Liam is on his way!!!

Liam

This morning I had the pleasure of shipping Liam off to his new owner.  Since I'm guilty of "web neglect", Liam hasn't been introduced here on the blog. Liam dreams of being a Formula 1 race car driver.  He's hoping for a tiny Ferrari and a chance to drive in the Grand Prix.

Liam is also Baseboard Mouse #103.  That's a lot of little baseboard mice!  And almost all have been adopted.  Time to get back to the tiny mouse easel!!!

Thanks for stopping in!

susan

www.baseboardmice.com

susan@baseboardmice.com

 

Quinn found a home!!

 The Baseboard Mice are all happy dancing this afternoon.  They are celebrating Quinn's adoption.  They always have a bit of a party when one of their friends gets a new home. Since I haven't introduced Quinn yet, I'll do that now.  

Quinn is a talented archer.   She enjoys wandering in the woods with her tiny bow and pretending she is Robin Hood (her hero).  

Quinn

You can meet the other Baseboard Mice on their website...  www.baseboardmice.com

Thanks for stopping by!!!

susan

www.baseboardmice.com

susan@baseboardmice.com

A Milestone!!!

There are now more than 100 Baseboard Mice!!!  

Wow!!  Back when I started painting these little critters, I never imagined that there would be so many of them.  They continue to find "new homes" which absolutely delights me!!

My lack of marketing is a bit embarrassing.  It's been nearly a year to the date that I last wrote a blog post.  Creating art, or playing the guitar, tends to win out in the "what should I do next" decision making.  

And now... I'd like to introduce, River, #100 in the Baseboard Mice collection!

River

River loves nothing more than tubing down a lazy river, cool drink in paw, keeping a ukulele close by in case a song should need to be sung. 

You can meet River and more Baseboard Mice on their website... http://baseboardmice.com 

And be sure to stop by again soon.... there are more mice to introduce.... 

susan

www.baseboardmice.com

susan@baseboardmice.com

We're still here!!

 It's been a very long time since my last post.  But the mice and I are still here!  We've had a bit of a vacation and are ready now to "get back to work".  

There are two mice on the website available for "adoption" right now.  And one just waiting to be uploaded.  

Here's Piper.....  Piper loves quilting.  She’s fascinated by gorgeous fabric colors.  Ask nicely, she may show you some of her tiny quilts.  

Piper

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

Thanks for stopping by!!

susan

susan@baseboardmice.com

www.baseboardmice.com

Luke!!

 Luke is so excited to be one of the Baseboard Mice!!  Luke is a voracious reader and likes nothing more than curling up with a good mystery.  His favorite place to visit is the local used bookstore!  

Luke

  If you'd like Luke to be a part of your home - or maybe your used bookstore? Head on over to the Baseboard Mice website and see if he's still available!

Thanks for stopping by!

susan

www.baseboardmice.com

susan@baseboardmice.com

Teeka - a new mouse!

 This is Teeka.  She loves sunrises and cheese scones and would love to be a part of your family.

Teeka

If you'd like to adopt Teeka, be sure to visit the Baseboard Mice site.  

Here's the link....  www.baseboardmice.com  

There are several more mice wandering around my studio and about to be introduced, so be sure to stop by again soon to meet them.

Happy Holidays!!! 

susan

www.baseboardmice.com

susan@baseboardmice.com

Meet Zane - a new Mouse in the House!!

 

Zane

Meet Zane - the latest addition to the Baseboard Mice.  Zane loves orchids.  He dreams of one day living in an orchid house.  His favorite book is The Orchid Thief.  

Maybe you have orchids?  Zane might like to come live with you!!  If you would like to adopt Zane,  just head on over to the Baseboard Mice website. 

Thanks for stopping by to meet Zane!!

susan

www.baseboardmice.com

susan@baseboardmice.com

More mice in the house!!!

 There are three more mice in the house!!  I'm delighted to have had so many mice adopted!!

One of the Baseboard Mice is happily living in a preschool classroom.  And I'm pretty sure he is delighted with all his new friends.

Today, I'd like you to meet Toby, Willow and Sadie!  They are all adoptable today!

Sadie

Toby

Willow

If you are interested in adopting any of these little critters, just head on over to the baseboard mice website and you'll find them there.  

Thanks for taking time to stop in and meet the new mice!  

susan

www.baseboardmice.com

susan@baseboardmice.com

The Year of the Rat!

Happy Lunar New Year!! 

The mice were delighted to learn that it is now the Year of the Rat.  They are feeling very special indeed!! 

And just in time for the Lunar New Year, there's a new mouse in the house!!

Luna - a Baseboard Mouse

Luna was born under a full moon and is a very special mouse.  She is said to have magical powers and even is able to grant wishes!!

If you need a bit of magic in your home, Luna is available for "adoption".  Just head on over the Baseboard Mice website to see Luna and the other mice currently looking for homes.  


Happy New Year from all of us here at A Mouse in the House Baseboard Mice!!

susan
www.baseboardmice.com
susan@baseboardmice.com

We're still here!!

Does the lack of a blog post for well over two years count as "sporadic" blogging?  Having read many marketing tips, I know that in order to keep followers interested I should be blogging on a regular basis.  Perhaps once a week.  Maybe twice.  For sure, more than once every two years or so.  At this point, with more than two years since my last post, I may have lost all of my followers!  

Well, I'm still here.  And so are the mice!  And I hope at least a few followers are here, too.  After painting 75 baseboard mice, I took a long break.  But I found I was missing my little creations. And there was that stack of mouse holes in my studio, patiently waiting for mice.  So I picked up my brushes and now there are 80 baseboard mice!  And only 5 without homes.  (thank you so very much to all of you who have "adopted" a baseboard mouse!)

One of the new mice is called Violet.  She's quite pretty.  And she loves gardens.  Fairy gardens are her favorite.  They make her feel bigger.  And purple is her favorite color, of course!  

Violet

If you think you just might like to give Violet a good home, you'll find her over on the baseboard mouse website.  Here's a link....    https://baseboardmice.com/mice.html

Thanks for stopping by!!  And I hope to see you again much sooner than more than two years from now.

susan
susan@baseboardmice.com
www.baseboardmice.com

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Valentine's Day is special day among the Baseboard Mice of A Mouse In The House.  The mice love sharing Valentine's Day cards.  And candy.

And they wish you all a very happy Valentine's Day!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

susan
susan@baseboardmice.com
www.baseboardmice.com

There's a New Mouse In the House!!

Painting mice has taken a backseat to other paintings - and several road trips this past summer.  Last week, though, I did get an urge to paint another mouse.  So, I put the painting that was on my easel aside for a little bit and replaced it with a wee mouse hole.  And before too long, a little mouse was peering out at me from the hole.  

Today, he is ready for adoption.  But I didn't have a name for him yet.  Sometimes names come while I'm painting and sometimes I have to search the internet for the "right" name.  I even keep a list of possible names.  Some of my friends have even emailed names they like!  Those get added to the list of "possibles", too.  Today, though, it was different.  I was working on another painting and turned to pick up more paint with my brush when my eye caught the little mouse staring back at me.  (there's a row of paintings along the wall right behind my painting table)  I did the most logical thing and asked "What's your name?".  Now you just might think I'm a bit crazy, and I swear I didn't see his little mouth move, and I didn't hear a little mouse voice, but a name immediately popped into my head.  Loud.  Right there, no doubt. Wilbur. He's Wilbur.

Wilbur - a Baseboard Mouse

Wilbur comes from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  I think perhaps he hitched a ride back with us from our trip there in September.  He likes to consider himself a "Yooper".  That's what the folks who live in the Upper Peninsula call themselves.  Wilbur loves pasties - a favorite food of the area.  He also loves snow and building snowmice. 

The mice's website has been down again recently.  It's up again now, though, and with any luck it will stay that way.  (Long "technical" story - if you're interested in it, just send me an email and I'll explain.)  If you haven't been to the website to see the mice available for "adoption" recently - or if you tried and couldn't get there - here's a link.....  baseboardmice.com   (They make great stocking stuffers!)

Thanks for stopping by!!

susan
susan@baseboardmice.com
www.baseboardmice.com

The mice are back!!

