Gettysburg Homestead

Projects

2012-02-16T07:28:00.000-05:00

OK let's try this again. I already had half of my post typed then I somehow stupidly deleted it. grrrr... This better not be any indication of how the rest of my day will go. So let's try this again.

I told you the other day that I was working on some new projects. I only completed one of them, but the other two aren't far behind. This first project are some painted boxes I finished. I can't tell you how long I've had these paper mache boxes. I just thought about something. This counts toward finishing another UFO. Woohoo!!! Anyway, I just couldn't decide how I wanted to do them. Well, after looking at Pinterest (I'm so addicted) I got some ideas. So here's my first projects... I have an issue with that top box's lid. It doesn't want to flatten out. I need to deal with that yet.

My unfinished projects.

My next project that I worked on while the above one was drying was this one. I took a piece of scrap linen like material and coffee/paint stained it. Then I used one of my new stencils from Folk Art From the Harbor. This one was actually a three step stencil, but I only used two. I'm thinking I'm going to put this in a frame, but then I've also considered making a pillow out of it. I just can't decide. This right here is why I have so many UFO's. I get to a point where I don't know how I want to finish it and set it aside. grrrr... I'm so addicted to redware and yellow ware can you tell? lol

Third project I stitched yesterday while at work. This here I have a ton of ideas for. I'd like to make a drum pinkeep, but I can't find directions on how to cut the circles for each end. I'm guessing it's the width of the roll plus 1/4" allowance??? I'm still thinking on that one. Of course then I thought what about a needle roll/kit, or a pillow tuck, or..... see what I mean I can't make a decision to save my life. lol I'm also deciding if I need a border around it. sheesh!!!!

This last picture is for Margie of Hungry Hook Primitives. She posted a picture of her old/new chandelier she redid. She asked if I would post a picture of mine because I told her I had done the same thing. Many of you will remember how ugly and shiny gold this once was. Then Steve roughed it up and re sprayed painted it. I just LOVE it!!! The flowers below are ones Steve bought me for Valentine's Day.

I have a few things I have to do this morning, but I'm hoping to work on the two projects and maybe get them finished up. I hope you have a great day!!!

Hey Columbus OH Area Friends!!!

2012-02-14T11:02:00.000-05:00

Yeah, you :-) Steve and I along with some other prim friends Carmen read her post about it are coming to the Columbus area to SHOP!!!! I have heard there are some fabulous stores in your area, so Steve so kindly agreed to take me down on Saturday Feb. 18th. I will be getting off of a 24 hour shift, but I promise I will try not to be grumpy :-) If you'd like to meet up with all of us click on Carmen's name above to read the post and to get a hold of her. She is setting everything up. Hope to see some of you there!!!!

In other news...

I told you I'd show you my redo's. So, I thought I'd share today.

My first project was my grater light. I just LOVE it!!!! I bought the grater at the thrift store, had Steve cut a block of wood to shove up from the bottom. Then I had him drill out a circle in the block of wood. I already had the light so I shoved it up in the hole and there you go. This light was one of those single bulb and has a clip type thing at the bottom so the light won't fall out. See that I used some of my fake redware on my pegs? The two of them in the middle are actual reproduction ones from Ragon House.

OK Since we are on the above picture want to see what I used for my textile racks???

The top thing is a yarn winder... I believe not really sure. Bought at the thrift store awhile back and couldn't figure out how to use it. The thing below I'm not sure what it is, but it's wood and I thought either a handle for a tool or a yoke of some sorts. Bought that at the flea market.

And the other side... excuse the wrinkles lol Did you know you can buy fabric that looks like coverlets??? That's what the blue piece is :-)

This my friends came off of an Amish buggy. It's the piece right behind the horse I think. I know I've seen them on there some where. lol. Anyway, another flea market find.

And this... the wood box FREEEEEEE trash find!!!! I had to wash it out and man oh man did I get the worst splinter from this thing!!! But I LOVE it!!!!! hehe see my new year round tree on the right? I'm waiting on some lights to arrive then I'm going to decorate it. Steve couldn't wait he grabbed a couple ornaments and asked if he could put them on the tree. He looked a bit disappointed when I told him no.

I'm working on taking more pictures of my Spring decorating, but I have some empty "props" I need to fill first and right now I'm not sure what I want to use yet. It may have to wait til this weekend in case I find some goodies!!! I'm working on a couple projects today, so maybe I'll be able to show you Thursday. Yep, I work tomorrow so no post. But until then have a wonderful day.

Sneak Peak Spring 2012

2012-02-12T14:26:00.001-05:00

Here's a sneak peak :-) ENJOY!!!!!!

Rearranging and a WARNING

2012-02-10T07:55:00.004-05:00

In my last post I was talking about rearranging in order to have some furniture for the booth to display. So, after I got home from work yesterday morning I jumped in and started rearranging. I now have two pieces to take to the booth. I'm unsure if I want to sell them quite yet, but at least I can use them until I do get something to sell.

I was trying to find a before picture, but I guess I didn't take any for my winter decorating. :/

After: I want Steve to build me a footstool for my chair still. See the brown in the bottom left corner. That's the new couch that I haven't showed you yet. Steve bought it because he said he was tired of looking at mine and it was starting to sag really bad. It was bittersweet taking my baby to the Goodwill. After all I had it for probably close to 10 years or more.

I took my candles out of the window because... see the spot in the middle of the carpet??? Yeah, my candle fell out of the window while we were gone and burnt a spot in the carpet. So this is a WARNING!!!! Thank goodness it was a low wattage bulb!!!!

I just saw my son's Ipod AND the paddle lol. No, I don't use this on my kids. It used to be my son's Dad's paddle when he was younger and I just haven't given it back yet. I laid it there to remember to give it to my son when he goes to his Dad's. Oh and of course the newest trend for your prim decor... a goldfish.

I'm thinking the jars won't be staying here. I have another idea already. I LOVE my new candle in a jar in the upper right of the picture. I will show you the inspiration for it. I already had the candle shelf, but I bought the glass cylinder at the flea market for $.75.

Inspiration... The Workshop of David T. Smith gorgeous pictures!!!!!

I just LOVE their candle holder hanging on the peg rack AND of course the whole kitchen!!!

Pieces going to the booth... the black cupboard... again not sure if I'm ready to part with it. I may be able to if Steve will build me something like it only with a tombstone cut out for the top.

And the green bookshelf... I need to fix a few things on it though first because I forgot to "prim" up one of the legs on it. lol

Today I have a few more things to redecorate in the living room then I need to start on the dining room since I took the red corner cupboard out. I also have a bare space on my wall in the living, since I moved that green bookshelf. It is crying out for something to be put on it. I'm also contemplating taking down the gameboards and doing something else there too. Still thinking on that one. Steve suggested moving my stitcheries to that part of the wall.

I already have a plan for the dining room I think. This room is going to take quite a bit of time because I have all my winter greenery piled on the dining table from the living room. I need Steve to get down my totes off of a shelf in the garage so I can put them away. I've decided to put up a year round German twig tree in my dining room where my corner cupboard was. Ok, at least for now I'm going too, lol. I have a wonderful idea if I can pull it off. We'll see because it would entail me crafting some ornies and such. Hopefully after today I will be able to show you my other redo Steve helped me with because I'm putting it in the dining room . I'll try to post it this weekend. Have a great day and see you soon :-)

Some Redo's

2012-02-06T14:51:00.000-05:00

In my last post I told you that I was working on a new paint technique. I LOVE how it turned out, but the process is long. I'm hoping I will be able to hang it going up my stairs, but I have a bad feeling it hangs too low. If not, I may have to hang it in my hallway. Anyway, this is how it turned out.

Before: thrift store find...

After: 3 layers of paint later

close up:

A different view:

I made these grungy jars awhile back and decided I wanted to be able to use them year round. So added a little pizazz lol

Before:

After: plus I added another jar I found.

I have started painting a set of star boxes I had in my stash. Hopefully I will be able to finish those up this week. Today, I wanted to get some cleaning done that I have been neglecting because I'd rather craft. So, I have cleaned my kitchen top to bottom, vacuumed, dusted, and laundry. I have started to pull out some Spring items, but I need to finish putting away winter things this weekend. I know I'm rushing it a little, but with these beautiful sunny days I just can't help it.

