Easing Into 2026

At Leyden Glen Farm

Hello Colorful Friends:

Welcome to 2026 on the farm. I hope you had a nice holiday season and that you have recovered. We’ve had some lovely snow since Christmas but now we are living in a vast expanse of ice. Today I tried to back up my truck and I ended up sliding sideways. I gave up and decided to stay home. Luckily our town has a sand/salt reserve that residents can fill their own buckets for free. I’m trying to stay upright and have taken to using an ice chipper to get me safely down the hill to feed my chickens. Their egg production is pretty much nil so I’ve had to even buy some eggs. Looking forward to longer days when their natural cycle kicks back in.

We have been patiently waiting for our first lamb to be born and it finally happened on Friday. Here she is - Number One.

There will be many more to come. If all goes as it usually does, there will be a slow spurt, then in about 2-3 weeks a deluge of lambs. The ewes are looking good and healthy and their bellies are expanding.

I always find it difficult to find my footing in the beginning of the year. Thus far, I’ve been painting some mugs but haven’t felt too inspired. I’ve also been experimenting a bit with watercolor. I’ve been following a 31 Days of Watercolor Prompt Series on Jessie Kanelos Weiner’s Substack. I’ve missed a few days and didn’t have the correct supplies. I know nothing about watercolor painting so it’s been fun even if I’m miserable at it. You can still join - the prompts will be up for 3 months. Jessie is the author of the new book Thinking in Watercolor. More info here.

I also have been inspired to mend some things that have been falling apart around the house. Good thing I made (and saved) some extra crochet squares and hexagons for patching the crochet afghans that get so much use. The mending inspiration came from The People’s Mending’s Substack. It’s been very cold this winter so sitting by the fire sewing or painting in my sunny studio is one way to get through it. I’m starting to think about new tea towel designs and the upcoming farmers market season that begins in April.

Here are some links I’ve found which you might enjoy exploring……

• A short 10 minute film about the women behind the printed fabric designs from Liberty of London.

• Artist Austin Kleon on How to Read Books.

• I’ve followed Sculptor Ricky Boscarino on Instagram for years. His house Luna Parc in NJ is really something. Here’s a short film (8 minute) about his handmade home built out of art. Amazing.

• I found an excellent podcast to dive into….. A Life Creative. Two seasons so far and I’ve enjoyed episodes with Joelle Hoverson (founder and owner of Purl Soho), Gael Towey (former Chief Creative & Editorial Director for Martha Stewart Living), and John Derian (designer and creator of John Derian Decoupage and shopkeeper). Recent episodes can also be watched on YouTube.

• Looking forward to the new season of All Creatures Great and Small on PBS which starts Sunday evening January 12th. Although you can binge all episodes now, I prefer to look forward to Sunday evenings.

Hope you are easing your way into 2026. I aim to bring you a bit of respite from the day to day and encourage you to make and create. Leave a comment or send me a note with what you plan to make, do and learn this winter.

Yours in Color and Creativity,

P.S. I’m writing a Leyden Glen Farm Newsletter here on Substack. It features recipes and news about our sheep farm if you’d like to follow along.

P.P.S. Marakesh Market Pillow PDF Pattern that Oliver is resting on is available HERE. Pom Pom Bolster PDF is available HERE. Both are also available in my Ravelry Pattern Store HERE.