The mice have been on vacation at the beach for the past few weeks and this morning when I arrived in my studio I was delighted to find that not only have they returned, but they brought a new friend with them!!

This is Rosa.  She is a Santa Rosa Beach Mouse.  The sand in Santa Rosa Beach is very white and Rosa's coat is nearly the same.  It helps her to blend in when she is playing in the dunes.

Rosa loves Florida and the beach and the Gulf waves.  

Rosa

If you would like to "adopt" Rosa, just head over to the mice's website.  


Maybe Rosa is not the only friend the mice brought back with them.  Hmm..... I'll have to keep an eye out for more new little friends!


susan

www.baseboardmice.com

Stella - a new Mouse in the House!!

Summer is upon us once again.  The gardens are filled with a rainbow of color with day lilies and coneflowers and brown-eyed susans.  A pair of Carolina Wrens are building a nest just outside the kitchen window and their songs wake us in the morning and entertain us the entire day.  Such a beautiful time of year.

Today I am pleased to introduce you to Stella - the latest in my Baseboard Mice series.  Stella has a fondness for country music and barbecue.  She comes from “Music City” Nashville where she enjoys Saturday nights at the Grand Ole Opry.

Stella

Stella - and the other "adoptable" baseboard mice still available - can be found on their very own website - www.baseboardmice.com.  It's hard to believe, but Stella is #70 in my series and there are only about 10 mice left to be "adopted"!  Looks like I need to get busy creating more mice!  

Thanks so much to all of you who have "adopted" mice and supported my art!!

And thanks for stopping by....

susan

www.baseboardmice.com
www.susangarriques.com

Sneaking a peek......

The mice have been hibernating ever since the weather got cold.  But just the other day, I caught one peeking out of their little hole in the baseboard.  I managed to snap a photo of her and chat with her a bit before she scurried away.

Her name is Tessa.  Tessa loves to nibble on cheese scones, especially if they are spiked with jalapeño peppers.  Her favorites are made by Susan of Maples in Micaville, NC.  Tessa makes her own Cheddar-Jalapeño Scones and shared her recipe with me.  I'll include it below.

This is Tessa....  (she is available for adoption, if you are interested!)

Tessa

Tessa explained to me that it was her friend, Mica, that introduced her to the delicious scones at Maples.

This is Mica...

Mica

Mica was named for the mica found in the mines near where he comes from - Micaville, North Carolina.  He was spotted recently in the loft of OOAK Gallery listening to the Saturday morning music jam.  If you are in the area, you really must stop in.  Great art, great music and delicious treats next door at Maples.  Mica was adopted a few months ago and has a wonderful home now with lots of music.  

As promised, here is Tessa's recipe for her scones.  She doesn't think they are as good as the ones that Susan Scoggins makes at Maples, but they are good substitute if you can't make it to Micaville!  


Tessa's Cheddar-Jalapeño Scones

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 eggs, divided
1/4 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, diced
2 small jalapeños pepper, minced

Preheat oven to 400°F.

In a small skillet, melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter and sauté the jalapeños in it until soft, about two minutes. Let them cool, then place them in a small bowl with the cheddar cheese and coat them with one tablespoon of the flour.

Combine the remaining flour with the baking powder and salt. Cut in the remaining butter with a pastry blender, fork or two knives, until the butter bits are pea sized.

Lightly whip two of the eggs and cream and add to the flour-butter mixture. Using a wooden spoon, fold mixture until it begins to come together.

Add the cheddar-jalapeño mixture to the dough and mix until everything is incorporated.

Turn out the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead gently for less than one minute. 

Pat dough out to a 3/4- to 1-inch thickness and either cut into 8 triangles or the shape of your choice with a biscuit cutter.

Make an egg wash by beating the remaining egg with a teaspoon of water. Brush the scones with egg wash and place on a well-oiled or parchment lined baking sheet. 

Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Thanks for stopping by.  If you try the recipe, be sure to let me know and I'll pass it along to Tessa!!

susan

susan@baseboardmice.com

http://baseboardmice.com

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

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

www.baseboardmice.com

www.susangarriques.com

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

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  

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

www.baseboardmice.com

www.susangarriques.com

susan@baseboardmice.com