Do you ever have one of those nights that you just can't sleep because you have a ton of ideas or things running through your head? I have been like this for the last two nights. The reason being is we have sold quite a few of our bigger furniture pieces at the booth and are running out of display space. So, I have been thinking about what else I have that I might be able to put down there for display. This may mean A. I need to find something else to sell from my collection, B. put one of my pieces down there with a NFS tag, or C. have Steve throw something together. I think I've come up with a plan, but it will mean a furniture move in my home, which then means move my collections around a little. I need to figure it out so that I can take something to the booth on Thursday as the person who bought my TV stand will be coming soon to get it out of layaway. UGGGHHH what to do, what to do... With Steve working full time he doesn't have a lot of time to build things, so if I ask him to do it I need to have a picture drawn with measurements ready to go. Grrrrr.... see what I mean I just go back and forth back and forth. lol.

Have a wonderful next few days. I'll be back soon :-) I have another redo ready to show you then.

Primitive Painting/Distressing 101

2012-02-04T09:04:00.001-05:00

There are many resources on the web these days on techniques used to paint/distress wood items. I'm going to show you how I/we distress our wood items. It is basically the same as most of the other how to's, but for those who may be new to prim painting here you go.

I'm starting out small. Whenever I try something new I start with a small project. So let's start out with your every day unfinished wood spoons. I go to the Dollar Store, Family, Dollar, you know what I'm talking about and buy a package maybe 6 at a time for under $3.00.

I had a few in my booth that weren't selling so I brought them home. Now, when I took them to my booth I had stained them only. This is the first step of the process. I don't stain everything first, but I think the if you do the end result is much better. You can certainly not stain them and they'll be just fine.

This is the only stain I use... the key word is GEL!!!! It works so much better than the real liquidy kind. It isn't as messy and a little goes a long way.

Next step is paint. I just pour a little acrylic paint (the kind in the squeeze bottle) on to a paper plate and get busy painting. I use acrylic on small projects, but use regular latex on big projects. If you'll notice I use a really cheap shower curtain under all my painting projects. It's large enough to hold a big project but can be folded for small ones. I only painted it with one coat of paint.

This is the other one. This mustard is sooooo bright. EEEKKKK I bought it awhile back and I figure I better use it up. lol

Wait for your paint to dry completely. Then get fine grit sandpaper and lightly sand the spoon. Lightly because you just want some of the paint to sand off if you stained your piece first. If you didn't stain it first sand it until you can see the natural color of the spoon underneath in different places.

All sanded...

Next step is re-staining. I always use rubber gloves when I stain. Wood stain does not come off of your hands with soap and water. I always save all of my holey socks or lone socks for staining purposes. I don't like using paper towels because they fall apart.

Take a small section of your sock and dip it in the stain. You don't need a lot. Rub the stain all over the spoon. If you think you have too much in one area no problem. Just re-rub over the spot either with the stained section or use a clean section of the sock. This stain will seal in the color. I do not polyurethane my items unless they need to be wiped down occasionally.

The final step is optional. I like to use a a furniture wax as the final coat on my items. It basically just gives them a soft smooth finish. You can find it at most hardware or home improvement stores.

Make sure the stain is completely dry. Then take another sock and rub it in the paste then on your spoon. Let it dry and you are finished. So here they are all finished. :-)

I am currently working on another project that will have multiple layers of paint on. It's a new technique to me to we'll see how it goes. I have another paint and burn technique tutorial too. So, if you have mastered this process check this one out too. Paint and Burn Method.

Added To My List

2012-02-02T07:58:00.001-05:00

I haven't been very motivated yet this week. This is my long work week and it's hard to do anything. So, normally I just do quick things. Things that will add to my ever growing UFO (unfinished object) pile. This is no exception. I bought this quilt awhile ago at the thrift store for a really good price. I don't remember how much just a couple bucks I'm sure, but if it wasn't a good deal I wouldn't buy it. lol.

This is the before: I LOVED that it was hand quilted but, I have always hated the finished edge since I got it because it didn't look or feel right. These pics were taken with my cell phone because I took it to work with me to do. Anyway I could never tell if it was suppose to be a binding or border. I just knew it was puffy and looked weird.

So I decided to take a peek. I started to rip out the seams. What the heck???? Who does this???

Of course now I have to take it all off. Again who finishes a quilt like this!?!?!?! Really a rolled up piece of batting.

I had to unroll it to see of course.

So now all I have left is the center hand quilted part. I'm still debating if I should use the red I tore off to make binding, or if I should go with a different color. I can't add a border at this point so into the UFO pile it goes. lol. I'll get to it someday.

I also did a little bit more crafting.

You all know I'm not a heart kind of girl, but I made these out of thrift store little girl velour dresses. I saw on Pinterest (which by the way I'm addicted to lol) someone made strawberries out of velvet. So, I LOVED the idea and ran straight to the thrift store in search of velvet and came up short. I thought maybe this would work instead.

Before:

After:

The red pillow was already made and laying in my UFO pile, so I decided to make something.

I got a few other things at the thrift store...

I LOVE geraniums! There is a full pot, but you can't see it since my desk top sinks down in.

Some Spring flowers...

A basket to use in my craft room for my strips of fabric.

I got a few other odds and ends, but nothing worth showing lol.

I have a day off today, so I will go out to the garage and find something wood to paint for my tutorial. So, keep checking back this weekend for a tutorial. Have a great day :-)

Another Reveal...

2012-01-28T15:50:00.001-05:00

This is the project I showed you yesterday morning that wasn't finished yet. My own pattern for a strawberry pinkeep. It is made from recycled wool, hand stitched seed beads, and a recycled glass candle holder covered in wax. I think it turned out pretty good. :-)

I have another couple projects in the making that I hope to show you soon :-)

Finally, Some New Creations

2012-01-27T09:03:00.000-05:00

I have finally been able to take my new craft room for a test drive since I'm able to see much better. Still not 100% because I'm still having issues threading my sewing machine. I didn't care how long it took to thread it I was going to craft! Remember the pictures I posted how neat and clean my room was? yep that's all over. I have stuff everywhere. I have a bunch of new things to finally share with you though. I know I promised painting techniques, but I just had to do some sewing. I already told Steve that some of you are waiting on a painting tutorial, so we will need to get it done for you :-) Anyway, speaking of Steve he was offered a full time job with a home builder a few days ago. He will be working full time come Monday. So, I'm sure this is going to put a cramp on my projects I have him doing. Guess I'll just have to learn to use the power tools. LOL. Knowing him he'll load them all up in his truck so I can't use them unsupervised. LOL. My kid's did fantastic on their second grading period grades. My daughter got a 4.0 and my son a 3.65!!! I'm so proud of both of them. Last but not least, as hard as I've worked to pay off my bills I now have to go into bankruptcy. :-( Since my ex let the house go into foreclosure the bank is now coming after us for the deficiency balance and I don't have an extra $35,000 lying around to pay them. Please still believe me when I say Dave Ramsey's program is still an excellent program to get out of debt!!! So enough of that let's get some show and tell going on.

For those who liked my make do chair, I made a few little pillows out of the left over fabric. These will be for sale I just haven't decided on a price. If you are interested email me and we'll work it out. small pillow $5.00 elongated with birds $8.00 Large $10.00 all prices include shipping!!!!

I also made this really awesome settler's pillow made from linen like material that is batting and rag stuffed... again for sale no price yet... lol Settler's pillow $12 includes shipping

Well, then I looked in my to do pile and found the base already prim'd up to make this cute pinkeep.

Then I saw all of these wonderful egg shaped styrofoam balls to do something with. Soooooo... of course I got the wax and coffee grounds out. These were fabric wrapped first. Basically I was experimenting with these.

Then I grunged up some fabric and started wrapping... and no I'm not leaving them on this plate. ;-) I just carried them up from my craft room upstairs on the plate.

While we are on the subject of styrofoam... I absolutely HATE the smooth styrofoam egg shapes. I couldn't wrap fabric on them or wax them for anything!!!! I have a little something else I might try with them later.

We still aren't done!!!!

I finally finished my sampler from Joni Crenshaw Words of Praise Teresa's Sampler this morning when I got home from work. I've had this thing in the works for months now. I had two rows left to stitch and I decided I wanted to show you today so I finished it up. I decided I don't like stitching the same color like the grass. That got boring. LOL

AND..... I'm working on another secret project... I'm not done yet so I'll wait to show you everything. I know you can tell what it is... but you don't know what it will be when I'm done :-) Just know this... even with my eye I hand stitched these seed beads on.

