Download or read book Katie Mouse and the Christmas Door written by Anne L. Watson and published by Skyhook Press. This book was released on with total page 63 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Christmas is coming for Katie Mouse and the rest of the Mouse family! Papa strings lights on the house and takes Katie and her little brother, Dylan, to get a tree, while Mama puts up decorations and bakes cookies for Santa Mouse. Now, if only Katie could decide what she really wants for Christmas, so she can let Santa Mouse know! On Christmas Eve, Santa Mouse and his mouse elves arrive to leave gifts for Katie and Dylan. But Alvar, the newest elf on the sleigh, wanders off to explore, and winds up meeting the Mouse children face to face. From the elf, they hear all about the North Pole and the magical Christmas Door, which shows you what you want and need the most. Can Alvar help Katie discover her deepest Christmas wish? And can Katie help Alvar, when Santa Mouse accidentally leaves him behind? For ages 4 to 9. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// ABOUT ANNE AND MOUSE TOWN In 2016, Anne L. Watson fell in love with felted mice by Bulgarian artist Diyana Stankova. Anne happened to be working on a housekeeping almanac, so she started photographing the mice, posing them in scenes with miniatures in dollhouses, to illustrate the book. Soon she was writing little stories about the mouse family, while learning to use Photoshop to manipulate their poses and composite their props and settings in a creative blend of toys, other photos, and purchased and free art. As Anne added more mice and other felted animals from Diyana and other artists, Mouse Town began to take shape. As might be expected, these adorable but pushy critters eventually demanded their own books, and Anne obliged with the Katie Mouse series. Besides her children's books, Anne writes literary novels and how-to books for grown-ups, on such subjects as housekeeping, soapmaking, and baking with cookie molds. She lives in Bellingham, Washington, with her husband and fellow author, Aaron Shepard, and a growing family of critters. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE "What's the Christmas Door?" Katie asked with new interest. Alvar's eyes shone even brighter. "When the Christmas Door opens, it shows you what you want and need the most." "That sounds wonderful!" said Katie. "I can never decide that for myself." She sighed. "But I guess I could never go there." Alvar thought a moment. "You don't really need to. I could show it to both of you, right here." "Really?" said Katie, all excited. "Just close your eyes and look for a red and green door at the end of a path. I'll help you." Katie and Dylan closed their eyes. Snow swirled all around them, thick and soft. As it settled, they found themselves on a misty forest path with Alvar. The mist grew thinner, and out of it, a door slowly appeared before them -- red and green with gold trimmings, brighter than their Christmas tree. A gold key hung from the doorknob. "What do we do now?" said Katie. "Just touch the key, and the door will open," said Alvar. "Who's first?"

Download or read book Crafting with Cookie Molds written by Anne L. Watson and published by Shepard Publications. This book was released on 2024-09-16 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: SPECIAL NOTE! -- ANNE WILL PERSONALLY ANSWER ANY QUESTION OF YOURS AFTER READING THIS BOOK. ASK ON HER WEB SITE, AND YOU'LL NORMALLY HEAR BACK WITHIN HOURS! It's a match! Cookie molds and polymer clay are perfect crafting companions! So says Anne L. Watson, whose earlier books helped spark a cookie molds revival. As Anne has discovered, cookie dough and polymer clay have a lot in common, and a mold made for one will work brilliantly with the other. The mold does the main work of shaping the clay, making you look like an expert every time! And many cookie molds are "bakeable," so that figures come out of the mold perfectly formed and already hardened. Besides that, contemporary cookie molds come in shapes, patterns, and themes that will appeal to polymer clay and mixed media crafters as well as cookie bakers. So, while bakers will find a new use for their molds, crafters will discover countless new designs to grace their projects. "Crafting with Cookie Molds" includes everything you need to get started: basic tips and techniques, plus over thirty of Anne's own decorative projects, from beginning to advanced, illustrated with over 170 photos. You'll find Christmas tree ornaments, boxes, baskets, shelf standers, wreaths, gingerbread houses, and more. And if you want to use the very same cookie molds as Anne, they're identified by maker, with notes on where to find them. Welcome to the exciting new world of polymer clay and cookie molds! ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the author of "Baking with Cookie Molds" and "Cookie Molds Around the Year," which helped launch the modern revival of interest in cookie molds. She has also written popular books on soapmaking and housekeeping, as well as many novels and children's books. In a previous career, she was a historic preservation architecture consultant. Anne lives with her husband and photographer, Aaron Shepard, in Bellingham, Washington. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// "Charming . . . Watson offers a thorough introduction to a clever new craft . . . A comprehensive, organized, and deliciously readable manual that provides instruction with enthusiasm and ease." -- Kirkus Reviews, May 15, 2024 ///////////////////////////////////////////////// CONTENTS PART 1 -- BASICS Basic Tools Basic Supplies Basic Directions PART 2 -- PROJECTS Baskets Boxes and Canisters Table Decorations Shelf and Counter Decorations Wall and Door Decorations Other Room Decorations Christmas Projects ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE "Too pretty to eat!" If you make molded cookies, you've heard that one over and over. And if you're like me, you don't know what to say. It's a compliment, but it can also feel frustrating. If all your work and skill gives you cookies that can't be eaten, what are you supposed to do with them? Make decorations? Hang them on the wall? Display them on a shelf? Well, yes, that's exactly what you can do -- if you make molded "cookies" out of polymer clay. "Cookies" like that can decorate a holiday tree or a wreath. They can adorn a box, a basket, a canister, a candlestick, or any number of other gifts, prized possessions, or common household items. They can even stand on their own, as when made into a planter box or a gingerbread house. Of course, not everyone reading this book has ever made a molded cookie. Maybe instead you're experienced in mixed media or polymer clay, and you're looking for new directions for your craft. Or maybe, as a beginner, you love that a cookie mold could do the hardest part of shaping clay, leaving you to reap the rewards! Whichever side you're coming from -- cookie molds or crafts -- this book will get you off to a good start combining them.

Download or read book Cool Soapmaking written by Anne L. Watson and published by Shepard Publications. This book was released on 2022 with total page 78 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: SPECIAL NOTE! -- ANNE WILL PERSONALLY ANSWER ANY QUESTION OF YOURS AFTER READING THIS BOOK. ASK ON HER WEB SITE, AND YOU'LL NORMALLY HEAR BACK WITHIN HOURS! Soapmakers may love to add a variety of materials to soap, but they find that some cause more trouble than others. In the heat of the chemical reaction, an ingredient might discolor, or lose its scent, or develop a bad smell. Or it might cause problems during soapmaking, giving off noxious fumes, or making the soap harden so fast that there's no time to pour it in the mold. Help has arrived. Anne L. Watson extends the low-temp techniques from her book "Milk Soapmaking" to making soap from a variety of special ingredients, including cucumber, citrus, pine tar, beer, and wine. Soaps that have long challenged home soapmakers will now pose no problem at all. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the first author to have introduced modern techniques of home soapmaking and lotionmaking to book readers. She has made soap under the company name Soap Tree, and before her retirement from professional life, she was a historic preservation architecture consultant. Anne and her husband, Aaron Shepard, live in Bellingham, Washington. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// CONTENTS GETTING STARTED (From High-Temp Soapmaking to Low) WHAT DO I PUT INTO IT? (The Ingredients of Cool Soapmaking) WHAT DO I USE TO MAKE IT? (Gathering the Equipment You Need) PROJECT #1: MILK SOAPS Recipe: Anne's Cool Milk Soap COOL SOAPMAKING STEP-BY-STEP (From Prep to Cleanup and Beyond) PROJECT #2: CUCUMBER SOAPS Recipe: Basic Cucumber Soap Recipe: Cucumber Yogurt Soap Recipe: Cucumber Green Clay Soap Recipe: Cucumber Apricot Soap Recipe: Cucumber Avocado Soap Sidebar: Designing Cucumber Soaps PROJECT #3: CITRUS SOAPS Recipe: Basic Citrus Soap Recipe: Orange Yogurt Soap Recipe: Citrus Honey Soap Recipe: Ruby Red Grapefruit Soap Sidebar: Designing Citrus Soaps PROJECT #4: SOAPS WITH ACCELERANTS Recipe: Sweet Bay Soap Recipe: Pine Tar Soap Sidebar: Designing Soaps with Accelerants PROJECT #5: BEER and WINE SOAPS Recipe: Basic Beer Soap Recipe: Chocolate Ale Soap Recipe: Red Wine Soap Recipe: White Wine Soap Recipe: Anne's Coconut Beer Soap Sidebar: Designing Beer and Wine Soaps WHY? WHY? WHY? (Frequently Asked Questions) WHERE TO FIND MORE

