A few years back, I was working temporarily in California. One day on a visit to an antique shop, I spotted some tiny putz sheep. They were inside a dimly lit display cabinet. I wrote about them and my sister, also a sheep and lamb lover, promptly told me to go back and buy them. I did. Mer got three, I got one.
I fell in love with my little lamb. Lori, a fellow blogger who unfortunately doesn’t blog anymore, left a comment that all sheep should have party hats and directed me to some photos of her little sheep collection – all wearing their festive hats. So I made a hat for mine.
That sweetheart wormed her way into my heart and she eventually became part of my header.
She turned up on my business cards. And on my watermark. The party hat is on my signature.
On one of my visits to Florida, Meredith’s sheep got their very own party hats.
My friend Lori (another Lori!) of Vignettes in San Diego, my favorite antique shop ever, knew I had been eyeing a larger putz sheep that was in the shop and she sneakily and wonderfully had one of her artists decorate it to remind me of my many visits there. She’s wearing a party hat, too.
You get the picture. I love sheep. I love lambs. I especially love putz sheep.
The other day, my friend Judy told me she was sending me a little something that she’d found. The package arrived here in Hartford yesterday.
Oh my! Judy found this little sheep and, as only Judy can, added the wooden spool and the lace and the buttons to create a suitable perch. I’m in love.
I called her to thank her for her delightful gift. She told me she had the sheep in a box, ready to mail, when she had a thought: “I have to add a party hat.” Out it came and Judy worked her magic.
I’m delighted and grateful. Judy has become a great friend and her thoughtfulness never ceases to amaze me. Thank you, dear friend, for adding a touch of sweetness and whimsy to my temporary lodgings.
I added a little something to the top of the hat. (It’s the head of one of my sewing pins.)
My growing collection of putz sheep makes me smile. And each one is unique; decorated by me or by beloved friends. Sigh. I’m smiling.
Happy Wednesday.
How cute. I love sheep, too and have a few little ones that I have collected. I bring them out at Christmas. I also have a beautiful print with a flock. I love your collection. Deb.
Thanks, Deb. I have a few other sheep, not of the putz variety, scattered around the house. And Lamb Chop of course!
Oh, this is adorable and I saw it on her blog when she said she was making it for you. It’s just perfect for you!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
It was so thoughtful of Judy. I really love it, Shelia!
Oh so cute and what a wonderful friend :)
Do your sheep have names?
Isn’t life grand….!
Lori
I did name the one from Vignettes….but I can’t remember the name! I’ll have to look it up on the blog!
I do love this little sheep on the thread spool. That Judy is so talented and about the sweetest most thoughtful friend ever! I’m so glad this made you smile.
Linda
It did. So nice to received a little surprise in the mail.
Who could have a bad day with those sheep around?
You’re right!
I’ve loved these sheep since you first posted about them. Too cute!!! :D
They are awfully cute and adorable.
So so sweet and you’re right, that Judy is a sweetheart!
She is!
Those of us who read Judy’s blog have been waiting to see the sheep when it arrives on your blog…so cute. LOL.
You are getting quite the collection.
Jen
Yes…. I look forward to finding another one!
So cute, Claudia. Lot’s of sheep are starting to party at your house. xo Laura
They’re making so much noise!
Claudia your sheep are delightful! I’ve never seen any in shops in my area. It’s such a wonderful collection unique to you. I love that you decorate them with party hats. Hat’s off to Judy for the charming one that she sent to you. She looks lovely sitting on her spool perch!
That spool perch is the neatest idea, Sandy!
Love that little guy? Oh.. maybe she’s a girl… You have inspired me to dig into
my Christmas trunk, and get a couple of mine out. I have collected these cuties,
for quite a few years, and they always make me smile.
So, even tho, Christmas is several months away, I think mine will come out
early, why wait so long, I bet they would like to
have a little party, so that calls for party hats at my house also. Thanks for sharing.
Bring them out and give them some party hats, Bonnie!
Darling and perfect for you!
xoxo,
Connie
Love to you, Connie…I owe you an email.
What a sweet gift! Those sheep are darling. Sheep are my favorite too! And by the way, although your current header is really lovely, my very favorite was when you had the whole lineup of sheep and one had a hat on. That was stunningly cute!
All the best,
Judy
I liked that one, too, but it was a little busy. Actually, it was a lineup of birds (my McCoy aqua bird)with the sheep second to the last in the line.
Dear Claudia,
I knew your blog for some time, signed the report and since then I have been receiving their loot via email.
I am Brazilian, mother, wife, crafter and homemaker. I live in a small town in São Paulo, but I’m especially in love with the USA and Britain – more precisely its rural surroundings.
I am enchanted by your home, I met through the blog. Especially for your kitchen, warm and welcoming.
Oh, and like you, I am also in love with sheep and lambs. Very much so!
Feel free to meet My Sweet Home, ok?
It will be a great pleasure to receive it!
http://meudocelarbykarinfilgueira.blogspot.com.br/
Have a beautiful day!
Bjs!
Karin Filgueira
So nice to meet you, Karin. Thank you for writing! I’d love to go to Brazil someday. I will stop by your blog later today and thank you for giving me your blog address.
This post and pictures just makes me smile. I’ve always loved your happy little sheep and yes, soon you are going to have a collection. Judy is such a sweetheart, so creative and kind…now add a boa around the little guy’s neck and get the party started!
XO,
Jane
Ooooh – a boa! You’ve given me an idea, Jane!
Love the pin you added to the hat! Perfect touch. So glad you liked your little lamb!
Judy
It’s temporary until I can find a little flower, Judy. Thank you, thank you, dear friend.
What a cute BAAAAA! sheep! Doris
Thanks, Doris!
Love your sheep! A great collection…now you just need a black sheep – lol.
I do need a black sheep, Vera!
They are all so cute, and what a wonderful gift from Judy”)
That Judy is so thoughtful!
They are awfully cute! I can see why you have a collection! ;)
Thanks, Donna!
The sheep are the same as we had on the Christmas tree platform when I was a child..I always loved those soft little lambs..I would give them a ride on the train that my Daddy put on there..as many things do they got lost along the path of life..I think I shall look for one when I browse the antique shops..and then I will make her a pretty party hat..We could all use a party hat at times couldn’t we Claudia? Thanks for the happy memory..
I think I need to find some more of these little sheep, Nancy.
I love sheep/lambs too. I can remember having a fluffy lamb when I was little and I carried it around while walking in those plastic high heels, clunking around the house. I love the idea of party hats for them. Yours are adorable and I love the story behind them. What great and caring friends you have to think of you in such a special way.
I know, I love the hats, too. All thanks to Lori!
So funny and cute !!!
Have a great day.
Thanks Monique!
He is adorable! What a sweet gift from a sweet lady! :)
I love it!
Love your sheep…and with party hats, they’re even cuter!
Thank you, Melanie!
Hey Claudia! now one of the mysteries has been solved! you know how much I love sheep too, and I’ve wondered where the idea came from with the party hats. I sure miss Lori, wish she was still blogging. She’s a hoot. so thanks for clearing that up, I may have to make a party hat or two so my little herd can join in on the fun, I’ve been catching up with you this morning. Enjoy your day home!!
Yes, join in on the hat party, Debra! I miss Lori, too. She is so talented and funny. I have one of those wonderful puffs that she was making. Do you remember them?