I'm so happy to have my mojo back!!!! I LOVE my craft room!!! I turn the heater on, some relaxation music, shut the door and get in the zone. Today I need to price some items to get out to my booth. It's time to get some new stuff out there. Enjoy your day and weekend :-)

P.S. I am running a special on my salt dough redware ornies!!!! Jump on over to my selling blog to check it out!!!! Act now as I also have them for sale on Facebook too. First come first serve!!!!!

For Sale

2012-01-24T13:44:00.001-05:00

I have a few things that I will be posting on my selling blog today that are for sale. So hop on over and take a look. I have a few things in the works and will be adding them soon.

Click here to be taken to my selling blog.

Fabric Storage

2012-01-21T20:47:00.001-05:00

Alright friends, I'm almost back to new! I made a return trip to the ophthalmologist on Thursday and other than some scarring in my eye from when my pupil was stuck I am on the mend. I can actually see the keys as I type and can read blogs again YYIIPPEEE!!!!! I am slowly weaning off my eye drops and should be done in about 6 weeks. However, he warned me at the first sight of it returning I am to call immediately otherwise see him in 5 weeks. I hope I never have this again.

Although, it did give me time to work on the craft room since crafting was out. So here are some updated pictures...

Well now it doesn't look like I have that much fabric now does it? lol

We also got some new chairs so I can sit for hours down there... don't mind the mess... I'm not completely done organizing yet.

Then I redid my hutch a little bit and emptied out 2 tubs!!!! The bottom shelf is all unfinished projects I started and never finished. Those will be finished up soon. Hopefully... ;-)

I'm hoping to start a few new things here soon since my vision is so much better. I have some painting to do so that I can do yet another tutorial for those of you just beginning the primitive journey. A must see to save yourself tons of money by "primitizing" your thrift store finds. I will see you soon. :-)

Before I go I have to share this cartoon with you. One of my friends Becca from Folk art by the Harbor posted this on my Facebook wall. Is this not me or what???? LOLOLOLOLOL

One Good Eye

2012-01-17T08:58:00.001-05:00

Good morning! Just a little update on my eye. The redness is going away, the pain is pretty well gone, but I still have blurriness due to the eye drops. So, what does this mean for you, well, it means I have not been able to craft. I can't see close up. No new projects, yet. However, that doesn't mean we weren't busy. Just because I couldn't see to craft didn't mean I was going to sit around all day and eat bon bons. As you all will remember I am a hoarder of fabric mostly. You know those impulse purchases from the thrift store in hopes of redoing to resell. I had bags of stuff just sitting in my basement. Now, I have come to realize I am a hoarder of a lot more than just fabric. My basement is the catch all. Since moving in I haven't really gone through and reorganized. I always got an overwhelming feeling just thinking about it cleaning it. So, this past weekend I could see well enough to start reorganizing. Let me tell you it was a two day affair. Steve told me that he would build me a craft table if I could clear out enough stuff. At first it was difficult to let go of things, decor that I don't use but spent a lot of money on, crafting supplies, and junk. I soon got the hang of things and just went donate and throw away happy. I am so surprised that I could do it. Anyway, long story short I got my crafting table and more....

Sorry, no before pictures... I'm crazy but not that crazy to show you lol.

After:

Steve made this shoe rack out of our old wood. I'm guessing it's not going to stay in the basement long. LOL. It is soooo awesome!!!! My desk where I will keep all my business stuff, bills, and shipping stuff.

My new shelving. We still have yet to put another shelf and some cubbies. This is going to house my fabric. Yes, you heard me right I am moving my fabric once again. I am reclaiming my dining room as a dining room.

OK, we still aren't done... My HUGE new rolling craft table. I can move it out so I can get around it. More storage underneath. Oh yeah the stuff you see on top in the clothes basket and tub will be for sale soon.

Then above my table I had Steve put another shelf. I want to add a clothes line under it to hold odds and ends of quilt tops, coffee stained things that are drying and whatever else. Plus he put up a new bigger light so I could see.

Before I knew he was going to build my shelf I thought I would reorganize my crafting stuff on something I already had. The hutch was a thrift store find. We will be redoing it and selling it soon. After all the sorting and getting rid of stuff those tubs in the corner (fabric) and the stuff on the hutch is all I have left. Go Me!!!!!

Today Steve will be painting the table and shelving unit. Believe it or not I am having him paint it a white. I figure since it's the basement I want it to be light since it's kinda dark down there with only 2 tiny windows. I am super excited to be able to start organizing and crafting once again. I can leave things out and not think I have to clean up every night so we can have dinner at the table. Well, I better get off of here and go keep him company. I just got off of my 24 hour shift and 'm a bit tired and have now developed a cold. I think it's from being around all the dust while I was cleaning. Hope you are having a good week so far. I apologize for not commenting on all of your blogs I follow, but I still can't read very well and my eye gets tired very quickly. I go to the eye doctor again Thursday and I hope he tells me no more dilating drops. I'd like to be able to catch up on my blog reading.

Make Do Chair Tutorial

2012-01-13T21:44:00.000-05:00

So, you want to try a make do chair. You've come to the right place! I am hoping with my explanation and pictures that you'll be able to make your own chair. This chair was Steve and my second make do chair. The first was a lot larger, totally make do (no chair was used) and was slip covered. We ended up selling it and after many requests I came up with a no sew make do chair. Please forgive my mistakes as I'm typing this with only one good eye at the moment. lol

The end product...

Supplies:
a ladder back chair
a heavy duty staple gun and staples
scrap wood for the sides and back.
fabric (I don't recommend using a stripe or plaid on your first one) My fabric is a "linen look" for the sides and seat and a heavier upholstery fabric for the back. (I'm going to guess 3-4 yards should do it.)
a friend to help hold,pull, and staple lol
I used 1/4" loft quilt batting folded in half ( I had it on hand already.) It normally comes in a roll. You can use what ever loft you want.
nails (to nail the arms) black cut tacks (to finish upholstery I used 1/2" and 11/16" they look like cut nails but much smaller) and hammer

My chair was in pretty rough condition. I had it sitting on my porch so the seat was coming off from being in the weather.

First, we finished taking off the seat. If you have a chair with a decent seat you can leave it on and use that instead of putting a new one on if you wish. I didn't want to paint the frame, but you could certainly do that if you wish. I prefer the natural worn wood look.

After much planning we decided that starting with the seat was the best choice. Steve cut the piece of wood for our seat. I wanted it a little wider to accommodate my ever growing seat. lol. Steve still can't sit comfortably in my chair. lol. Measurements are shown below. Then we used screws to attach it to the frame of the chair.

Unroll your batting and cut a doubled piece at least 1" wider on all sides than all measurements of your seat. Cut your piece 24" X 21" X 16 1/2" at least. Enough to be able to wrap the batting to the underside of the seat and staple it to the seat.

Once covered with your batting, take your fabric and cut it large enough to fold and wrap around the bottom of the seat just like you did the batting. I tried to keep the fold on the corners to the side because it will be covered later.

Woohoo your seat is done!!!! Next we will be putting the back on. We wanted an angle at the top. You would not have to do this. The picture is kind of hard to understand so let me explain. If you want the angle the top of the board should measure 17" angling into 19" which is the width of the piece of board. The entire height of the board should be 30" and 28" from the bottom of the angle to bottom. The back should rest on the seat. Then screw it to the back of the chair and the bottom. We decided we only wanted wood on the front of the chair. You could put a piece on the back if you so choose.

We now need to put the sides on. The back of the board needs to be shaved down flush with the back of the chair. The other measurements shown are accurate. Remember the back is at an angle and that's why it needs shaved down. Yeah that's me freezing my tushy off in the background. lol.

Alright I hope I can explain this next step. You will need to cut batting and the fabric for the sides. I always allow extra batting because you can cut off excess as you go. The fabric needs to be 1-2" larger than the actual side measurement. This is where it might get confusing... take your fabric and lay it face down (right side of fabric to seat). Take the edge of the fabric, 1" or so, and fold the edge up so that the right side of the fabric is facing the wood of the side and still on the seat also. It'll become clear in a minute. Now take your batting as shown (getting it as close as you can to the seat and back of the chair) as you can. Where Steve's index finger is you should have a sandwich type thing wood, fabric, then batting on top. Staple as shown. It is easier to staple the top of the batting first then tuck the fabric behind the batting on the bottom. I apologize that my fabric and batting appear to be the same color. I will add a different picture if it is still unclear how to layer. PLEASE let me know if I need to.

Once you have the inside of the arm stapled as shown start pulling up the fabric and stapling it to the top of the arm. You will need to do do some folding of the fabric in front as you wrap around the front and to the outside of the arm. Make sure you leave enough fabric on the bottom to be stapled to the bottom of the seat on the outside of the arm. If you look at the right side (the arm in the sun) at the crease you should have a nice folded edge that looks finished. This is because we tucked the edge up under the batting then stapled as we brought it around to the front of the arm. Now pull your fabric on the outside and staple as shown below. Note we have the extra fabric stapled to the backing.

The next step is optional. I wanted arms on mine so we happened to have some old boards to cut and make them. The measurements are up to you, but we cut ours 16" long. The front is 4 1/2" wide. We then angled it back to the back of the chair. NOTE: You will need to notch out a little to be able to slide your backing fabric and batting through when we are ready to cover the back. Nail down your arms to the edge of the side piece.

Do as I say not as we did. We forgot to notch it out. We had to do it later. It sure would have been easier to do it at the beginning. lol. Note that the arm is flush with the wood back not the chair back.

Next we will add the upper sides. The outside measurement is 12 1/2" and the top is 5". You will then need to make a straight line down to make your angle.

You will have a gap on the back as you screw the sides to the back piece. You might want to screw the arms from the bottom up through into the side too. You may want to drill pilot holes so that your wood doesn't split while putting your screws in.

We are getting there... hang in there. We will now wrap the batting and fabric around these pieces.

We are layering just like we did on the bottom sides. Wood, fabric, and then batting. Start stapling at the bottom then pull the batting and fabric towards the top then staple. You will need to fold your fabric at the top because of the angle from top to bottom to make it look ok. This is why I don't recommend stripes because they won't line up. Lots of pictures to show you how we wrapped and stapled. You will need to staple the fabric and batting to the underside of the arm.

We are almost done!!! I forgot to take a picture of this next step so I hope I can explain it well enough. We now need to do the back of the seat. Starting at the bottom of the front of the back (WOW that was confusing lol) you will need to layer again. Remember, place the right side of the backing fabric face down. (The seat and the right side of the backing fabric should be touching.) If you use some kind of backing like me you will really need to be careful lining up the middle of the fabric with the middle of the back of the chair. You need to cut your fabric at least 2" wider so you can fold the edges in to make a clean folded edge and maybe 4" longer to be able to wrap it over the top as seen below and tuck at the bottom of the front.

Fold and staple. We then went back and used cut tacks every couple of inches on the front to hold the fabric in place.

Now you will need to cut the batting and fabric for the back. If you are using fabric like me you will need to match up the print before you cut. We then started at the top (see pic above) layered the fabric then batting and started stapling.

OK my friends you did it!!! You made your very own make do chair. If you have any questions please email me and I will do the the best I can to answer them. Thanks so much for the overwhelming response for a tutorial. Now how can I top this tutorial? lol hmmmmm.... what do I want to make next ?????

RAK and an Update

2012-01-13T11:47:00.003-05:00

First I would like to start by saying Thank You to Linda Parker of Parker Paradise for sending me these absolutely cute prim pillows. I received them a few days ago, but with everything going on I didn't get to post them. Linda is so generous. She sends out gifts to people randomly and I was a recipient this time. Are they just too cute ? I LOVE them.

and the backs of them... The smaller one found a home on my bowl rack and the larger one on a chair. I'll take pics soon.

Thank you all for the get well wishes. I will try to email each and everyone of you back to thank you for your concern, but it may take a few days as I can only stand the computer screen for short periods of time and with the eye medication my vision is blurry in that eye. The final verdict is in... I have what's called uveitis and iritis. Basically, it's inflammation of the iris of my eye and also within the inside of my eye. It is not a transmittable thing and you don't "catch" it. It just happens. He kind of compared it to arthritis of the eye. The reason it is so sensitive is right now my pupil is "stuck". It can't regulate to changes in light because of the inflammation. Since this is the first time I've gotten it he said we will treat it drops, but if I get it again I will have genetic markers done to figure out why. Most times people who get this have some sort of autoimmune disease going on. One of my drops is 6 times a day and the other is 3 times one is a steroid and the other helps to dilate and rest my eye. $80 later I now can start them today because they didn't have one of the scripts and had to overnight it last night. I have another appt next week to be sure it is healing. I think I will be on drops for 6-8 weeks. Once done I have to get an eye exam. I always put myself and my needs last and haven't gotten an eye exam in 8 years. I am suppose to wear glasses, but haven't worn them in years. So needless to say I got a lecture because we have eye problems that run in the family. lol. So basically,this is where I'm at. So much for the healthy New Year... lol I told myself I was not going to go to the doctor or have any testing done this year. Yep, 2 weeks into January and that went out the window. lol.

I will be working on the tutorial for the make do chair little by little and will have it posted this weekend. I promise. :-) Thanks for checking in on me I appreciate it. Please excuse misspellings and missed words. lol

Tutorial Postponed...

2012-01-12T10:51:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry to say, but the tutorial will be postponed for a few days. In the last day I have developed something in my eye that looks a little something like this...

The doctor says it is not conjunctivitis or pink eye, but possible uveitis. As I sit here and type I have my eye closed and looking straight at the keys on the keyboard because the computer screen is too bright to look at. They are most concerned because my pupils are now unequal and the light sensitivity. I go to see a specialist today at 2:30 to figure out what we are going to do. I had it all day yesterday at work. I even had to wear sunglasses in the morning on my drive to work while it was dark out because it hurt my eye. If it starts feeling better I will try to get it done this weekend. So, please check back. Also, thank you so much for all of your kind comments on our chair because it made our day :-)

Make Do Chair

2012-01-09T19:11:00.001-05:00

Steve and I were both off today, so as promised, we made a make do chair with absolutely no sewing involved!!! It was 42 degrees out ( just a bit chilly) and it took all day because it was plan and work as you go. We had to build from the bottom up literally. So hopefully the tutorial will have you making them in no time :-). I have pictures that we took along the way and will be putting together a tutorial soon.

Before: We did have to finish cutting off the seat as it was not able to be saved. I don't like altering old things, but we I didn't have a choice :-/ I was using this on the front porch before. lol.

After: The plain fabric is linen like (I've seen it at Jo-Ann Fabrics) and the printed is upholstery fabric. Both fabrics were found at the flea market where I have my booth. :-) and they were really cheap!!!

The back:

Just thought I'd show you the end product first. I work the next two days, so hopefully by the weekend I will have the tutorial done.

FOR SALE

2012-01-07T15:07:00.003-05:00

They are done! I have the following for sale $5.00 a piece includes shipping. OOAK Salt Dough 3 1/2 inch ornies. They will have jute hangers when shipped. Please specify by number and picture order when ordering. Email me to purchase. First come first serve.

Black Ware

Green Ware

#2 SOLD

Red Ware

Terra Cotta Ware

#4 SOLD

White ware

#5 SOLD

Yellow Ware

#6 SOLD

2012...

2012-01-03T12:29:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!!! Ok Ok I'm late. Better late than never right? I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful holiday. This is the joke between Steve and I. Supposedly the world is going to end this December and I told him that I would marry him on the day that the world ends. :-) lol So, I had to post this. Alright I just noticed that beginning is spelled wrong!!!!!!! LOLOLOLOL Sheesh!!!

Anyway, I want to thank you for all the kind words, encouragement, and friendships in 2011 that I have received. You all are truly a blessing for me. Steve is awesome and all, but sometimes he just doesn't "get it." So, I come to you to vent, share, and look for advice. And boy oh boy you all never disappoint me. :-) So thank you new and old friends. I hope that reading my blog gives you great ideas, a can do attitude (especially when I tell you what not to do in my tutorials lol), and most of all a place to come relax and be yourself and not feel like an outsider.