Download or read book Smart Soapmaking written by Anne L. Watson and published by Shepard Publications. This book was released on 2022 with total page 106 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: SPECIAL NOTE! -- ANNE WILL PERSONALLY ANSWER ANY QUESTION OF YOURS AFTER READING THIS BOOK. ASK ON HER WEB SITE, AND YOU'LL NORMALLY HEAR BACK WITHIN HOURS! Maybe you'd like to make your own soap, but you're worried that working with lye is too difficult or dangerous. Maybe you're scared off by "beginner" books that go on for hundreds of pages and leave you less confident than before. Or maybe you're already making soap, but you wonder if methods you've learned are slower and more complicated than they need to be. Whether beginner or advanced, you'll find "Smart Soapmaking" practical, helpful, and refreshing. Written by a former professional soapmaker, it explodes the myths about soapmaking and shows you how to make wonderful soap from scratch with the least fuss and bother. You'll get a wide variety of recipes, plus you'll learn how to modify them and create new ones. Want to make a luxurious gift soap? Or one that's all natural, with no artificial ingredients? Maybe a moisturizing soap for dry skin? Or one with a trending oil not yet in books? With "Smart Soapmaking," you can do all that and more, to get exactly the soap you want. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the first author to have introduced modern techniques of home soapmaking and lotionmaking to book readers. She has made soap under the company name Soap Tree, and before her retirement from professional life, she was a historic preservation architecture consultant. Anne and her husband, Aaron Shepard, live in Bellingham, Washington. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// ******RECOMMENDED BY THE HANDCRAFTED SOAP & COSMETIC GUILD****** "The only book [you'll] ever need." -- Mother Earth News, Feb.-Mar. 2019 "Should become THE book for soapmaking. . . . It's about time someone wrote a book like this. Most are idealistic and inaccurate. This book has a wonderful common sense approach that is SO long overdue. . . . I can recommend it with 100% confidence." -- Susan Kennedy, Oregon Trail Soaps, Rogue River, Oregon "Smart it is . . . . A simple, no-nonsense book that cuts through the curmudgery of stifling soap bibles like no other." -- Shellie Humphries, Harstine Island, Washington "A great book for beginners, with clear and easy instructions." -- Anne-Marie Faiola, Bramble Berry Inc., Bellingham, Washington "I learned more from Smart Soapmaking than from any other soaping book, and I have read quite a few. . . . It's written with the average person in mind, not a chemistry major. Directions are very simple and easy to understand. It really takes the mystery out of making soap." -- Jackie Pack, Stuart, Virginia "Groundbreaking . . . . Anne L. Watson [is the] universally respected and loved author/crafter/curator of this lost art for thousands of aspiring soapers . . . . Unquestionably the best book with which to begin. To be precise, it's probably the most accessible, most reader-friendly, and most immediately useful container of information a first-time soapmaker could hope to find." -- Wishing Willow (blog) "BRILLIANT to find the recipes are in grams as well as ounces." -- Jude Birch, Aussie Soap Supplies, Bicton, West Australia

Download or read book Castile Soapmaking written by Anne L. Watson and published by Shepard Publications. This book was released on 2022 with total page 70 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: SPECIAL NOTE! -- ANNE WILL PERSONALLY ANSWER ANY QUESTION OF YOURS AFTER READING THIS BOOK. ASK ON HER WEB SITE, AND YOU'LL NORMALLY HEAR BACK WITHIN HOURS! For centuries, the name Castile has been associated with the highest quality in soap. But Castile -- made from olive oil, traditionally in factories -- has proven hard to translate to craft soapmaking. It has earned a reputation as difficult to make, slow to cure, and lacking in rich lather. Until now. Anne L. Watson, author of "Smart Soapmaking," continues her soapmaking revolution with the first practical book on making Castile soap bars at home. With the secrets revealed in this advanced guide, you'll be making lovely, quick-curing, lather-rich Castile quickly, safely, and reliably. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the first author to have introduced modern techniques of home soapmaking and lotionmaking to book readers. She has made soap under the company name Soap Tree, and before her retirement from professional life, she was a historic preservation architecture consultant. Anne and her husband, Aaron Shepard, live in Bellingham, Washington. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// CONTENTS GETTING STARTED (Facts and Myths About Castile) THE KEYS TO CASTILE (Moving It from Factory to Kitchen) WHAT DO I PUT INTO IT? (The Ingredients of Castile) WHAT DO I USE TO MAKE IT? (Gathering the Equipment You Need) Recipe: Anne's Classic Castile STEP-BY-STEP CASTILE SOAPMAKING (From Prep to Cleanup and Beyond) MORE RECIPES! (Different Castile Soaps You Can Try) Recipe: Milk Castile Recipe: Herbal Castile Recipe: Oatmeal Castile Recipe: Cleansing Castile Recipe: Gardener's Lemon Poppy Seed Castile Recipe: Castor Castile Recipe: Coconut Castor Castile Recipe: Tropical Castile WHY? WHY? WHY? (Frequently Asked Questions) WHERE TO FIND MORE

