Squirrel Picnic

Handmade with Love and Stuff


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Big Acorn Race Update: Crocheting the Story

Dragonfly by Jennifer OlivarezThe next few weeks will be super busy for me as I attempt to crochet everything needed to tell the story of the Big Acorn Race. This includes all the props and even some of the characters themselves. It seems like I’m crocheting everywhere I go. I’ve been crocheting on the bus, on my lunch breaks, in line at the store. But if you know me, you’re probably thinking Weren’t you doing that before the book came along anyway? Yeah, you’re right. But now I feel like I’m crocheting with a purpose. Although it’s felt a little frenzied at times, so far I’ve been successful not to let the pressure take the fun out of it. That’s very important, you know.

And let me tell you, I’ve gotten a lot done! I even remembered to photograph some of my work to share with you. Continue reading

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The Big Acorn Race Update: We’ve Got a Cover!

This has been an exciting month! It’s also been extraordinarily busy. (Isn’t it funny how the two always seem to go hand in hand?) I promise to write a separate post about designing and creating all the new patterns, working with pattern testers, choosing fonts, and hashing out what will go in the techniques section. But for now I just really want to share with you something near and dear to my heart, something I’ve dreamed of for over two years now… we have a cover for Squirrel Picnic’s very first story and pattern book!The Big Acorn Race by Jennifer OlivarezBig love and thanks go out to Sylvie Abecassis for designing the graphics and working her magic on my photos. I am always amazed by the talent she possesses. She has a big heart, a wealth of design knowledge and skill, and a generous and caring spirit. I can’t thank her enough for this beautiful gift.

Now that I have a cover, expect to see it everywhere! Speaking of which, I’m working on a website for the book where you will be able to find news and updates and any interactive features I’m able to create. That all may be a little ways down the road, but I’m excited about this next step in the adventure. Thanks as always to every one of you. I hope you are enjoying this journey. I’m sure happy to have you along for the ride.

 


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Squirrel Picnic’s First Book: The Journey Begins

Hi everyone,

Hodge and Podge agree that this new book adventure is the most exciting one they've ever embarked upon. Even better than the trip to Fruita we took last year for the Headless Chicken Festival.

Hodge and Podge agree that this new book adventure is the most exciting one they’ve ever embarked upon. Even better than the trip we took last year to Fruita, Colorado, for the Headless Chicken Festival.

I just wanted to take a moment to give you an update on my progress with Squirrel Picnic’s first book. My thought is that by making it a habit to keep you all in on the adventure of creating and self-publishing this book, I will be even more motivated to get it out on time (March 1, 2016). Just knowing you all are out there looking forward to it (I so appreciate your encouragement) will help keep me accountable. I’ll try to do an update post every month or so. That should keep me on task.

This past weekend, I was able to get a lot of work done. I now have a pretty solid story and even a title. Woohoo! Are you ready for this? Cue the fanfare! Here it is… Continue reading