Spring is here at Smiling Hills!  And here in West Virginia, that also means the Mud Season. Anyone who has visited me knows exactly what it is like. But, each year, the temperatures start to creep up, I go to work outside “deer-proofing” all of my beautiful flowers. That’s like a whole season in itself, too.

If you try to have pretty flowers in my neck of the woods, it means spending a lot of time trying and testing products and methods to keep those deer from chewing everything down to the nubs. Believe me, I have tried just about everything, from sprays to nets… and last fall, I installed some electric fence around some of my largest and most beautiful flower beds. We will see how that works as the flowers are springing to life everywhere.

I have been busy these past couple of months sewing, crocheting, and painting. I also built a new studio late last fall and got everything set up by the end of last year. It is great to have a large working space for all of my projects.

Over the next few days, I will be adding inventory to the site of products – spring bunnies (painted), baby dresses, baby sweaters, place mats, and a few other items. I am also working on creating prints of some of my original works that will be available to purchase not only as framed pieces but also printed on pillows, mugs, and linens.

I hope you are getting outside and enjoying one of the best seasons of year. Cheers to Spring!