~We All Have Our Humble Beginnings~

Oh...the things you find when you are Spring Cleaning. I'm actually a bit embarrassed to show this humble little creation to you. It is the very first mouse I ever drew. Well, as an adult with the intent of creating something. It was/is a humble little drawing, but it was a start and the beginning for me, when I first set out to draw my own designs and when my mice were born.

This little paper mouse eventually went on to become the mouse below......

"Ariel"

and then Ariel went on to lot's of other mice.....

Of all the things I've made through the years, when it comes to making mice, I've stuck with this one design. I've altered it a bit here and there and, of course, experimented with different fabrics .....

AND, my arms and legs have certainly evolved. They started out as wire wrapped with yarn!!! I remember the first time I bit the bullet and actually made four matching paws from the same fabric....OH MY! I thought I would lose my mind turning those tiny little blankety blanks!!!

It has definitely gotten easier over the years, but turning those tiny little paws is never simple. I'm not sure I've ever turned four paws and haven't had to struggle at least once.

It's odd, in a way, for me to look back over my work. I remember each time I would make something I would be so proud of myself and be SO excited and happy with what I had made, but now, when I look back at those "beginnings" I think, "Gosh, I've come a long way" AND, quite often I think "goodness, I can't believe I thought that was good!!" But I guess that's what keeps us going, and growing, as an artist. If we were not happy with what we created, we wouldn't keep doing it, but along the way, we learn new techniques, try new things and new work is born and our art evolves.....
I'm proud and happy with my line of mice. They are special to me and truly are an important part of Vermont Harvest Folk Art. Their darling little faces capture my heart each time I bring one to life...SO....when I came across that sweet, albeit humble little collage, I felt bad for having stored it away in the back of my supply closet..because it represents something for me..something I feel proud of. SO now, it hangs in a prominent spot here in my studio right above my work table and I look at it each morning, while sipping my coffee and smile at my simple little beginnings.


Wishing you a very lovely day :)
♥D