About the Artist
More than 60 years ago, in a magical place known as “Red Mountain” near Manitou Springs, Colorado, a curious family was born. Fueled by an effervescent mountain spring, these special characters grew and thrived independent of the rules and constraints of the modern world.
Whether it was something in that churning spring water, or a magical gene from within, these whimsical folks developed fantastic heads of luscious green hair. But not just any air, mind you. This was the sweetest, softest natural grass in all the land. Because while the rough terrain of Red Mountain was barely suitable only to grow sage brush and scruffy pine trees, nothing could stop the determination of this magical turf.
Over the years, this family unlocked the secrets of their unusual coifs. One month Tess, the matriarch of the family, procrastinated a little longer than usual to go under the barber’s shears, causing life-giving seeds to form on the tips of her hair. An unexpected breeze, a splash of spring water, and maybe something that can’t be explained, all came together in a way that is too coincidental to call luck. And suddenly, a lush blanket of rich, green grass covered Red Moutain.
From that point forward, the once barren Red Mountain failed to be red evermore. As the birds and deer, chipmunks and bears all migrated toward the sweet, sweet egetation; the outside world began to take notice. Creatures who never gave Red Mountain a second glance were suddenly drawn to the newfound beauty and life. Tess and her family suddenly had neighbors, and they were all too happy to share their gifts with their new friends.
Today, Red Mountain is a thriving community, teaming with special creatures who thirst for the waters of that magical mountain stream. But even as most creatures cannot leave their daily lives to pursue life on a miraculous mountain, these people still wish to share their good fortune with the world.
That is why Tess and her friends want to come home with you. It is impossible to hold one of these enchanting figures, hand-crafted by Kansas City-area artist Vickie Hover, and not feel their youthful vigor. Celebrate life on Red Mountain, as well as life in your own home, with your very own grass-topped friend.
The magic of Red Mountain has progressed well beyond its humble beginnings. Today, you can purchase your own characters via the World Wide Web. Send your e-mails to manitoumoose@KC.rr.com for more information.
Vickie's "Peaceful Reminders"
Each "Peaceful Reminder" comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and is numbered 1 of 1 since no two creations are the same. Each face is hand crafted with Sculpey clay. No molds are used. The bodies are mostly needle felted and other materials are incorporated as embellishments. Several of her creations are available as needle felted pins. The smaller pins and purses are especially attractive to young girls.
Prices range from $10-$12 for needle felted pins, to $48 for Old World Santas, to $100-$150 for large, uniquely themed creations. Gnomes are $19-$38 each. Needle felted purses are $10-$40.
In addition to the pictures below, you can click here for a slideshow of more pictures of Vickie Hover's "Peaceful Reminders."
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Tess with her sewing machine. Her face is sculpted out of sculpy clay. Her body is not only needle-felted, she also has many embellishments. instead of stopping to find thread she could just reach up and grab a blade of grass to sew with. Not to mention she doesn't have to stop for a snack or lunch. She can just grab something off her head. It was such a time saver that every time a new member of her family was born they sprinkled grass seed on their heads. |
This is Tess's glamour shot! Look at those blades of grass growing out of her head from that Pac family tradition Tess started years ago. Tess is $245.00. |
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Candi and her dog Cupcake. Candi has a one of a kind face using sculpy. Both Candi and Cupcake are needle-felted. Candi is $58.00. |
Hand sculpted with sculpy clay face. With long white beard. Needle felted body. Price is $19.00. |
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Gnome sitting on tree branch, holding bag of spuds. Gnome is $19.00. |
Gnome "Just another Day" in the life of a Gnome. Gnome is $19.00. |
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Leonardo, the singing Gnome, $125.00. |
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Nellie (check out her ear rings). Nellie is $19.00. |
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"Elliott" a small needle felted Tomte, as my friends in Lindsborg, KS. call him. (Lindsborg KS.known as little Sweden) Hemslojd, located in Lindsborg, also carry some of the needle felted purses. |
Variety of needle felted pins. $8.00 - $25.00. |
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Please call Vickie at 913-268-3376
Please visit my shop at Etsy for more exciting products: |
| Variety of needle felted pins. $8.00 - $25.00. | Coming soon ! The Pac family pins! |