Category Archives: Holidays

Hockey: The Best Grief Therapy $10 Can Buy

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I’ve had a hard time of it since my Mom died in August.

It’s been hard to continue making hats, which was terrible timing, since autumn and the holidays are my busiest hat season.

Honestly, for a while there, it was hard just to get up and face the day.

Thank goodness for hockey!

Not only does it provide fantastic exercise, and much needed endorphins, but the singular focus of chasing that little black puck around and hitting it with a stick is pure bliss.

Nothing in my head for a whole hour but hockey! No room for grief. No room to feel sorry for myself. Just hockey.

For my money, it’s the best grief therapy around. I highly recommend it!

(That’s me in the yellow helmet, by the way…)

Felt Hat Fan Club: Grandfather Rights for the Houlihans

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Susan Houlihan, of Alpenglow Skincare, in Homer, Alaska, wears her custom-embroidered kntted felt hat by fiber artist, Carrie Cahill Mulligan. Also pictured are son, Liam, and husband, Patrick.

About 2 years ago, I received my all-time favorite holiday greeting…

Susan Houlihan, owner of Alpenglow Skincare in Homer, Alaska, chose this wintery photo of her family, featuring one of my very earliest spiral embroideries.

What fun to see my handiwork gracing Susan’s smiling face as she wished Peace to all her friends and loved ones!

So, thank you Susan, for making my hat a part of your life… And welcome to the club!

New Year’s Treats: Artisan Jewelery

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Normally, I am bit of a tomboy when it comes to things like jewelery, clothes and shoes. Maybe it’s because I had two older brothers, or maybe it was the 10 years living in Alaska, but I generally require things to be practical first and foremost…Knitted-felt fiber artist, Carrie Cahill Mulligan of Canaan, NH, rings in 2008 with new paper art earrings, by Melissa Lanitis Gregory, of Paper Moon Studio in Lake Tahoe, CA, as well as a silk with silver necklace by Jessica Sirois, of JLynne Designs in Damariscotta, ME.

That’s why my new one-of-a-kind art-to-wear pieces are so much fun for me… they are just for the sheer joy of it!

I discovered Jessica Sirois’ unusual silk and silver pendants at the Westport Young Woman’s League Creative Arts Festival when I returned in November, 2007.

I have been wearing mine every day since…

Then, imagine my joy when I received these coordinating, light-weight & cheerful, recycled paper earrings from Melissa Lanitis Gregory, just for participating in her recent Virtual Open Studio!

Knitted-felt hat artist, Carrie Cahill Mulligan attempts a snowy self-portrait photo to show Melissa Lanitis Gregory's lightweight & cheerful recycled paper (therefore not cold against the skin!) earrings, New Boston, New Hampshire, New Year's Day, 2008.

Thanks so much, Melissa for hand-picking just the right pair, as I have worn these paper delights every day since Christmas…

I reckon a little hand-made bling can delight even the tomboys among us… especially in winter when the landscape could use a shot of color and cheer.

So, thank you, Jessica and Melissa, for following your creative muses and making these treats I treasure. I feel more cheerful when I wear your work!