We have a forest behind our house with a walking trail that winds around the woodlands. As I was hiking the trail years ago I spied a stump with a hole that would make a wonderful home for a little mouse. So I put a door on it and knit a mouse to go in it, and that was the beginning of our Woodland Village. One by one new homes and new woodland friends were added. Mr. Squirrel had a home built by Anna up in a tree with a pot filled with feather pens and a guest book. Ma and Pa Deer had an A-frame ski lodge. Fox and sheep campers put their tent by a little pond and roasted marshmallows in their campfire. Bear lived in a terra cotta cottage on a stump only accessible by a stick ladder, and our community artist, the Beaver, stands outside his stick lodge painting the landscape round about him.

When we started The Artistry we moved all the woodland homes down behind the shop, so that everyone young and old could come and enjoy the Woodland Village. We added the Lion’s Den with the Mountain sheep standing guard, and the adorable Penguin Gate.

Then after many requests I began to knit the Woodland Friends to sell, something I thought I would never do. Never say never, right? Btw, my grandchildren call me Moka. 🙂

So, the Woodland Village is open depending on the weather, when we have our Artistry opening. And there are always a variety of Woodland Friends for sale inside. They are also available by mail, if you see one you like, or one I can custom make for you.

I haven’t perfected the frogs to sell yet, but I’m working on it. 😉