in.As you can is everyone had a great time.On a sad note,pictured in the top picture holding the rug is Sue Gilbert.We lost Sue this past winter to cancer,we will miss you Sue!
NEW THIS YEAR!!!!!!!

June 11,2010, the day before the hook-in we are having 4 all day Workshops.The cost of the workshops are $50.00 and includes your lunch.Classes will have a kit fee that you pay to the teacher the day of class.

Judy Cripps will be teaching "Borders"and this is the pattern they will be working on.She will show many kinds of borders and talk about which one is best for what rugs,
Aileen Anderson will be teaching "Finish Edges". This is a great class if you love to hook,but just don't know the best way to edge your rugs.You will need two 6in. by 6in.hooked squares for this class.

Victoria Hart Ingalls will be teaching a fine hooked "Scissor Keep". If you the beautiful look of fine hooking this is the class and you will have something useful when you are done.
And lastly is little old me Vicki Hardcastle teaching "Needle Felting". In this class you will learn the basics of needle felting and how it can be added to you rugs.You do not need to be a rug hooker to take this class.

All classes are for 10:00 to 4:00 on Friday June 11,2010.

If you would like more info please e-mail me at rughooking(at)hughes.net

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Big Thank You to My Summer Swap Partner......

2010-05-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you Cheryl for my gifts for the summer swap.I have a red,white and blue room and these thing will look so cute in it.
I love the sheep on this little box.
I will fly "Old Glory" with pride.
Cheryl's blog is http://brianandcheryl.blogspot.com go over and see her.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Bad Blogger,Bad Blogger!!!!!

2010-05-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

I have been a very bad blogger.I have not posted in a month! I don't know where me time has went.I started a new job, then I did some training for the 2010 Census.(Please be nice to the Census worker knocking on your door, it might be me.)So the last few weeks has me going from one job to the next job, then home to do the paper work.When I am done with all that I am just brain dead.I get on line and go to Facebook and that is as for as I get.I just realized how much time I am wasting playing the dumb little games on Facebook. Am I the only one or are some of you doing the same thing. I have always sit down at the end of the day and hooked on a rug or needle felted or made something.But I have not done anything lately but zombie out on Facebook.

I am making a pledge right to stop the madness!!! and get back to blogging and most of all my ART. I miss you guys.Please say Hi when you are here.

Live Deeply and stop the madness,
Vicki

Last of the Rugs from Eureka Springs Rug Camp.....

2010-04-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

Bonnie here got a lot of hooking done at camp.
This is not a good pic of Anita but somehow it is the only one I have.
I sorry to be late getting the rest of the pictures of camp up.I have started a new job that I will tell you about soon.
Here is Pam and her rug.
Laura went home before I got a picture of her rug on the last day, but here she is working hard.
Here is Ella working hard on her rug.
Wilma did all this in a #3 cut.
Betty is a speedy hooker.
I loved the background color of Lyn's rug.
I was so happy to meet Sammy at War Eagle this last fall and now here she is at camp.
Here is Joan and her rug.

I hope I will get to see all these rugs when they are done.We had a great bunch of ladies for the spring camp.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

More of Eureka Springs Rug hooking Camp......

2010-03-31T18:53:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show you some of the ladies and their rugs.Here is Terry and her rug.
Kathryn really got a lot done on her rug.Each and every one of the rugs have the start of beauty.I would love to have all of them in my home.
Don't you just love this one Martha is working on.
Sarah is working on a pack rat and he is so cute.
You just got to love this rug Itinia is doing.

Live Deeply and there is more to come.
Vicki

Eureka Springs Camp with Bea Brock...

2010-03-30T19:45:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was the Eureka Springs Rug Hooking Camp.Bea Brock was the teacher for this spring session.We had a great group of ladies and I think everyone had a fun time and worked real hard.Above is some of Bea's rugs.
Here is Bea showing some hooking stitches.
Here she is talking about and showing some of her rugs.She talked about how to do the edges.

Bea makes a color plan for each rug she hooks and you can see some of them here.That rug laying over the chair is the same rug I worked on in class.

I will post pictures of the ladies in class later.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

New Blog...Pics....

2010-03-11T16:43:00.000-08:00

I just posted pics of some fun needle felted pins on my new selling blog.Hop on over and is what keeps me out of trouble.Just click the box that says Hardcastle Folk Art.------------>

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Tile All Done....Oh What a Day....

2010-03-07T13:38:00.000-08:00

Well, all the tile in the kitchen and entry hall id done.I am so happy with how it turned out.We do what they call a cobblestone pattern and I really like it.Adam did a great job.
This was my part of the job.This is our entry hall in the back of the house.We use this door all the time.We live on Beaver Lake so I thought it would be fun to put a beaver in the tile.I can say one thing about mosaic work,it takes a lot of time.I was on my knees for about 4 hours.But, I really love how he turned out.

