I was sitting shop for a friend the other day and had my Felt Kit with me (I take it everywhere like people carry around books to pass the time). Low on supplies~having only a felted wool sweater sleeve and white roving~I simply started working to see what would happen.

Now I am not one for overused icons, but there was something in me that said this dark, blank canvas~a little sleeve end sewn up to make a phone protector~was Paris at night. I thought, "Okay now, what is in Paris at night?" Well, the Eiffel Tower, of course. It’s lit up from tip to toe.

I needle felted this version of the so-famous-martians-know-what-it-is tower. Turns out the stab holes from the needle do a pretty good job of simulating the look of the lights. Finally, I embroidered "Bonsoir" ("Good evening") on the back. I intended to give it to a friend, but my phone is so comfortable in it, I may keep it for myself and make her another one.

September is a busy month for birthdays. That means I am extra crafty this time of year. My awesome mother-in-law’s birthday is today and I whipped out this cute little thing in under an hour. She loves to have herbs on her sill for easy picking, so I think she’ll be thrilled.

I used a wool sweater that didn’t end up felting in the wash. What you see here is the end of the sleeve (the cuff is at the bottom of the pot.) It’s easy to do. Find a pot that fits into the arm hole of the sweater. It could be any sweater, actually, not just wool. Slip the pot in, and cut the arm high enough so it tucks in but doesn’t hit the bottom. Then, drop in a small potted plant. This Sage plant was purchased at a local nursery.

I had to add a little something special, of course, so I needle felted two mushrooms in her favorite colors.

Alright~you got me…I should be nose-to-the-grindstone in my novel rewrite, but I discovered how to needle felt. Holy Crow! (As Aunt Midge always says). I’m in love!

Check out these little pouches I just made while taking a break from the book. They are so small, in fact, that I am hanging them on beaded chains and calling them modern craft lockets. When I get home I’m putting pics of my favorite peeps in there.

Now back to work!