For 2012, most people make resolutions that, well, just don't happen. I am one of that crowd! Every year I say I'm going to do this or that or be someone I'm not. This year I really have been thinking a lot about obtainable resolutions. Maybe if I can accomplish one I will get the motivation to do more. First, and foremost, I have got to stop biting and picking at my nails and cuticles. I have done this since I was a kid and have tried a lot of things to quit. Obviously none of them have helped. lol. What's different now? Well, I was watching the OWN network (Oprah Winfrey Network) yesterday at work and they were talking about weight loss. I know what does this have to do with nails... hold on getting to that. lol. Anyway, she has a trainer by the name of Bob Greene who was on her shows yesterday. He was telling people that in order to lose weight you have to figure out what the reason is that you eat. The same applies to me. Why and when do I pick? So, over the last few days I realized that I pick when 1.) I'm just watching TV 2.) stressed (at work) 3.) bored. Yesterday I made a conscious effort to catch myself and stop. Most times I don't realize I'm doing it. When I caught myself I put hand lotion on or picked up my cross stitch and started stitching. At this rate I should finish a lot of new patterns. lol. I'm hoping I can retrain myself into finding something else to do (not eat lol) to make myself stop. My massage therapist recommended I put gloves on so when I saw the gloves it would tell me to stop. I know not a huge resolution, but obtainable. If I conquer this I will set another resolution, but not until then. I can only work on one thing at a time.

I've taken the Christmas tree down and am looking at my bare house and have started making new plans to move furniture. I foresee a huge flip flop of furniture pieces. We have sold our TV cabinet in the living room.

This one...

We will be doing something different. Steve has an idea and I LOVE it too. It won't be ready for awhile so we will make do with other furniture until then. I think I might be seeing a faux fireplace in the future ;-) I have some other pieces I want to take out and move around. Actually I'm kind of excited because I will be making a true make do chair. I have a ladder back chair hanging out in my garage begging for a face lift. I got the most adorable upholstery fabric awhile back. I'd like to do a tutorial for it, but it may take some time. I'm trying to make it a no sew tutorial for those of you who don't sew obviously. I've had several requests to do one. I will say you will need to cut wood and be able to use a hammer and nails and of course scissors (Remember no running with scissors I wouldn't want you to poke your eye out because it's all fun and games til someone gets their eye poked out. lol) I have the plan of attack in my head, now it just comes down to time.

I'm glad many of you enjoyed my last tutorial. I have had a ton of hits on my blog!!!! So thank you very much. PLEASE send me pics or post them if you made some faux redware. I'd LOVE to see them and with your permission post them so everyone can see :). Maybe we can come up with a few more tutorials this year. I think I may step back and do a tutorial on distressing furniture or such for those who may be new to the prim side. I have a friend on Facebook who would LOVE to learn how.

I have some planning and painting to do so I will see you soon.

Faux Redware Tutorial

2011-12-31T14:28:00.007-05:00

You asked for it, so you got it :-) WARNING: I am cautiously posting this because I just mixed up a new batch and when I looked in the oven the circles were starting to puff up. This is NOT the look I want so I am waiting it out to see what happens. I did exactly as I did yesterday except I didn't knead it as long, so I'm hoping they fall. They did not fall and I threw them all away. Read on and I'll explain.

Getting Started:

What you will need: I know what you are thinking... why do we need those dowel rods Mary? I also forgot to take a picture of a drinking straw. You will need this too.

Line some baking sheets with your foil. Since this stuff is non-toxic you could just put them directly on the the sheet. The flatter your foil the less "wrinkle" look you will have on the back of your circle.

Salt Dough Recipe I found here. (there are a few more recipes on this webpage :-) )

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 cup warm water

Mix the salt and flour together in a bowl. Add half of the water and stir. Add the other half stirring til most of the dry ingredients are mixed in. Sprinkle your counter with a little flour and knead the dough for 5-10 minutes. This IS very important if you want flat circles!!!! As I said at the beginning, I didn't knead the dough very long and the circles puffed up. I don't want puffy. Learn from my mistakes!!!! lol So this second batch I kneaded. I took and separated the dough in half. Roll out half of your dough. This is where your dowel rods come in.

This tip is from Karen N., who emailed me...

When I read your blog today about rolling out the salt dough I just had to share with you something I do to get the dough rolled out evenly. I did this last year when I was rolling out gingerbread dough to make gingerbread men ornaments and it worked like a charm. I just cut two pieces of dowel (I used 1/4 " dowel cause I wanted the dough to be about that thickness so just use whatever size dowel you want) put the dough between the dowels and have the edges of the rolling pin run over the dowel. Presto.....perfectly even dough.

Thanks so much Karen!!!! Now we can all benefit from your wisdom!!!! Now that's a smart lady :-)

Now for my secret... Do you want perfect sized circles??? Use the lid to a wide mouth ball jar. Put it on your dough push down and then go back and forth like the arrow shows. Keep doing this with each one. If your counter is floured well your circles will come up easily. If not, well you may have to peel them a little. Now put them on your cookie sheets.

If you are making ornies use your straw to make holes. I forgot to do that with the batch I threw away. Believe me when I say you can't go back and put holes in very well while they are baking. Yep I tried :-/ lol

Pop your cookie sheets in the oven and bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/2 hours or until done.

Remove from the pan and put them on cooling racks when done. You can start decorating once they are completely cool.

Ready to decorate????

Once cool you will sometimes have dried bits of dough on the edges of the circle. Just take some sand paper and lightly sand to knock them off. I also give a quick sand to the front and back. Then wipe them off with a dry paper towel. Remember, don't use water!!!

Some of mine looked like this on the back. I just sanded a little and painted them anyway.

Next step is painting. I just used acrylic paint that I had on hand. Design and paint whatever you like on them. Use stencils, look at pics on the web, or freehand. After they are completely dry if you want to "prim" them up take wood gel stain (I like walnut) and use a rag to lightly rub the stain on. You can go back and wipe off some if needed to lighten it. I always use rubber gloves when using stain because it doesn't like to come off my hands very well. Also dispose of any rags properly. These rags can spontaneously combust if kept in a closed container.

My friends and I were talking today about these and we all agreed you might need a polyurethane or polyacrylic coat. We also thought maybe modge podge would work too. If you plan on storing them keep them out of anyplace that might be damp. My friends pack those little silica packets that come in shoe boxes in with them and have never had a problem. I have yet to protect mine, but I will.

Anyway, I hope this helps and have fun!!!! I have been having a blast making making these. Anyone want to come over and paint with me ??? lol

Edited... I have been asked to share the paint colors I used to create these.

Folk art- Navy Blue, Terra Cotta, True Burgundy (used for redware color), yellow ochre

As for the others I happened to have Olde Century Colors linen white and olde pewter. You could substitute these with an ivory and a darker sage green.

Faux Redware

2011-12-30T17:58:00.001-05:00

Alright, I know it's late for the reveal because I normally post in the morning. I started painting then stopped to make a faux Roman Shade panel for my nephew's room when my sister came over. Anyway, my experiment... you all know I LOVE redware, yellowware, and blackware. Most times it's too expensive for me to purchase. What's the next best thing? Of course, Make it yourself!!!!

The experiment was which did I like better... salt dough or clay...

Salt dough...

So, let's start with the salt dough... this was my first attempt as an adult. I found that I'm not good at rolling out my dough evenly. LOL. It was really easy to work with, however. It dried quickly in the oven. Downfall I guess if you want to call it. I don't think it's bad because it makes them look more like crazed clay is that I think my dough may have been to dry because I got very small cracks. BUT the stain went down in them and like I say made them look crazed. I have 10 more to paint. LOL. The recipe I used left my circles flat. They didn't "puff" up. This is from my dear friend Geesha "Hey Mary I will tell you this what ever flour you use in your salt dough mixture it will effect the shape if you want a more flat use all-purpose if you want it a more 3-D or texture like use the self-rising." Thought I'd pass it along :-) The flat look is what I wanted.

Sculpey clay...