Here is a view of Beaver Lake this morning.We are having a beautiful day today and I hope you are too.
Live Deeply and go soak up some sun.
Vicki

You are so Trashy Swap......Thank You

2010-03-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

I just have to show you what I just got in the mail.I was part of the "You are so Trashy Swap" over at The Picked Pepper Patch .What a fun swap it was too.You had to get stuff from a thrift shop and then you redo or use parts of it to make something primitive.Everyone that was part of this swap love primitives.
Me swap buddy was Cindy Surbur from" Touch of Sunshine"and all I can say is OMG! Thank you ,Thank you,Thank you!!! What fun prim things she sent me.First is this very cute grubby heart with a little pocket made from a quilt and a little grubby candle in it.
Then there was this little green box with a rusty tin on top of it and a sweet prim bird on top of the tin.
Next was this cute jar with a flip top lid and a little label that said "Washing Soda".It has two bars of soap for removing stains.
And lastly was this very sweet doll dress on a wood stand.It has a pocket hanging from it with some greens in it.I have already found places in my home for my new primitives .

Thank you Char for planning this swap,it really was fun.

Live Deeply and go join a swap.
Vicki

...More Pics of Rock Creek Hook-in

2010-03-01T19:05:00.000-08:00

Thought I would start off with a pic of some of my blogging friends.Wish I would have had time to sit at their table and talk to them more.They are four ladies I would like to get to know better.
Girls lets plan that sometime.
Now for more rugs.Just sit back and enjoy.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Great Day At Rock Creek Hook-in..

2010-02-28T13:28:00.000-08:00

We had a great day at the Rock Creek Hook-in Saturday.Jody and her hubby and Me and my hubby when up Friday afternoon and spent the night so we would be ready early Saturday.This is Jody helping at my booth.Thank you very much ,Jody for all your help.I would not have seen any of the other booths if it was not been for Jody's help.
Here I am filling the hooks with more pins.The display that Adam made me works great for the pins.
This sweet lady bought a little blue bird pins and it looked so cute on the jacket.
Here are some of the rugs that where the rug show.Idon't know who hooked most on them but I do know Tammy from Skip-to-my-ewe

I will post more later.

Live Deeply

Vicki

Rock Creek Hook-In in Lenexa Ks.

2010-02-22T17:24:00.000-08:00

One week ago I found out I could be a vendor and the Rock Creek Hook-in so I have been working like crazy to get pins done.
I am working my little fingers to the bone.Most of the pins are needle felted.I wish I'd had a little more time to get things made but I will just do my best.
Little sheep,cats,bunnies and birds are piling up on my table.
Oh, I forgot about the monkeys.I love how they have turned out.I hope all you rug hookers are going to be at the big hook-in in Kansas.If you are there come by and say hi to me.
Just so you know, Adam has been on his knees some more and the tile is almost done.I am so happy to have this job done.
Live Deeply,
Vicki

I Just Love A Man on His Knees at My Feet......

2010-02-13T18:24:00.000-08:00

Ha! not what you were thinking was it? You thought, it being Valentine's Day weekend Adam was doing something romantic didn't you? Well I may be weird but this is the way to my HEART.He thinks I'm kidding when I tell him he is at his sexiest when he is covered in sawdust and grout or any other home improvement related stuff.
We have finally started on the tile in my kitchen.I would never say that I nagged......but I think I may have pouted,batted my eyes,hinted a little...well maybe a lot.What do you think,it's not to much to carry a box of tile up the stairs (snow covered stairs) and then lay them all around the kitchen floor at the same time as you run to the couch and sit by your sweet hubby, grab the laptop and look up tile patterns on the WWW. Would you say that was nagging? I didn't think so either.I will keep you posted as we get more done.
Scrappy Stars is all hooked now.I went to Jody's house today and her, Annie and I hooked.I got the last little bit done and now I just have to press and then do the edge.
Closeup of the stars.I did not use near enough of me worm stash so I will come up with another rug to hook with them.

Live Deeply and Happy Valentine's Day.

Vicki

Baskets,Baskets Who's Got a Basket

2010-02-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

How many of you collect baskets?I started with one or two here and there and now they are everywhere.I just can't seem to say no when I find them.I really love the ones that have a name and date on them.I have bought them right from the artist and I have bought them at thrift shops.I have big ones that I use for laundry and little bitty ones.Some of the little ones hang like this on a corn dryer.

Many on my baskets are on the shelves Adam made me to go over my windows.
This is the other end of the same windows.
This is the other window.I have two more little windows in the room that he is going to make more for.
Most of my baskets are spilt oak and I think they are my favorites.Someday I want to take a class and make one basket.

So, what do you do with your baskets?

Live Deeply and go count you baskets.
Vicki

Guess What is Doing At Hogscald Holler....

2010-02-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is snowing again here at the Holler.This is what it looked like this morning when I got up.Must not have been any wind with this snow storm.
The snow is just setting on the trees.
This is the view from my back door.The mountain goes right up from my back door.
If you look close you can see the snow coming down.
One more UFO is finished. I made 3 of these scarfs for Christmas gifts and I had enough yarn to make one more for myself.I had it started and just setting in a bag.But now it is all done and I have a new scarf.

With Valentine's day coming I thought I would make some heart pins.Here is a needle felted heart with little wool flowers.
This one is made with a strip on wool wound up and little wool flowers.

This are the same hearts that I made the candle mats out of.I thought they would make cute pins.
I think I like this one best.

Live Deeply and say"I love you" with you art.

Vicki

What I Have Been Working on this Week....

2010-02-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

This week I have been working on a few things.I made two candle mats from heart shaped yo-yos.

They took a little time but I really like how they look.

This one was the first one I made and it is going to be a gift for a swap I am doing.
I hope you can see the heart shape.
Now for the big project.I have been working on this for a long time.It is the space under my bar.I have used and kinds of things to tile the wall.Now the grout is all done.
Adam was not sure about this little project, but I think he can live with it now that it is all grouted.
The rug is coming right along too.I hope to have it done tonight or tomorrow.
I think I really like snow days.I am getting so much done.

Live Deeply and enjoy the snow..
Vicki

Hooking on a Snowy Day....

2010-01-30T16:04:00.000-08:00

It snowed all day yesterday and this is what it did to our part of the Ozarks.Hard to tell how much snow we got but it looks like about 10 ins.
I love the snow and how the trees look with the snow on them.
Here is what my rug is looking like now.I am using up some of my worms,but I still have a lot to go.
This rug is now all done.One more UFO bites the dust.
Live Deeply and go make a snowman.
Vicki

Hooking in theOzarks.....

2010-01-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

Last Friday a group of ladies got together and hooked at Jody's home in Rogers.We had a great time and are planning to do it once a month.I am also hoping to start a group at my home soon.Above is Annie,a new hooker,hehe...this was her first time to hook.She has been a want-to-be hooker for a long time and has been buying everything she needed to get started so we got her on her way.
It was good to see Mary Jane again as I have not seen her in almost a year.We are planning a trip to her Bed and Breakfast to have a hooking weekend.I, for one can't wait.

For all you people that do not hook I want to show you what happens when you hook very long.Every time you hook a rug you end up with more cut strips then you need and you toss them in a basket.We call the strips"worms". When that basket is full you start a new basket and so on and so on. I hope you get the picture.At some point you have to stop the madness and hook a rug or two or three, to use up the worms.So, I have started #1.
This is my pattern I call "Scrappy Stars". I have had many people wanting to see this pattern hooked so now is the time.I will keep you posted on how it is coming.
I love my big frame for this kind rug,I can see most of it at one time and I don't have to move it a lot.

Live Deeply and get ready for snow.

Vicki

Last Days of Eureka Springs Rug Hooking Retreat .....

2010-01-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

There I am just hooking away.I did get some things done this week.Today was the last day of the retreat and everyone has gone home.Pray they all get home safely.It is so sad to see everyone start packing up and leaving.It feels like they are all leaving me.
Here are most of the hookers that came to the Eureka Springs Rug Hooking Retreat this year.We had great group of ladies and I think everyone had fun.
I did finish the hooking on this rug and got the edge to the one below done.
This rug is my pattern and is called "Tree of Love" and I do sell the pattern on monks cloth.It is a sweet little pattern and hooks up fast.

I have a few more pictures I will post tomorrow.

Live Deeply and make art not war.
Vicki

Rugs For Eureka Springs Rug Hooking Retreat...

2010-01-20T13:59:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the rugs for the rug show at Eureka Springs Rug Retreat.I think 12 rugs have been finished at the retreat this year.

Day Two of Eureka Springs Rug Retreat...

2010-01-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

It was a wild day at the retreat today.Look through the picture and think about 39 women in a room together with at least 500 lbs. of wool and lots & lots of chocolate.Enjoy the rugs that are being worked on and a few that are now done.
If you would like to come see the rugs and talk to the ladies you can come on Tuesday.

Live Deeply,
Vicki

Eureka Springs Rug Hooking Retreat has Started....

2010-01-16T15:57:00.000-08:00

The hookers have made it to town and the Eureka Springs Rug Hooking Retreat has started.

I am not going to write much,I will let the pictures do the talking.

This what you need when you plan to hook for 5 days in a row.Look at all the wool!

I will keep you posted as the days go by.

Live Deeply and hook!
Vicki

Cold in the Ozarks.......

2010-01-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when it gets below freezing in the Ozarks.If you come to my house you drive across a creek that is right in front of our house.It crosses the road and then drops right off this cliff.
That is our house back there in the background.It is so beautiful when the snow is on.
Here are some more UFO's I found as I have been cleaning the studio.Ok, all you hookers out there, how many rugs do you hook before you stop and finish them up. I have at lest three of them.I also have at least four rugs going right now.I think I better get to work hooking.
Some of you have asked how the cleaning job is coming,so here are a few pictures of what i have done so far.I can now sew at my sewing table and not at my kitchen table.
The wool looks better,now maybe I can find the colors I need to finish all them rugs.
Books,books and more books.I need a better plan for this but it will have to wait till the big studio gets done.

Live Deeply and go hook a rug.
Vicki