Sunday, February 5, 2012

A Hare Past a Shackle


Since around Halloween, I've been shackled by a block. Not a creative block exactly because I've had plenty of ideas. And intentions. Just not the motivation to do anything with the ideas or make good on the intentions.

Don't get me wrong. I haven't been a complete slug. I've created a number of ephemera journals in the past few weeks--all in response to special requests. But I haven't done any crafting just for the fun of it. Now, our inevitable winter weather seems to be just what I needed to light the crafting fire. Being snowed in gave me the perfect excuse to hole up in the craft room for an afternoon.


Some time ago, I came across this wonderful vintage image of a hare at The Graphics Fairy. I really wanted to create something with it, but had been avoiding it. You see, in days gone by, I collected rabbits. Not the real ones. Cute, whimsical, elegant and rustic bunnies to accent my bookshelves, tabletops and mantels. Some were antique, like the glass candy holder rabbit and the chalk bunny. Others were new. Some were handmade.






Then, when the live rabbits moved in and claimed our suburban acreage for their breeding ground, playpen and smorgasbord, the critters quickly fell out of favor with me. Pesky rabbits! After stepping in numerous bunny burrows, coming home from work to find hostas sheered off at ground level and witnessing the continual taunting of our dear, sweet Barney, I channeled Mr. McGregor and declared war.

At the same time, I stopped collecting rabbits. I was so disgusted with the real thing, I just couldn't do it anymore. What you see here are most of the remnants of my original collection.

I gave some of my bunnies to the kids, sold some at my garage sales and donated some. The items I have kept generally have sentimental value. And I do have a nice collection of Teena Flanner rabbits I display for Easter.

So, it's been a while since I've opened my heart or home to a rabbit--or hare, to be specific.





I transferred this grand hare onto the linen of a rescued vintage placemat using Rosemary's Splendid Blender method. Then, I embellished the finished pillow cover with a handmade flower sporting a reclaimed faux wood button.

So, did I waver on bringing a new rabbit into the fold? Well, maybe a hare.

Make it a great day!
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23 comments:

  1. Eclectically VintageFebruary 5, 2012 at 10:52 PM

    He's cute not to bring into the fold! I donated boxes of books but couldn't part with the Peter Rabbit like the one you have! Also picked up a cute little bunny cake mold at an estate sale recently. Following on the new Linky!
    Kelly

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  2. Eclectically VintageFebruary 5, 2012 at 10:53 PM

    and following on GFC- gotta cover all my bases!
    Kelly

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  3. erleichdaFebruary 6, 2012 at 2:48 AM

    this pillow is gorgeous! you are really good!

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  4. SarahFebruary 6, 2012 at 8:25 AM

    Your pillow is lovely! Beautiful work. Visiting from the Graphics Fairy :)

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  5. Rosemary@villabarnesFebruary 6, 2012 at 10:19 AM

    Love the pillow Ann! Thanks for the shout out. Glad the transfer method worked so well for you.

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  6. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesFebruary 6, 2012 at 10:26 AM

    Ann, this turned out beautifully...I really love it! You are a very creative person!

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  7. LindaFebruary 6, 2012 at 12:22 PM

    Stopped by from the Graphics Fairy. Love the pillow! I also try to rescue placemats and make into pillows.

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  8. LindaFebruary 6, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    We had a rabbit once..Mr Bibs!! he hate every electrical cord he saw...how he didn't get electrocuted is beyond me...he was a good guy tho...but he wasn't a wild one...they can do some damage...Great pillow and love the flower.... the transfer tutorial is interesting!!! I will have to try it...Great post...:)

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  9. LindaFebruary 6, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    and I LOVE Peter Rabbit still have my son's copy from his childhood...<3

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  10. NanFebruary 8, 2012 at 7:46 AM

    Hello!

    Thank you for the visit to my blog! I actually DID see your hare pillow the other day!!! Was it on Brag Monday? Isn't it just the greatest image? I love it too! I actually just sold mine from my Etsy shop last month. You can see it here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81665580/hare-pillow

    It's a little different than yours, but not much. I printed mine on burlap. I love printing on burlap using TAP - you really cannot see the transfer paper residue and it looks screen printed.

    Happy crafting. Glad you're back at it. I go through "slumps" like that too. But when it's in your blood, it's in your blood!!! :)

    Nan
    youcouldmakethat.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. AnnFebruary 9, 2012 at 5:05 PM

      Thanks for looking, Nan. I do so love your hare pillow (and all of your others, too). It's not surprising it sold. Wish I could work more with burlap, as it's so nice for the rustic look. But, prolonged exposure gives me hives. Go figure.

      I added your Etsy shop to my favorites.

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  11. very merry vintage styleFebruary 8, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    What a beautiful pillow. Love the flower embellishment!
    Mary

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  12. MichelleFebruary 12, 2012 at 5:51 PM

    Some times we just have to fudge it a Hare.I am now following you on Linky follower.I would love it if you followed me back.I always enjoy meeting new bloggers

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  13. Blissful & DomesticFebruary 12, 2012 at 5:52 PM

    Saw you over at Blissful and Domestic for the Linky Follower Blog Hop. Following you now and hope you can follow back:> Love your cute blog!

    http://blissfulanddomestic.blogspot.com/

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  14. Vanessa DawneFebruary 12, 2012 at 6:05 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  15. Vanessa DawneFebruary 12, 2012 at 6:15 PM

    Hi Ann -- I've just discovered your site & absolutely love it! Thanks for the wonderful bunny pillow tutorial.
    dawnedesign.net

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  16. Pam @Threading My WayFebruary 13, 2012 at 12:11 AM

    Love the fabric flower!!! The pillow looks great!!! Thanks for the link to transferring images to fabric. I have never heard of transferring with a pen. Glad to have you on board and thanks for linking up. Look forward to seeing more of your creativity.

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  17. heidiFebruary 14, 2012 at 11:27 AM

    that pillow is adorable. I really love rabbits, and this is a great way to bring a little bunny into your home.

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  18. Crafty Texas GirlFebruary 14, 2012 at 6:57 PM

    Love, love, love that pillow. So whimsical and vintage. Happy you linked up to our party-- Cowgirl Up!
    :) Samantha @ Crafty Texas Girls

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  19. Pieced PastimesFebruary 15, 2012 at 9:49 AM

    What a great pillow- love it! Found you via the Linky hop and have become your newest follower. I hope you have a chance to visit and perhaps become a follower of mine as well.

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  20. Holly @ Bella NestMarch 19, 2012 at 9:35 AM

    Hi, Ann, what an perfect pillow! I'm in love! I'll be following you via Linky now. Thank you so much for stopping by Bella Nest!

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  21. Linda @ it all started with paintApril 27, 2012 at 8:56 AM

    What a lovely pillow! So glad you opened up your home to one more hare ...

    So very, very happy that you linked up to our Pillopalooza slumber party!

    :)
    Linda

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  22. thistlewoodfarmApril 28, 2012 at 9:35 PM

    I love this pillow and that image (I have found so much inspiration over at the Graphics Fairy, too)! I heard she spoke at the recent SNAP conference and I wish I could have been there!

    I am pinning it for future inspiration.

    Thanks for linking up to our Pillowpalooza Party!

    blessings,
    karianne

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