Author Archives: cliffhousealpacas

Unknown's avatar

About cliffhousealpacas

Once upon a time, my dad drove by some funny looking animals standing on little dirt hills in a field. Thus, the dream of an alpaca ranch was born. Now, we are embarking on a grand adventure of raising alpacas and becoming fiber artists.

From start to finish: Step 3 – Picking

Posted on September 7, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

We are on part three of our fiber series now: picking. Picking…sounds kinda gross, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not, or it’s no grosser than any of the other processes, anyway. Picking is the process of removing the clumps and opening … Continue reading →

Posted in fiber art | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

This is Brittany’s story

Posted on September 6, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

Millions of Americans are struggling with addiction. This is Brittany’s story. Brittany had a rough childhood. Her mom, Bookoo, couldn’t provide what she needed, and Brittany nearly starved. She was forced to turn to foster parents for milk and love. … Continue reading →

Posted in animals | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Spinning wheel review: Kromski’s Prelude

Posted on September 2, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

I’ve already waxed poetic on my love for my spinning wheel, but what are the pros and cons of owning the Kromski Prelude? Well, not surprisingly, it depends on who you are as a spinner. I’ve written at length about … Continue reading →

Posted in fiber art, review | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Beaded yarn: new bead color

Posted on September 1, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

I finally made it to the craft store yesterday! I’m kind of a color addict, so I’ve never used white beads in my beaded yarn before. Silly, right? Mom suggested them for the white silk/Mikayla blend I’ve been spinning. The two … Continue reading →

Posted in fiber art | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Random alpaca word of the day: “kush”

Posted on August 31, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

“Kushing” or “Cushing” is the alpaca word for laying down on your belly, with all four legs tucked under you. No one on the internet seems to know which spelling is preferred, and it’s also apparently potent strain of marijuana … Continue reading →

Posted in animals | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

From start to finish: Step 2 – Skirting

Posted on August 30, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

Part two in our “From start to finish” series is skirting. Some people break this step into two, skirting and sorting, but they seem pretty insepperable to me. Skirting sounds like what you’re doing when you dance around an awkward … Continue reading →

Posted in fiber art | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Moms don’t want to play

Posted on August 29, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

The wildflowers have finished blooming, and the pastures have gone from green to gold. Which, apparently, makes them much less tasty. Mikayla and Tulip don’t waste their time on not-tasty grasses, so when Mom turned them out the other day … Continue reading →

Posted in animals | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Hummingbird convention

Posted on August 26, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

We seem to have a lot of bird life, eh? Well, we also have a serious number of broad-tailed hummingbirds. Mom often jokes that we need to get an air traffic controller out there. Sometimes the beagle gets into snapping … Continue reading →

Posted in animals | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

From start to finish: Step 1 – Shearing

Posted on August 25, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

This post is the first in our “From start to finish” series, in which I’ll take you through our 12 step program for fiber addicts. Actually, it’s more like 6 steps, but that’s not as catchy. These posts take a … Continue reading →

Posted in fiber art | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Brittany learns about the horses

Posted on August 24, 2011 by cliffhousealpacas

It may surprise you that Brittany, after nearly a year living next to the horses, did not really understand that they were living, breathing creatures. Especially since the stock tank at the end of the horse paddock is used by … Continue reading →

Posted in animals | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments