It is Monday morning four days before Christmas and I hear the gentle patter of rain outside. Today is the shortest day of the year and tomorrow we begin to see daylight longer.

I have been working on a prim reproduction from Magdalena Briner. I do love her work. This one is called Dog and Two Crows. I haven’t decided yet if I will add any walnut crystal aging to my version. I used a few bright yellows that I’m not certain I’m happy with. Also I don’t know if I’ll add a hanging sleeve to the back or put it on a hornbook. (Cold weather might play into that decision since any wood cutting is done in the garage.)

Let me take this time to wish you all blessings of the season as we celebrate Christmas and look forward to another new beginning in 2016.

Magdalena Briner Eby (1832-1915) was from Perry County, PA.  Her primitive rugs are considered a signature example of American folk art. If pressed, I don’t think I could choose a favorite.

Hooked rugs were done with long strips of wool and hooked on stiff fabric such as burlap. I always say that hooking and punching are like cousins and the designs work well in either one.  The photos above are the beginning of my latest project. It is my freehand interpretation of  Magdalena’s Dog and Crows and I will try to keep the colors as close to hers as I can.  I’ve learned that there were certain things  repeated in rugs she created. For example, the cherry in the bird’s beak can be found in different rugs.

So, a little history and a sneak preview. Thanks for stopping by.

I’m heading today to “Christmas on the Homestead” in Holly Mi. Looking out the window I see fog, which I hope burns off before I leave. I checked the mileage and this shop is only 5 miles from Fenton, so I think I’ll visit “Stitch n Things,” a shop featured in the Punch Needle Primitive Stitcher mag. Stay tuned for details.

We awoke to frost covering the landscape, but the sun is bright and green grass is still the prominent view.  However, we won’t allow that to stifle our Christmas anticipation.  I’m rather certain snow is in our future here in Michigan.

Today will be busy with last minute preparation for the Holiday Magic Marketplace at the Royal Oak Farmers Market.  The Marketplace will be open from 4pm until 9pm. This is in conjunction with the tree lighting ceremony which takes place directly across the street in the plaza by Royal Oak library. The market will have free hot dogs and hot chocolate and Santa will make a visit in a fire truck.  I hope you can join the festivities and visit me at my Yooper Trails table. I will have a selection of punch needle including Christmas items.  The market address is 316 E. 11 Mile, Royal Oak. 48067.

Some Santas on brooms and frames. The pillow is a Prairie Schooler pattern is is a special gift from my sister

Little pillow tucks and a top hat Santa

Santa on a broom and top hat and in a metal frame share space with a Prairie Schooler cross stitch pillow. They all sit upon my Triangles By Design quilt which took me three years to complete.

I was fortunate to be featured in the Detroit Free Press Homestyle magazine last Friday. The column by Jocelyn Brown is called Handmade. Click here to read the article. It was nice to have needle punch enjoy some exposure.

I will be offering an update on my blog Saturday night at 8pm under the “Shop Yooper Trails” tab.