Well, let me say that these take a LOONNGGG time to dry in the oven. These ones are still not completely dry because they are flexible. They should be rigid when "cooked" completely. I had them in for like 4 hours. It is suppose to be 15 minutes for 1/4" uh huh right.... Needless to say I'm impatient. The clay models a little better to make bowl shapes. It takes more coats of paint to cover the white clay. It's a flatter surface to paint on. So, all in all they are ok... at best. I wasn't going to scrap them yet. I may give it another try. OH the biggest problem is sculpey clay is way more expensive than salt dough :-)

There you have it. Was it worth the wait???? I think they turned out pretty good if I can toot my own horn. LOL. Anyone want be to post a tutorial for these? Leaving it open for discussion... just let me know :-)

Experimenting Day

2011-12-29T11:22:00.002-05:00

Good Morning everyone!!! As you can tell by my post title, today is Experimenting Day. You know I always LOVE to try new things. So, as soon as I came home from work at 7am I started my Google search. Why? you may ask. Well, last night as I was working we had down time in which we are allowed to sleep on our 24 hour shifts. I laid there... and laid there...and laid there. I was not able to fall asleep because I had a massive flow of crafting ideas and was unable to sleep. I was so excited to start them today that I didn't lay down after I came home. Anyway, I have never worked with salt dough (as an adult) to make ornies. So, I found several different recipes and have yet to decide on one. I will though this afternoon when I have a little more time. HOWEVER, if any of you have a favorite salt dough recipe to share please do!!! You have a few hours yet before I start them. :-)

In the meantime, I am working with this... also a new medium for me to play.

I have several items baking right now. I don't want to show you yet until 1.) they work and look wonderful or 2.) I fail miserably and tell you what not to do :-) I will be ecstatic if it turns out like I hope it will. Then I will have some very special items to sell if it does. So are you ready to hurt me yet since I won't tell you? lol

I hope to be back tomorrow with the finished products. Stay tuned :-)

Pattern Re-Releases

2011-12-27T16:15:00.002-05:00

A late Merry Christmas to all of you. I'd like to say my Christmas holiday was wonderful, BUT I can't. I spent all weekend working. YUCK!!!! We did get to open our gifts Sunday night after I got home. It was looking like we'd have to wait until Monday night, but my son texted me to come pick him up from his Dad's house Sunday night so we could open gifts. I was thankful for that. Me, being the procrastinator that I am, waited until December 23rd to order Steve's Christmas presents. One of them arrived today. :-) He said he understood. I just couldn't decide what to get him. He buys what he wants, for example, he bought the DVD set of the television show "Coach" wrapped it then put my name on it as if I gave it to him. LOL. I guess that made it easy. He still has 2 more gifts coming in the mail. I'm sure he will like them.

Other than that, last week, I got absolutely nothing done since I worked everyday but Thursday. So today, my day off, I decided to re-release some of my patterns. These were from 2008, when I first decided to make patterns. I had to go back in and make some minor changes to them, but now they are once again available for purchase.

Primitive Pineapple Bowl Fillers

Primitive Sheep Pattern

A printable PDF format is $8.00 while a printed pattern is $10.00 includes shipping. Please email me to order. You will get a color picture, pattern, and directions to complete the above goodies.

In case you didn't notice, I have made navigating my blog a little simpler. You will notice the tabs underneath my heading picture. Click on those to be taken to the pages containing those items. :-)

I may re-release another pattern for my prim geese, but I haven't decided if I will or not. This is what they would look like if I do. I even made a mallard and Canadian goose out of the pattern.

I don't know about you, but I have started thinking about my New Year's resolutions. I am really going to try to make them easy for me to achieve. Normally, I make ones that I really can't do and then I feel bad if I break them. I won't tell you in today's post, but I will as the New Year approaches.

I just want to say thank you for visiting today. I hope you are having a wonderful week.

2011-12-22T08:37:00.000-05:00

Good Morning! I'll bet you thought I fell off the face of the earth :-) Ha! no such luck LOL. I have just been working on my daughter's quilt and have not done much else. That was my goal to finish it last week while I was on vacation. Well, after some frustration and almost tears I finished it yesterday. I didn't end up machine quilting it because it didn't go as smoothly as I wanted. I had to rip out what I had done and decided to tie it. I have also decided I will not tackle a quilt this big in my place. I had a very hard time finding a place to lay it out to put it together. But, finally, it is done.

Front... I apologize these are phone pictures...

Back of quilt

Last weekend all of us went to the Polar Express ride in Dennison Ohio. We went because I got free tickets to go. I just had to guard the first aid bag. LOL. I didn't need to use my skills luckily. So, I took the opportunity to be on a moving train for the first time ever. My kids even enjoyed themselves. I even let my kids take a picture of me while we were there. So, if you ever wondered what Steve and I look like here we are. This is a rare occasion because I absolutely hate having my picture taken. Anyway, here we are...

Steve has been busy in the workshop. We got a special request for a fireplace board from a lady in Bowling Green Kentucky. It turned out so cute....

Steve also painted up another one we will have for sale. This one is not prim'd up yet. These are some of the newest stencils I have.

I caved in and went to some thrift stores last week too. Of course I found some more fabric, but I also found this piece that I would like to repaint and put in the booth. One of the handles is missing off a drawer so I will either have to put new ones on or look around at the flea market for one maybe like it. Either way I'd LOVE to keep it, but there is no room here at the homestead :-)

Today is my only day off this week until next Tuesday. Yes, that means I am working Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I'm not happy about it, but the overtime will be nice :-) I still need to go shopping for Steve. Tomorrow is his birthday and then of course Christmas follows 2 days later. He is so difficult to buy for, but my son thinks he knows what to get. So, maybe later we will venture out.

I need to get moving. So, thanks for stopping by. I will talk to you soon.

Early Christmas

2011-12-14T08:28:00.008-05:00

I LOVE getting packages in the mail, especially when I know I didn't order anything. The other day my son actually went to the mailbox and got the mail. This is a very rare occurrence even if his bus stops right in front of it. Anyway, I think he gets more excited than I do when a package arrives. If I'm at work he calls to tell me then asks if he can open it. Or if I'm here wants to open it. My last surprise package was from Little Raggedy Angie. She is always sending people goodies just because. She is the sweetest thing. I would have taken a picture of the package, BUT my son opened too quick.

This is what was in my package.

These wonderful smelling wax ornies...

The red and white candles...

The most adorable gingerbread people... If you look close at the picture you can see me in the glass bulb to the left. LOL

Candy cane ornament...

And a wonderful Christmas card...

Truth be told I can't remember if she sent anything else. As soon as I unwrapped everything I put them in their new places and forgot to take pictures until 2 days later. Now I can't remember what else she sent me. I apologize Angie for my forgetfulness. Obviously what she sent me was so awesome I couldn't remember what was new because it all blended so well with the rest of my things :)

Some other early Christmas gifts was landlord called me the other day ask if I wanted a different refrigerator and stove for my house/duplex. He said that he and his wife got new appliances and that these were perfectly good she just wanted new. He wanted me to come look at them and to bring Steve to help move them. Anyway, long story short I now have newer used appliances. They work great and look great. I now have a window in my stove door AND a timer on it. My old one didn't and you don't realize how much you use them when you don't have either. The refrigerator is bigger and much nicer. I can barely hear it running. My old one would thump really loud when it was done running a cycle. Then he asked me how I liked the carpet in my kitchen. I told him I hated it and that I'd rather have tile, linoleum, or something like it so that I could clean up spills easier. So, he said he would replace my kitchen floors this summer or spring. Steve told him if he bought it that he would install it. I'm very excited! Steve tried to talk him into faux wood floors. After today I can't wait. LOL... I was making puppy chow candy this morning put the cereal in a Ziploc (Walmart brand) bag with powdered sugar in it. I went to turn the bag upside down to shake it and the zipper part popped open as I was shaking it and some of the chocolate/peanut butter cereal spilled all over the carpet. I was so mad!!!! I hate wasting perfectly good food :) especially chocolate.

I baked all day yesterday and have just a bit more to do today then that's it. I made no bake cookies, molasses cookies (my favorite), candied nuts, and crescent pecan pie bars. Today is puppy chow and sugar cookies. I haven't made this much for a very long time. It feels good!!!

I hope to work on my daughters quilt today. I thought I had made yet another big mistake on the backing, but no I was just having a brain fart. Grrrr... I just need to find a large place in my house to lay out the backing so I can measure it and put my borders on. Then I need to decide whether I want to tie it or machine quilt it.

