Saturday, November 21, 2015

Sebastian - a daredevil of a mouse!!

It is more than time to introduce a new mouse!  This handsome fellow is known as Sebastian.  He is a total thrill seeker.  He was recently spotted on each and every roller coaster at Cedar Point in Ohio.  All that energy spent thrill seeking generates a huge appetite and Sebastian loves to eat.  And of course, his favorite food is pizza.

Here's Sebastian....

Sebastian - a thrill seeker!!

The studio shelves are filling up with Baseboard Mice.  My brushes have been keeping me so busy, there's no time left for blogging. 

Thanks for stopping by - be sure to keep an eye out for more mice!!!  Lots more to come!

susan
www.baseboardmice.com
www.susangarriques.com

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

New mouse alert!!

This sweet mouse is called Rory.  He is a gentle soul and likes nothing more than to curl with a good book and a cup of tea.  Now that fall is here, the nights are longer and perfect for reading.  Rory's favorite book is Alice in Wonderland.  He tells me that he had read it three times already and is working on the fourth.


Rory

If you think you might like to adopt Rory, just click on his photo and you'll land on the Baseboard Mice website. 

Did you read about Ella Rose in the last blog post?  Well, I need to let you know that I made her cheese straws for a reception I was attending.  Because I don't have a pastry squeezer thingy, I rolled the dough into two long cylinders about 2 inches in diameter, then put them in the refrigerator to chill for a few hours.  When I was ready to bake them, I sliced them into pieces about 1/4 of an inch thick.  They were delicious.  Now famous as "Ella Rose's Cheese Wafers".

My studio is getting filled up with little mice - they are multiplying like... well... mice.  <grin>  Be sure to stop by again soon to meet them.

susan

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

I'd like you to meet Ella Rose...


Ella Rose is a Southern Belle.  She loves sweet tea on the porch on summer afternoons.  And is particularly fond of cheese straws.  In fact, I'm told that she is always asked to bring her cheese straws to parties.  


Ella Rose


While enjoying sweet tea and cheese straws on the porch earlier in the summer, Ella Rose was very generous and offered to share her cheese straw recipe here on the mouse blog.  She told me the recipe has been in her family for many generations.  

Ella Rose's Cheese Straws 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together 1 stick of room temperature butter, 2 cups of shredded extra sharp orange Cheddar Cheese (also room temperature), 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (using food processor will make this easier), until a smooth dough is formed.  (Ella Rose says it is really really important to have the ingredients at room temperature)

If you own a cookie press, attach a star tip or a flatter ridge tip, and pipe the dough in 3 inch strips onto a lightly greased cookie sheet (or use parchment paper).

If you don't have a cookie press, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.  Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface till about 1/4 inch thick.  Cut into 1/2" x 3" rectangles with a sharp knife. 

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.  Remove to racks to cool.

Thanks for stopping by.  If you try Ella Rose's recipe, be sure to let me know.  And I'll be sure to tell Ella Rose.  

susan
www.baseboardmice.com
www.susangarriques.com


Thursday, October 1, 2015

Introducing Pippa.... a new Mouse in the House

Today I would like to introduce you to Pippa.  She's been living in my studio for a couple of months now.  I've grown quite attached to her.  But, earlier today, I promised her I would write a blog post about her, so here it is.  This one's for you, Pippa!

Pippa is a very curious mouse, which sometimes gets her into trouble. She loves baked goods, especially eclairs, and dreams of one day becoming a baker.  Her sweet tooth keeps her a bit on the pudgy side.  She keeps a tiny baker's cap and apron nearby for any opportunities to bake that might come up.  

Pippa

Pippa is available for adoption on the Baseboard Mice website - just click the image above to see which mice are available.

Since each one of the the Baseboard Mice is an original oil painting, if you have a special mouse in mind be sure to let me know.  Also, if you fall in love with a mouse that has already been adopted, I can paint another like it.  (Although it may not be exactly the same, it will be very close.)  

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I enjoy sharing my mice with you all!!

susan
www.baseboardmice.com
www.susangarriques.com
susan@baseboardmice.com  

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Jagger - a Baseboard Mouse

After a three week road trip - with a week's prep before and nearly another week getting caught up when we returned - I'm finally back in the studio with my paints and my Baseboard Mice.  

Today I would like to introduce you to Jagger.  He's been in the studio for several months now, patiently awaiting his "big announcement" on the mouse blog.  He comes from Asheville, NC.  The French Broad River is a great place to kayak and a favorite of Jagger's.  He keeps a tiny kayak just for river adventures.  

Jagger 

If you'd like to "adopt" Jagger - just click on his image above and you'll be taken to the Adoptable Mice page of the Baseboard Mice website.  

Our road trip took us to the Four Corners area in the southwest.  There are lots of mice out that way looking for homes!!  Be sure to stop back again to meet them.