Download or read book Smart Lotionmaking written by Anne L. Watson and published by Shepard Publications. This book was released on 2022 with total page 154 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: SPECIAL NOTE! -- ANNE WILL PERSONALLY ANSWER ANY QUESTION OF YOURS AFTER READING THIS BOOK. ASK ON HER WEB SITE, AND YOU'LL NORMALLY HEAR BACK WITHIN HOURS! Do you love the feel of a good lotion but find yourself unhappy with the cost, or wary of the chemical ingredients? Do you ever wonder if you could make it for yourself at home? Are you afraid to try because the lotion might not turn out well, or might even be unsafe? Anne L. Watson's "Smart Soapmaking" was the first book based on modern techniques that eliminate the drudgery and guesswork from home soapmaking. Now, by popular demand, she continues her handcraft cosmetics revolution with the first practical, comprehensive book on making lotion from scratch. Whether you want to make lotion for personal use or to sell, Anne allays any fears with methods that are proven safe and approved by experts, yet simple and easy enough to perform in your kitchen. You'll soon be making lotion that's better than any you've been buying, and at a fraction of the cost. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the first author to have introduced modern techniques of home soapmaking and lotionmaking to book readers. She has made soap under the company name Soap Tree, and before her retirement from professional life, she was a historic preservation architecture consultant. Anne and her husband, Aaron Shepard, live in Bellingham, Washington. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// "The definitive guide to lotionmaking." -- Donna Puizina, Ekoaromas, Lafayette, New Jersey "Spells out everything and makes it easy to understand." -- Cheryl McCoy, Emerald City Soap, Haven, Kansas "Anne makes it so much fun, and so easy." -- Mary Jean Hammann, Grandma Jean's Soaps and Lotions, New London, Ohio "So logical and easy to understand that my first batch was a success AND a sell-out!" -- Susan Dinion, Holiday Farm & Handmade Goods, Berlin, Massachusetts ///////////////////////////////////////////////// CONTENTS A FEW FIRST THOUGHTS LIES AND LOTIONS (Myths About Lotion and Lotionmaking) LOTION LINGO (Learning the Jargon) WHAT IS LOTION, ANYWAY? (What It Is and What Goes Into It) THE TWO WAYS TO SANITIZE LOTION (And How to Choose Between Them) WHAT DO I PUT IT IN? (Choosing Your Bottles) WHAT DO I USE TO MAKE IT? (Gathering the Equipment You Need) STEP-BY-STEP LOTIONMAKING (From Prep to Cleanup and Beyond) TESTING YOUR LOTION (Making Sure It's Safe) MORE RECIPES! (Different Lotions You Can Try) MILK LOTION RECIPES (Treating Your Skin to Milk) DESIGNING YOUR OWN (How to Create Great Recipes) TROUBLESHOOTING (Tricks, Tweaks, and Fixes) MAKING IT A BUSINESS (How to Go Pro, Not Bust) WHY? WHY? WHY? (Frequently Asked Questions) WHERE TO READ MORE WHERE TO GET TESTING WHERE TO GET SUPPLIES

Download or read book If Wishes Were Fishes written by Anne L. Watson and published by Skyhook Press. This book was released on 2019-03-20 with total page 23 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There’s an old saying: “If wishes were horses, we’d all get a ride.” But what if wishes were schools of fish? What if they were prides of lions, or pods of dolphins? What kinds of wish could you get from those? This illustrated fantasy poem is a lighthearted romp through the animal kingdom and the names of their groups. For ages 3 to 9. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the author/illustrator of the Katie Mouse and Coco Mouse books, as well as the author of numerous craft books and novels for adults. Her illustrations are imaginative collages assembled and manipulated in Photoshop. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE "If wishes were horses, we'd all get a ride!" That's what you'd hear if your wish was denied. But when I consider, it leaves me perplexed -- If wishes were animals, what could come next? If wishes were fishes, whose groups are called schools, I'd wish that the teacher would sink all the rules. Or a passel of possums, the jills and the jacks, I'd wish I could hang out with them to relax. If they were flamingos, whose group is a stand, I'd wish for good balance, and strength in my hand. If wishes were elephants -- called a parade -- I'd wish for a clown and some pink lemonade.

Download or read book Katie Mouse and the Christmas Door written by Anne L. Watson and published by . This book was released on 2017-08-15 with total page 36 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An elf wanders away from Santa Mouse on Christmas Eve and meets the Mouse children.

Download or read book Many Fingers One Hand written by Aaron Shepard and published by Skyhook Press. This book was released on with total page 21 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many parts make a whole, in this short concept book for the very young. For ages 0 to 5. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Aaron Shepard -- besides being Anne's loving husband -- is the award-winning author of "The Baker's Dozen," "The Legend of Lightning Larry," "The Sea King's Daughter," and many more children's books. This is his first concept book. Anne L. Watson is the author/illustrator of the Katie Mouse and Coco Mouse books, as well as the author of numerous craft books and novels for adults. Her illustrations are imaginative collages assembled and manipulated in Photoshop. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// COMPLETE TEXT Many fingers, one hand. Many beads, one necklace. Many pieces, one puzzle. Many trees, one forest. Many colors, one rainbow. Many people, one world.

Download or read book The Adventures of Mouse Deer written by Aaron Shepard and published by Skyhook Press. This book was released on with total page 39 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "I'm quick and smart as I can be. Try and try, but you can't catch me!" Mouse Deer sings his song as he walks through the forest looking for tasty fruits and roots and shoots. Though he is small, he is not afraid. He knows that many big animals want to eat him -- but first they have to catch him! In these delightful trickster tales from Southeast Asia, find out how Mouse Deer gets the best of his enemies -- Tiger, Crocodile, and the most dangerous animal of all, Farmer! TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS -- A READER'S THEATER SCRIPT OF THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE IN AARON'S BOOK "FOLKTALES ON STAGE," OR FREE ON AARON'S WEB SITE. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of "The Baker's Dozen," "The Sea King's Daughter," "The Monkey King," and many more children's books. His stories have appeared often in Cricket magazine, while his Web site is known internationally as a prime resource for folktales, storytelling, and reader's theater. Once a professional storyteller, Aaron specializes in lively retellings of folktales and other traditional literature, which have won him honors from the American Library Association, the New York Public Library, the Bank Street College of Education, the National Council for the Social Studies, and the American Folklore Society. Kim Gamble is one of the most popular children's book illustrators of Australia. He is also a frequent contributor to that country's much-loved School Magazine, where Aaron's Mouse Deer stories first appeared. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// "A retelling of some of Southeast Asia's most popular folklore .... Simply narrated, The Adventures of Mouse Deer is witty and steeped in the power of myth, as well as high-spirited determination.... [A] delightful introduction to an enduring legend."-- Small Press Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review, May 2005 "Mouse Deer's small stature leaves him vulnerable in the jungle, but Crocodile, Tiger, and Farmer are no match for this quick-witted, fearless creature. Give this book to children making their first forays into chapter books, and visit the author's Web site to download readers theater scripts." -- Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal, Dec. 1, 2009 ///////////////////////////////////////////////// CONTENTS 1 ~ Mouse Deer and Tiger 2 ~ Mouse Deer and Crocodile 3 ~ Mouse Deer and Farmer ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE Then he heard something. ROWR! There was Tiger! "Hello, Mouse Deer. I was just getting hungry. Now you can be my lunch." Mouse Deer didn't want to be lunch. He looked around and thought fast. He saw a mud puddle. "I'm sorry, Tiger. I can't be your lunch. The King has ordered me to guard his pudding." "His pudding?" said Tiger. "Yes. There it is." Mouse Deer pointed to the mud puddle. "It has the best taste in the world. The King doesn't want anyone else to eat it." Tiger looked longingly at the puddle. "I would like to taste the King's pudding." "Oh, no, Tiger! The King would be very angry." "Just one little taste, Mouse Deer! The King will never know." "Well, all right, Tiger. But first let me run far away, so no one will blame me."

Download or read book Smart Housekeeping Around the Year written by Anne L. Watson and published by Next River Books. This book was released on 2017-03-01 with total page 443 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: SPECIAL NOTE! -- ANNE WILL PERSONALLY ANSWER ANY QUESTION OF YOURS AFTER READING THIS BOOK. ASK ON HER WEB SITE, AND YOU'LL NORMALLY HEAR BACK WITHIN HOURS! In this standalone companion to "Smart Housekeeping," Anne L. Watson presents tips on cleaning, organizing, decluttering, furnishing, maintaining, and managing your home, as you'd face those tasks around the year. Travel with Anne through the calendar as she deals with every aspect of keeping the things around you just the way you want them. New homemakers will gain skills and perspective, while even veterans will find unique tips and insights. All delivered with a wit and frankness not seen in housekeeping books since the days of Peg Bracken. Anne's almanac also features the return of her photogenic family of felted mice. After their brief introduction in "Smart Housekeeping," Lady Mouse and the rest now return, joined by even more critters, to help Anne illustrate many of her tips and add a touch of whimsy for readers' delight. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the author of "Smart Housekeeping," as well as a number of other popular books on home crafts and lifestyle, plus many novels. In a previous career, she was a historic preservation architecture consultant. Anne lives in Bellingham, Washington. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE Housekeeping has gotten a bad rap. Somehow, the subject has shrunk to discussions of clutter control and cleaning, a bit like when your mom told you to pick up your room. But that's the dull part. Necessary, of course -- I wrote a book, "Smart Housekeeping," that's mostly about getting to a state of order. But housekeeping is no more about clutter control than gardening is about weeding. Yes, you have to do some of both -- but why stop short of the interesting stuff? Housekeeping is making yourself comfortable in your home, whatever that takes. A lot of housekeeping is about what you do, and why you do it, after you've taken care of the obvious chores. How do you set up a guest room? Unclog a sink? Keep garbage odors out of the kitchen? Arrange toy storage so that the kids will use it on their own? What's the best way to wash a family quilt? To be safe on a ladder? To choose appliances? Housekeeping isn't just housework -- it's setting the stage for your whole life at home -- which includes play, enjoyment, and creativity. This book is arranged as an almanac because the more skilled housekeeping tasks tend to follow the calendar. We do what we need to for seasonal celebrations, and we try to get the weather on our side when we paint a room, air dry a comforter or get the carpets steam cleaned. Other tasks and concerns are less linked to the seasons, but also don't need to be revisited often, once you've arranged things to please yourself. So considering them on an annual basis is probably about right. You may want to use this book as much as a reference as a read-through, especially if your seasons are different from mine, or even nonexistent. Smart Housekeeping featured felted white mice, at least on the cover. As mice will do, they have now taken over the house, and are shown throughout this book, doing their chores, handling household crises, and entertaining other small animals. And they "step out" each month, enjoying adventures together and just having fun. I recommend that for all of us.