You should all be proud of me. I have only been to the thrift store once this week. It was right across the street from my doctor's appt yesterday. So, of course I had to go. I found this amazing throw. It looks like a real coverlet but it's a blanket. Remember I like to decorate on the cheap with repro's if I have to. I got this baby for $2.99. It had some ugly fringe around the edges that I ripped off yesterday and a few pulled threads. It is a gorgeous red. This picture makes it look bright, but in real life it's not. The bad thing is I almost put this back on the rack before I left, but a little voice said buy it. It is so awesome!

Well, I have a plans for today and better get busy. Have I ever said how much I LOVE being home and not working?!? Well, I do. LOL.

Christmas at the Homestead

2011-12-12T14:17:00.002-05:00

The Homestead is ready for Christmas. Please take a few minutes and come on in for a visit.

Please click here to visit.

2011-12-10T10:04:00.007-05:00

Since we last spoke I have decided to stop making Christmas items so that I can focus on finishing up a project I started awhile ago. Yes, I am finally going to finish my daughters quilt. I figure it's time to get it done so she can use it this winter. Plus my son has placed his order for camouflage curtains when I'm done. Good thing I have next week off starting Monday. lol...

Remember this fabric?

I only have a little bit of each left so I had to come up with a plan for the backing to use it. I don't want to have much left over because I don't think I'd use it in any quilt I'd use. I LOVE the colors don't get me wrong. Just not the look I'm going for. :) So, this is the plan for the backing... Carefully drawn out and measured...

I began to cut up the fabric into the sizes I needed when I came to the last larger rectangle of fabric. Yep you guessed it I ran out of brown fabric. I was to have 4 large rectangles of brown on the back. I bought plenty in the beginning BUT dummy me used some to make some apron and bonnets sets that I sold. GRRRRRR... DUH! So the plan had to change. I looked in my stash and I didn't have any plain brown fabric. Then I thought I could substitute a floral brown NOPE... not enough of that either. So, this morning after I got off work, I had to run to the store to buy more material to complete it. Of course they didn't have the same dark brown I had so I decided on a lighter brown. Now I will have 2 dark brown and 2 light brown rectangles. It's the back right? No one will ever see it. LOL.

I have the two darker brown ones finished. As you can see I didn't have long enough strips of certain fabrics either. LOL... This will be interesting when I get it done. LOL.

I also went to the Goodwill and found a few things. The main thing I found was a different curtain for my kitchen. I know these pics are hard to tell but I had panels that I pulled back. These have been here since I moved in. Can you believe it's been almost 4 years ago on Jan 1 ?!?!? I can't. Anyway...

Before... it's hard to take a good pic when the light is coming through.

I found this brand new Park Design valance. It is black, mustard, and barn red. PERFECT!!!! I just don't understand why companies don't line curtains. I mean I know why, so you have to keep buying new ones. But lining them helps with sun fade. So, I think this will be a project this winter to line it.

After... I kinda like the change. :) I even washed my window inside and out before I hung it. FYI glass cleaner does not freeze in 20 degree weather. LOL. Now the sun is too bright coming through because it's clean LOLOLOL. This should tell you that I didn't get around to cleaning my windows this fall. shhhhhhh....

I took a break from sewing to chat, so I better get back to it. Steve and I haven't really seen each other all week. He has a few things to do at his rentals then he says we are going to "hang out" LOL. Which entails sitting in front of the TV. No kids until 4:30-5 this evening so it's all ours.

I'm still working on more photos of my Christmas decorating. I will post more next week.

Until then... Have a wonderful weekend!

Sneak Peak Christmas 2011

2011-12-06T13:44:00.003-05:00

I have started to take pictures of Christmas at the Homestead. Enjoy.... more pictures to come later this week....hopefully :-)

Primitive Apron & Bonnet Pattern

2011-12-04T16:23:00.004-05:00

I have finally made my apron and bonnet patterns into printable patterns for all of you. You will need basic sewing knowledge to complete them. I am sometimes horrible at explaining things so if you purchase this pattern and get stuck you can always email me to get help. :)

Soooo.... here it is... please email me to purchase. A printable PDF format is $8.00 while a printed pattern is $10.00 includes shipping. I prefer payment by Paypal. :)

In between making this pattern I have finally been able to decorate for Christmas. I will be trying to take pictures over the next week and get them posted. :) I apologize for not being around, but you know how crazy it can get around the holidays.

The best news is I will be paying off my 2nd to last bill heading towards being debt free. The money I am using has been from online sales. So thank you all who have made purchases from me. You are helping me along to be debt free!!! I have one more bill and no more debt!!!! :) Dave Ramsey's steps have helped me so much. They even taught some of his course in my son's Personal Finance class. So if you want to know more I have a link on the right side of my blog to his website. :)

Primitive Stocking Pattern...

2011-11-30T08:15:00.000-05:00

LOVE the look of primitive stockings and don't want to pay a high price for them? Well, I now have MY Primitive Stocking Pattern available for purchase. If you want to be able to download it instantly then my PDF version is just for you at $8.00. Would you rather have a printed paper pattern? I offer that too for only $10.00 shipped. I prefer payment by Paypal. Please email me to order your pattern today. You can find my email address on the left hand side of my blog in the margin :) Please include the email address that I need to use to invoice you through Paypal.

My Booth...

2011-11-29T11:58:00.004-05:00

Since I haven't posted pictures for awhile I thought I'd show you what my booth looks like today. Come this weekend it will be getting a makeover. I can't wait for Steve to finish some projects that will be going out there.

I am starting to put away fall decor and redecorating for Christmas. I have Thursday through Sunday off and I'm hoping to get a lot accomplished then. Otherwise I haven't been up to much other than working. I'd like to work on some Christmas stuff, but I have the dining table heaping full of stuff to redecorate my dining room with. I am making a change with the shelving units dedicated to one of my collections. I hope I can pull it off.

Well, I better get to work on decorating. I'm way behind :)

Christmas Offerings

2011-11-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

I am pleased to offer a few Christmas items starting today. I will slowly add more items as time permits. Please visit my selling blog The Gettysburg Mercantile to view our humble offerings.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T19:04:00.003-05:00

I want to say thank you to all of you who visit my blog and picturetrail. I am inspired by all of you and am glad I can inspire some of you also. We all have so many things to be thankful for and today is a day of reflection and thankfulness. It has been 3 years this month that the life I once knew came to an abrupt end, but a wonderful life of happiness, peace, and love has started since then that I am so thankful for. My children are healthy, happy and adjusted to our new life also. Of course for my family who helped me tremendously through these last 3 years. I couldn't have picked up and started a new life on my own with the kids without them.

Just an early hint... I will have a few humble Christmas offerings tomorrow at 8am sharp eastern time.

Motivated to the Max...

2011-11-20T18:13:00.013-05:00

I don't know whether this mega dose of Vitamin D I'm on or what happened but I was totally motivated this weekend. I stayed home and worked in my dining room. My table was even clear for a few short minutes until I dragged new projects out to work on. lol. I brought the CD player and all my Christmas CD's in with me and I worked. I found quite a few UFOs (unfinished objects) that I swore I was going to do this year as a New Year's resolution. Oh well, guess some of them may wait til next year because they've waited this long. LOL. I put away my fabric and everything. I am so proud of myself. So... wanna see what I was doing????

First, I decided I liked the look of the rolled up Christmas fabric, so I pulled out my basket (thrift store find of course) and rolled up the other Christmas fabric I already had and threw them in the basket.

While I was at it I rolled up my plain fabric and threw them in another basket. Truth is I don't have room on my shelves for it so I had to find another way to store it. I know what you are going to say... and I don't want to hear it ;-) lol

I also found these squares I bought a few years back at the thrift store. I believe they are a wool blend. I got them because I thought for sure I could make something out of them. I think I know what I'm going to with them finally. I'd like to incorporate them in a quilt. It'll be a very prim, early style, with mismatched fabrics and hand stitching. This for sure is a New Year's resolution for next year.

Before.... 8X8 inches

After... 7X7 inches... whoever cut them initially left the selvage edge on the sides of some of the squares so I had to cut them down. There is brown, black, cream, gray, and tan in the blocks.

Then while I was at JoAnn's last week I saw these really cute kids' gloves... I coffee stained them, added hangers, and rusty bells. Now the most adorable ornies :) Then I hung a few little candy cane ornies I made on there too. Don't worry this tree is not done yet...

