It not only feels like fall but smells like fall in downtown Montello this weekend. Traffic has been fairly heavy but I am sure as the leaves change and people travel back from Warrens Cranberry Fest we will see customers take some time to stroll through town.

I have been busy as can be crocherting little skunk and frog hats. I sometimes amazes me at what items catch on. The model is adorable, that's true but so are the hats. Pair up one of these with a pair of soft warm sweats and the little one is ready to trick or treat. A great and inexpensive costume alternative. Then use the hat all winter.

Gingerbread men are also coming along as the holidays will be here long before I am ready. The personalized ornaments and family are a big seller and everyone loves to get personalized gifts.

The Great American moose Hunt is well under way and we are seeing people come in now from across Wisconsin to play. This is a wonderful idea for businesses and for those playing, they will find some really great shops that have been overlooked and the prizes are great.

If you get a chance come on out and visit us at Pattibears Place and see all that Montello has to offer!

A new idea for Halloween...

Over the years I have dressed my fair share of kids for Halloween. Being from the Chicago area many of those years the weather was so bad, you did'nt even see the costume hidden under the winter coats. Then there were alwyas those so small they came along for the ride in the stroller. So with 2 new little guys in the family I have set out and come up with a few hats that could double as a halloween costume for the little ones. The adorable bright green froggy hat, that also has a sweater to match  and this morning finished a little "stinker" skunk hat.... too cute, I can't wait to get the photos uploaded. We have a puppy hat and a cow hat in the works complete with a cow bell.  I can't wait to get home and finish up a few more.

The shop is filling up and everyone just loves these hats, my latest request was to make groggy hats in sizes for the teens at school!!! At least I know that their ears will be covered!Keep checking back to see the new hats posted.

Memorial Day Weekend....was good

Montello saw alot of traffic and not just passing by. People were out enjoying the great weather and checking out all that's new in the shop. The logs are always a big hit and we did get a few special orders over the weekend. Now not only bears and raccoons, peoples pets from photos but I am working on an eagle for the latest order. They are always alot of fun to work on and everyone appreciates the handpainted work that goes into them. The fact that we are one of the only shops in the area that carries so many handcrafted items makes it a bonus when shoppers can find a little something for almost anyone on their gift giving list, or that just perfect addition to their home, garden or weekend retreat. With all the new visitors the summer is looking up and I am off to add to the handpainted items so those who visit next will find something right for them! With us being just a short rifde from the Madison are and the new word this season is day-cation and Montello is a great location for that. Fishing, biking, oh and shopping at Pattibears Place and the other great shops. For a list of upcoming events and what's happening in Montello visit http://montellohappenings.blogspot.com
http://www.Pattibears.com