Download or read book Smart Housekeeping written by Anne L. Watson and published by Shepard Publications. This book was released on 2016-09-06 with total page 126 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: SPECIAL NOTE! -- ANNE WILL PERSONALLY ANSWER ANY QUESTION OF YOURS AFTER READING THIS BOOK. ASK ON HER WEB SITE, AND YOU'LL NORMALLY HEAR BACK WITHIN HOURS! There's no shortage of experts to cheerfully advise you on how to declutter, organize, and clean your home. But do they know what YOU want and need? Or are they only pushing rigid, quirky systems that ignore people's differences and how we really live? With insight, wit, and common sense, "Smart Housekeeping" cuts through the clutter of questionable and often silly advice to offer practical keys to reclaiming and maintaining your home. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the author of a variety of works, including literary novels, soapmaking manuals, and two cookie cookbooks. She is also retired from a long and honored career as a historic preservation architecture consultant. Anne "lives apart together" with her husband, fellow author, and publisher, Aaron Shepard, in Bellingham, Washington. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// CONTENTS Getting Started A Decluttering Tale Keys to Decluttering Step-by-Step Decluttering Clutter Control Keys to Organizing Keys to Cleaning Sharing the Load A Few Final Keys

Download or read book Katie Mouse and the Perfect Wedding written by Anne L. Watson and published by Skyhook Press. This book was released on with total page 59 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Katie Mouse's Cousin Matilda is getting married! A big wedding has been planned in Mouse Town's public park, and everyone in town is invited. Best of all, Katie will be Matilda's flower mouse, and her little brother Dylan will be the ring bearer. There's just one problem: The Games Day at Katie's school has been changed to the same day as the wedding! And Katie's the captain of her class's relay race team! Will she really have to miss it? As Katie struggles with her feelings, a mix-up with the wedding rings threatens to ruin the entire wedding. It's then that Katie discovers that only she knows how to save the day and make the wedding perfect after all. For ages 4 to 9. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// ABOUT ANNE AND MOUSE TOWN In 2016, Anne L. Watson fell in love with felted mice by Bulgarian artist Diyana Stankova. Anne happened to be working on a housekeeping almanac, so she started photographing the mice, posing them in scenes with miniatures in dollhouses, to illustrate the book. Soon she was writing little stories about the mouse family, while learning to use Photoshop to manipulate their poses and composite their props and settings in a creative blend of toys, other photos, and purchased and free art. As Anne added more mice and other felted animals from Diyana and other artists, Mouse Town began to take shape. As might be expected, these adorable but pushy critters eventually demanded their own books, and Anne obliged with the Katie Mouse series. Besides her children's books, Anne writes literary novels and how-to books for grown-ups, on such subjects as housekeeping, soapmaking, and baking with cookie molds. She lives in Bellingham, Washington, with her husband and fellow author, Aaron Shepard, and a growing family of critters. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// "A young mouse's disappointment turns into triumph in this quaint story featuring a cast of miniature felt animals posed in photo-collage scenes . . . Watson keeps the story moving briskly, demonstrating how compromise isn't just necessary at times but can be empowering as well." -- Publishers Weekly, Nov. 27, 2017 ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE Mama Mouse was so excited, she nearly dropped her phone. "It's Cousin Matilda. She's going to marry Alexander!" "It's about time," said Papa Mouse, looking up from his breakfast. "Of course you can stay here!" Mama was saying into the phone. "A June wedding in the park! That's perfect!" When Mama hung up, Katie asked, "Will Dylan and I get to go?" "Of course," Mama said. "In fact, Matilda would like you to be her flower mouse. Would you like that?" "Oh, yes!" Katie's eyes sparkled with excitement. "When is it?" "The day before your school Games Day. And Dylan will be the ring bearer!" "I no bear!" said Dylan.