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

susan

Monday, August 17, 2015

Lily - the latest Mouse in the House

It's way past time for a new addition to the baseboard mice series.  Today, I would like to introduce you to Lily.  She loves summer.  Her favorite things include sitting on the porch swing with a glass of lemonade and a good romance novel.   She also loves the smell of fresh flowers.



Lily


Lily would love to be adopted.  If you are interested, you can click on the photo of her above and it will take you right to the mouse "adoption" page.  

There are two more mice waiting to be added to the adoption list.  Be sure to check back again soon to meet them.

Thanks for stopping by!!

susan
www.baseboardmice.com
susan@baseboardmice.com

Monday, July 20, 2015

Introducing Thelonious Mouse

Much of my studio time recently has been taken up by a painting I'm working on for a local art exhibit, which means that my baseboard mice are taking a bit of a vacation.  But.... today I would like to introduce you to the latest mouse.  Thelonious Mouse.   



Thelonious Mouse

Thelonious Mouse loves music, especially jazz.  And like his namesake, comes from Rocky Mount, NC.  Thelonious adores his sunglasses - he is a bit of a showmouse and aims to stand out in a crowd.  If you have a piano in your house, you are bound to hear music if Thelonious Mouse is nearby.

Thelonious Mouse already has a home I believe (THANK YOU!!!), but if you are interested in a mouse of your very own, just shoot me an email (susan@baseboardmice.com).

There is one more addition to my Baseboard Mice series waiting to be photographed.  She's very cute and her name is Lilly.  She is available to be "adopted".  And just as soon as I get a photo, I'll be back to introduce her to you.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  And special thanks to all of you who have "adopted" my mice.  (I hope they are all behaving!!)

susan

www.baseboardmice.com
www.susangarriques.com
susan@baseboardmice.com

Monday, July 6, 2015

Introducing Phyllis - a new Mouse in the House

Today, I would like to introduce you to Phyllis, a recent addition to my Baseboard Mice series.  Phyllis is a delightful character.  She loves to travel - in  campers and sailboats most of all.  The mountains of North Carolina and the turquoise water in the Florida Keys keep her going back and forth.  Phyllis also has musical talents.  She can play both the piano and the xylophone.  And most of fun of all, take her to a party and you'll find that she loves to dance on tables.


Phyllis

Phyllis has already been adopted (Thank You!!!), but if you want a baseboard mouse of your very own, be sure to let me know.  And I think that Zach is still available over on the mouse website, if you would like to meet him.  There's an adorable little girl baseboard mouse just about finished in my studio and she'll be available in the next day or so.  Don't forget, you can also request a "custom" mouse.  Perhaps you've got a special name in mind, or a personality.   Just let me know!!  

Thanks for stopping by!!

susan

www.baseboardmice.com
susan@baseboardmice.com
www.susangarriques.com

Thursday, June 11, 2015

New Mouse Alert!!

Finally!! There's a new mouse available for adoption.  After working for several weeks on a larger painting, it was fun to get back to painting these tiny little creatures this week.  

This little guy is known as Noah.  He comes from Nantucket and enjoyed life on the island, especially watching sailboats sailing by.  Clambakes on the beach were fun, too.  He's ready for a new adventure now.  Maybe with you?  Just click on Noah's photo below if you think you might be the one.

Noah - A Baseboard Mouse


Thanks so much for stopping by.  There's one more little mouse drying in my studio.  You'll get to meet him in just a few days.  See you then!!

susan

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

There's a new Mouse The House!!

It's been a while since I've been able to announce a new addition to the Baseboard Mice series.  The response to the mice has been great and I've been busy painting "special order" mice.  Some of these are requests to paint, for example, another "Bubba".  I can't promise they will be identical - since each one is an original, but they'll be hard to tell apart.  Another request I've had is for a mouse with a specific name.  If you've been waiting for a favorite name, feel free to send me an email to let me know.  I have even had a request for a mouse from a certain place.  So, if you are hoping to adopt a mouse that comes, from say, Paris, just shoot me an email.  

Back to the new mouse.... Her name is Lexie and she comes from the Pacific Northwest.  She tells stories of the Quileute Indian Tribe’s drumming circles in La Push. She even keeps a tiny drum close by.  


"Lexie" - A Mouse In The House, Baseboard Mouse

There are just a few mice available on the mouse website right now, so if you've been thinking about "adopting" one, be sure to see if there is a personality there that just might be who you are looking for before they are gone!  

I've been hearing a few good "baseboard mouse" stories, and I'll be sharing them here on the blog later this week.  Until then....

Thanks for stopping by....

susan


Thursday, April 9, 2015

Introducing Nicholas....

There's a new Mouse In The House to share with you today.  This little mouse's name is Nicholas.  He comes from the Wild West and dreams of cowboys and campfires.

One of his favorite snacks is Cowboy Caviar. Ask nicely, he might share his recipe.