Download or read book Katie Mouse and the Christmas Door written by Anne L. Watson and published by Skyhook Press. This book was released on 2017-07-28 with total page 36 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Christmas is coming for Katie Mouse and the rest of the Mouse family! Papa strings lights on the house and takes Katie and her little brother, Dylan, to get a tree, while Mama puts up decorations and bakes cookies for Santa Mouse. Now, if only Katie could decide what she really wants for Christmas, so she can let Santa Mouse know! On Christmas Eve, Santa Mouse and his mouse elves arrive to leave gifts for Katie and Dylan. But Alvar, the newest elf on the sleigh, wanders off to explore, and winds up meeting the Mouse children face to face. From the elf, they hear all about the North Pole and the magical Christmas Door, which shows you what you want and need the most. Can Alvar help Katie discover her deepest Christmas wish? And can Katie help Alvar, when Santa Mouse accidentally leaves him behind? For ages 4 to 9. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// ABOUT ANNE AND MOUSE TOWN In 2016, Anne L. Watson fell in love with felted mice by Bulgarian artist Diyana Stankova. Anne happened to be working on a housekeeping almanac, so she started photographing the mice, posing them in scenes with miniatures in dollhouses, to illustrate the book. Soon she was writing little stories about the mouse family, while learning to use Photoshop to manipulate their poses and composite their props and settings in a creative blend of toys, other photos, and purchased and free art. As Anne added more mice and other felted animals from Diyana and other artists, Mouse Town began to take shape. As might be expected, these adorable but pushy critters eventually demanded their own books, and Anne obliged with the Katie Mouse series. Besides her children's books, Anne writes literary novels and how-to books for grown-ups, on such subjects as housekeeping, soapmaking, and baking with cookie molds. She lives in Bellingham, Washington, with her husband and fellow author, Aaron Shepard, and a growing family of critters. Visit her at www.annelwatson.com. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE "What's the Christmas Door?" Katie asked with new interest. Alvar's eyes shone even brighter. "When the Christmas Door opens, it shows you what you want and need the most." "That sounds wonderful!" said Katie. "I can never decide that for myself." She sighed. "But I guess I could never go there." Alvar thought a moment. "You don't really need to. I could show it to both of you, right here." "Really?" said Katie, all excited. "Just close your eyes and look for a red and green door at the end of a path. I'll help you." Katie and Dylan closed their eyes. Snow swirled all around them, thick and soft. As it settled, they found themselves on a misty forest path with Alvar. The mist grew thinner, and out of it, a door slowly appeared before them -- red and green with gold trimmings, brighter than their Christmas tree. A gold key hung from the doorknob. "What do we do now?" said Katie. "Just touch the key, and the door will open," said Alvar. "Who's first?"

Download or read book Cookie Molds Around the Year written by Anne L. Watson and published by Shepard Publications. This book was released on with total page 339 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: SPECIAL NOTE! -- ANNE WILL PERSONALLY ANSWER ANY QUESTION OF YOURS AFTER READING THIS BOOK. ASK ON HER WEB SITE, AND YOU'LL NORMALLY HEAR BACK WITHIN HOURS! In this companion to "Baking with Cookie Molds," Anne L. Watson presents cookies and molds for many holidays and all seasons, as well as for special interests and occasions -- weddings, kids, storytelling around the fireplace, and much more. With nearly 150 photos of molds, cookies, and processes, "Cookie Molds Around the Year" features new techniques and new recipes, along with a month-by-month diary of the seasons on San Juan Island, Anne's home. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the author of "Baking with Cookie Molds" and a number of other popular books on home crafts and lifestyle, as well as many novels and children's books. In a previous career, she was a historic preservation architecture consultant. Anne and her husband, Aaron Shepard, now live in Bellingham, Washington. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// "I would heartily recommend this. I had a lot of fun reading it, and a lot of fun making these cookies. If you want to get bitten by the cookie-mold bug, this is a great resource to start with . . . Anne has done all the work and research for you on how to make no-fail molded cookies . . . This is one of those cookbooks you can actually take to bed for reading." -- A Cookbook Collector (YouTube reviewer) "As delightful as it is informative . . . Anne did her research, and it shows. Adding recipes alongside the showcase of molds takes [this book] to a whole different level." -- Lisa K's Bk Reviews "A great reference . . . Will get you on eBay and Poshmark looking for molds . . . Excellent recipes as well." -- Poppy Marlowe, librarian "Anyone who loves beautiful molded cookies will want to pick up a copy . . . There are recipes that will appeal to every cookie aficianado . . . A fun book to have on your cookbook shelf." -- Bella Online

Download or read book Skeeter and the Weasels written by Aaron Shepard and published by Skyhook Press. This book was released on 2022-02-22 with total page 53 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "There sure are a lot of weasels." Everywhere Skeeter looks, he sees weasels -- on the street, in his office, in the park. They sneak, and they slink, and they all wear gray trench coats and purple sunglasses. The problem is, no one else sees them! All that changes when Skeeter meets Special Agent Ratilda from Rodential, the rodent mutual aid society. Together, they set off to track down the weasels and put an end to their nefarious doings. Will Skeeter and Ratilda foil the weasels' Big Plan? Will Most Weasel J.R. Slitherwell finally meet his match? Will Skeeter get his job back and date the cat of his dreams? And what does that big red button really do, anyway? Find out in "Skeeter and the Weasels"! ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of "The Baker's Dozen," "The Legend of Lightning Larry," "The Sea King's Daughter," and many more children's books. His stories have won him honors from the American Library Association, the New York Public Library, the Bank Street College of Education, the National Council for the Social Studies, and the American Folklore Society. Anne L. Watson is the author/illustrator of "Katie Mouse and the Perfect Wedding," "Katie Mouse and the Christmas Door," and "The Secret of Gingerbread Village," as well as the author of numerous craft books and novels for adults. Her illustrations are imaginative collages made from photos of felted animals, miniatures, and real-life objects, along with graphic arts creations and textures from Etsy and elsewhere, all assembled and manipulated in Photoshop. Aaron and Anne are married and now live in Bellingham, Washington. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// SAMPLE Skeeter walked to the park and sat sadly on a bench. There were weasels behind the trees. There were weasels by the picnic tables. There were weasels around the playground. "There sure are a lot of weasels," said Skeeter. "Hold everything!" said a voice above him. "Did you say 'a lot of weasels'?" He looked up, and there on a tree branch was a lady rat in a pink trench coat and purple sunglasses. "Yes," said Skeeter. "A lot of weasels. There sure are." "At last!" said the lady rat. "Someone else sees them, too!" She dropped onto the bench and took off her sunglasses. "Let me introduce myself. I'm Special Agent Ratilda from Rodential, the rodent mutual aid society. You've heard of us, no doubt." "Well, no, I can't say -- " began Skeeter. "Sure, you have. Our motto? 'Get a piece of the cheese.' Right now, I'm on a secret mission. Top secret. Can you keep a secret?" "Um, unless I forget and -- " "Sure, you can. I'm looking into an alarming rise in the number of weasels. They're everywhere. But I don't have to tell you, because you see them, too. So, what's your name, cat?" "I'm Skeeter," said Skeeter. "Skeeter," said Ratilda. "Pretty dumb name, but you're a cat, so it fits. So, Skeeter, how would you like to join me on this perilous and possibly fatal mission." "Oh, I don't think -- " "Sure, you would. Follow me, Deputy Special Agent Skeeter." Ratilda put on her sunglasses, jumped off the bench, and started off. "But I'm a cat!" called Skeeter. "Nobody's perfect!" called Ratilda. "Come on!"

Download or read book The Mice Before Christmas written by Anne L. Watson and published by Skyhook Press. This book was released on 2021-10-01 with total page 48 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Everyone knows that famous line from "The Night Before Christmas," Clement Clarke Moore's classic poem: "Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." But how many know why all those mice were already in bed, or what they were up to before that? Here at last is a companion poem to reveal all: The holiday hustle and bustle in the mouse house since early that morning. The evening party for all the mouse friends and relations, with presents, feasting, and dancing. And to top it all off, a visit from Santa Mouse himself! Never before told, this mice-eye story is sure to find a place in your heart beside the original classic. ///////////////////////////////////////////// Anne L. Watson is the author/illustrator of "Katie Mouse and the Perfect Wedding," "Katie Mouse and the Christmas Door," "The Secret of Gingerbread Village," and other children's books, as well as the author of numerous craft books and novels for adults. She lives in Bellingham, Washington, with her husband and fellow author, Aaron Shepard. Wendy Edelson is the award-winning illustrator of "The Baker's Dozen," "Quackling," "Christmas Truce," "Which Shoes Do You Choose?", and many more children's books. She has applied her talent to a wide range of illustration projects, including picture books, pet portraits, posters, and puzzles. Among her clients have been Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo, the Seattle Aquarium, Pacific Northwest Ballet, the U.S. Postal Service, Cricket Magazine, McGraw-Hill Education, and the American Library Association. ///////////////////////////////////////////// REVIEWER COMMENTS FROM NETGALLEY AND MORE "A new classic." ~ "A perfect gift for Christmas." ~ "The start of a new Christmas tradition." ~ "Will be a staple at our house for many more Christmas holidays." ~ "I cannot wait to give this to all my friends with children of all ages as a gift this year." ~ "A total delight." ~ "This gem is destined to become a beloved holiday favorite!" ~ "The kids loved it AND the adults loved it too." ~ "Fantastic tale." ~ "I will be sure to share this one with all my students for the holidays." ~ "Sure to be a classic." ~ "Brilliant." ~ "I really don't think there is an age group who won't love this." ~ "Even my grumpy old neighbour smiled." ~ "This book blew me away!" ~ "An absolute must for libraries." ~ "Will give you a warm Christmas glow." ~ "Will become a cherished family tradition." ~ "Wonderful!!! Simply wonderful!!!" ~ "A beautiful gift for anyone at Christmastime." ~ "A must-have to be enjoyed by adults and children alike." ~ "A Christmas delight." ~ "Has the most vividly colorful and highly detailed illustrations I've seen." ~ "Recommend this one for families, libraries, and even schools." ~ "Highly highly recommend!" ~ "Clever and adorable." ~ "We always read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" on Christmas Eve, and now we will be adding this book to that tradition!!!" ~ "Wonderful wonderful!" ~ "Great spin on a classic!" ~ "Pure Christmas joy." ~ "A book to be brought out on Christmas Eve, year after year." ~ "A new children's classic." ~ "A perfect readaloud for the holiday season." ~ "Should find its way into homes and school libraries for years to come." ~ "A new favorite." ~ "I was completely enchanted." ~ "Perfect and beautifully executed." ~ "Would keep children of many ages entertained for hours." ~ "A fantastic companion to the original poem." ~ "Captures the essence of what makes Christmas so special." ~ "A classic in its own right." ~ "Enchanting, cozy, and just very, very sweet." ~ "You have to read it to understand the magic of 'The Mice Before Christmas.'"