Nicholas - Baseboard Mouse


I'm painting mice as fast as I can, but I'm falling behind the demand.  Not a bad thing, but it means a little wait before there will be more mice.  

If you see a mouse on the website that has been adopted and you were really hoping to adopt that particular mouse, just let me know and I'll be happy to paint another one like it.  

Thanks so much for stopping by - and for your support of my latest art adventure.

susan
www.baseboardmice.com
www.susangarriques.com
susan@susangarriques.com

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

A Mouse Story.....

Today I have a wonderful story for you.  This is the story of the very first Baseboard Mouse.  I didn't start naming the mice until after the first two were painted and off living in houses other than mine.  So the very first mouse was named by the people he now lives with.  They call him "Ferdy".

Ferdy's story comes from his new family and I think you'll enjoy it......


Meet Ferdy.  He is a former “river rat” who found his way off Sachem and “swallowed the anchor”.  He’s a well-travelled mouse, having cruised the Bahamas and found his land legs in Alva, FL, along the Caloosahatchee River.  He’s somewhat shy, but is always present when the family is gathered. His adoring parents accommodate the occasional mouse droppings (pictured in the close-up).  He carries the honorary distinction of being the very first baseboard mouse.

And here are the 2 photos they sent of Ferdy in his new house....


Ferdy

Doesn't he just make you smile??

Thanks for stopping by.... and if all goes as planned, there will be a new mouse to introduce tomorrow!

susan


Tuesday, April 7, 2015

New Mouse Alert!

This adorable little mouse is called Olivia.  She is the latest addition to the collection of Baseboard Mice.  Olivia comes from the sunny Florida Keys.  She is often heard singing Jimmy Buffett songs. 

Olivia - A Baseboard Mouse

These little mice have been bringing lots of laughter into my life.  I'm having as much fun writing their stories as I am painting them.  As they take shape on their tiny mouse holes, my imagination starts wondering....  who are you?  

Not only have they been bringing laughter into my life, but they make other people laugh, too.  Especially when they see them "in place" on a baseboard.

It's great fun creating art that brings so much delight.

Remember, you can see the mice that are available on their very own website - www.baseboardmice.com   

Be sure to stop by again tomorrow.  I've got a wonderful story for you about the very first mouse in the Baseboard Mice series.

Wishing you lots of laughter in your life, too...
susan

www.baseboardmice.com
www.susangarriques.com
susan@susangarriques.com

Friday, April 3, 2015

A New Mouse In The House!!

Wow!!!  I'm so excited at the reception my Baseboard Mice have received.  They are flying out of my studio faster than I can paint them.  

Today, I would like to introduce you to the latest addition to the A Mouse In The House - Baseboard Mice series.  

This is Madeline.....

Madeline - a Baseboard Mouse

Madeline is a mouse from the coast of Maine.  She is particularly fond of mussels.  And she loves the sound of the sea against the rocky coast.


You can look at all the mice that are up for "adoption" on their website - www.baseboardmice.com


You really should have A Mouse In The House!!!


susan
susan@baseboardmice.com
www.susangarriques.com
www.baseboardmice.com
828.284.1771


Thursday, April 2, 2015

Sophie

One of the first baseboard mice to be adopted is named Sophie.  She happens to have been adopted by my artist friend, Gaylene, and now Sophie has taken up residence in Gaylene's studio.  

The last time I spoke with Gaylene, she hasn't heard Sophie singing yet, but thinks perhaps she would like the blues.

Before Sophie went to live with Gaylene, she lived Mississippi.  She was very fond of the riverboats that traveled up and down the great river.  Once, she spoke of her love of trips to New Orleans and eating beignets.

Knowing how beautiful Gaylene's art is, I'm pretty sure that Sophie is delighted with her new surroundings.  (you can see Gaylene's art at www.gaylenepetcu.com)


Sophie 


There's another baseboard mouse about ready for adoption in my studio.  Be sure to stop by tomorrow to meet her.

susan
www.baseboardmice.com
susan@baseboardmice.com
   

Monday, March 30, 2015

Introducing Baseboard Mice

Welcome to A Mouse In The House!!  You have landed on the very first post for a brand new project.  My name is Susan Garriques and I'm an artist.

Having always had a healthy dose of curiosity and affection for animals, my art has been mostly paintings of animals.  Capturing the spirit of creatures with paint is something that I really enjoy doing.  Over the past months, in some spare moments between paintings, I've been working on a new project. Something a bit light-hearted and a lot of fun......

Baseboard Mice.  Original oil paintings on wood.  About 3" x 3".   They have their very own website where you can read all about them - http://baseboardmice.com  


A Mouse In the House - Baseboard Mouse "Goldie"


Since each of these mice is an original painting - no mass production - I'll be "introducing" each of them on this blog as they are created.  I also plan to include stories of the mice as they are adopted.  So be sure to visit this space again soon.

Thanks so much for stopping by!!
susan
www.baseboardmice.com
susan@baseboardmice.com