So then I got the wax pouring bug... This candle, which was a Pottery Barn candle, of course found at the Goodwill was my next project. It's shaped like a house and was unscented. So I threw it in my crock pot to melt...

And got all of this from it... hint hint you may see some of this for sale on Friday!!! mini pineapples, toy soldiers, and the 12 days of Christmas. These obviously aren't done yet. They need more cinnamon rubbed on them and a few will get hangers...

Didn't these turn out gorgeous ?!?!? I LOVE them. Steve even commented on how cool they came out. They will make great peg rack hangers!!!

While I was waiting for my wax to melt I finished up this pillow sham. Another UFO I have had. I bought the dresden plate middle part a few years back at a prim store thinking I could make something from them. I say them because I have quite a few more left to use and I already have many of them pinned and ready to stitch on another new project. Anyway, it is made from old fleece that was hand stitched together by someone. None of them are identically stitched of course. I already had made the black wool sham last year, but couldn't decide what I wanted to put on it. So, I put them together and hand stitched the middle with a feather stitch and the outside with a blanket stitch. I tell you that fleece is not easy to work with since it sort of stretches when you stitch. grrrr.... oh well prim doesn't have to be perfect :)

Last, but not least, these are the newest pewter and non-pewter items I've added to my collection. I finally got them all together and displayed until next week when I move them to their new home in my living room. For those of you who are friends with me on Facebook know which ones are fake, but if you aren't bet you can't tell the difference... like I say decorate on the cheap with repros when you can.

Well, my friends I need to get moving since I have a few more hours til bedtime. I need to see what I can get into while I still have the energy. Talk to you soon :)

More Thrifting

2011-11-18T12:19:00.005-05:00

You all know I have the thrift store bug. As I told you in my last post I took a little detour of some more thrift stores on Tuesday. I made a haul!!! My hauls are much different than most unless you are a fabric hoarder like me. I will be honest I am actually using up some of my fabric. YES!!! I am actually cutting it believe it or not. The things I am making from it are not even staying here at the homestead. They are going on to better homes where others can admire their beauty. Which then leaves empty spots to refill. AND when I can refill them for less than half of their original prices per yard why not? Yes that is the hoarder talking lol. It's called justification of spending money on fabric. This truly is my weakness. (sigh)

Anyway, I'll show you some other things I got too. The 4 napkins will be great for Spring and Fall decorating. The towel I can leave out year round. I like using textiles instead of doilies in my decorating.

The top thing is a repro tin cup. Again another mold for wax pouring. I think it is awesome!

Bead garland. The red ones may be for sale. I think I already have some in my Christmas stuff, but I'll let you know for sure. The top are "pearl" beads and the bottom are silver. I'm thinking I need a Christmas tree in my bedroom to use these.

Now you will not believe how much fabric I got. These are not just pieces. They are at least a yard if not more. This is all from Goodwill.

These reds are much darker than they appear.

I'm thinking I need some doves made out of the grey/white on the right.

All of this fabric I got at a different thrift store. They are different sizes. Some less than a yard and some more.

Not sure you can see it, but 3 1/2 yards for $7.00!!!! What a steal!!!!!

I bought some Christmas tree lights and a couple ornaments. I will show you some of them another day. I need to repaint them first. I will tell you they look very folk arty. I know arty isn't a word, but you know what I mean :) lol. I also got some more pewter and fake pewter that I will show you another day too. I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to display all of it first. I like it in the red corner cabinet, but I now have way too much for that. I'm actually in a bit of a quandary because I'm trying to decide if pewter belongs in the living room. When I see pics of other homes normally it's in the dining room. I like it there BUT I have another collection that is growing redware and yellow ware. Right now I have those in the living room, but am thinking they belong in the dining room too. I don't have space for both in the dining room and sometimes I don't like seeing them both together in the same room either.... (sigh). What to do... what to do???

Well, my friends I need to get all this stuff put away before everyone comes home. That way I can say I've had it all along. LOL. I also need to pick up my daughter from the food pantry where she is volunteering. This is part of her class at the career center. So, stay tunes I'll be back with a few more things after the weekend is over.

Just Pictures

2011-11-15T18:27:00.009-05:00

I promised some pictures so that's what I'm going to do.

First, my newest addition is this great shelf/cabinet. It didn't come with doors, but that's OK because I would leave them open anyway. It is a gray over red. It was so cheap I couldn't pass it up. This one was even cheaper than my corner cabinet below. :) My friend Rose asked me where in the world I was going to put it? :) She works at the shop I bought it at. I am trying to sell other pieces I have to accommodate for it Robin (to answer your question) since my house is quite cozy. A small house keeps me from going overboard. lol.

I just threw stuff on the shelves that were on the other pieces I had there originally. I'm not going to redecorate too much since Christmas is around the corner and it'll all come down anyway.

Now on to the dining room... I have added more pewter to my collection since I took these pictures the other day. That's another post... :) Now for those of you who are just starting your collections, I'm going to be very honest and say I do have reproductions in my collection. I am OK with this because it is cheaper and it gives me the look I want. Maybe in time when I win the lottery I will buy more real pieces, but for now these serve the purpose. :) Decorate on the cheap if you don't mind not having the real stuff.

My buttery... now in the dining room. No pictures of the fabric yet...lol

Like I say I have added more pewter pieces to my collection here within the last few days. I think either I'm going to have to move the whole collection elsewhere to accommodate all of it OR have it in two different locations. hmmmm....

I have also added to my fabric stash of course from the thrift stores. I try not to pay full retail if I don't have to. You all know me. I LOVE getting a good deal. Now if I could just cut some of it. I also bought some other great things today that I hope to share with all of you this Friday my next day off. I have a few special orders to do this weekend too. I have a customer who wants green flannel stockings to match her red ones she bought. I try to accommodate when I can :) Of course another apron and bonnet set with gorgeous browns yet to sew too. I LOVE when customers request certain things then let me build on it. I'll be sure to post them when they're done.

Thanks for stopping by, but my dryer is calling me so I will talk with you soon. Something about going naked isn't appealing to me or my kids. LOL.

Christmas Thrifting

2011-11-14T20:00:00.006-05:00

A couple weeks ago Steve and I took a Monday off and went shopping in Amish Country while the kids were in school. We rarely get to do this since I work a ton and Steve is finally getting busy. (Thank goodness) He is subcontracting for a new company that might hire him on full time if they find he is a hard worker and he knows what he's doing. So, keep your fingers crossed and say an extra prayer that he get's a full time job with benefits. He really needs blood pressure medicine, but won't get it because he can't afford it. I can't say as I blame him, but I want him around for awhile and not have a heart attack on me. Anyway, I got way off track here... Darn ADHD any how. lol. We happened to go to one thrift store that already had it's Christmas Open House going on already. Two of my BFF's went the week before and got a ton of stuff, so I just had to go too. Yeah, if they jumped off a bridge I'd follow them. lol. Peer pressure is horrible when you have a thrift store addiction. lol.

Here is some wonderful goodies I found....

My addiction to pewter... believe it or not the wreath is pewter. $3.00 woot woot!!!!

The rest is just roughed up silver obviously.

There are actually two picks here... complete with pine cones... $1.00 a piece

A boxwood looking plastic wreath. The red bow will go and I'll replace it with something else.

To add to another collection... a biscuit cutter and a beautiful mold for my super duper wax pouring addiction lol

Last but not least, a wool blanket. It is actually cream with red and green stripes. I'm taking pictures in the dark and they aren't great.

I know like I needed more stuff for Christmas. I have already pulled out all my Christmas decor magazines and books and have poured through them. I trying to get my head together for Christmas decorating. I won't get it out until after Thanksgiving is over. I have a lot to be thankful for and I don't want to skip this very important time of year.

I will be back tomorrow evening or Thursday morning with some new decorating I've done with my new pieces of furniture. Ummmm.... yeah... I bought another new (old)piece of furniture. It was an awesome price and I couldn't pass it up. So I have moved things around...AGAIN... ha I'm never done doing that. lol... I can't post it tonight because I can't get a good picture of it because it's too dark. I'll do that tomorrow in amongst everything else on my day off. See you soon :)

OHHHHHH... if you are friends with me on Facebook and got some horrible things posted on your wall or PMs supposedly from me I was hacked on Sunday. I apologize... trust me I would never send anything like that to any of you.

Christmas Items

2011-11-10T09:04:00.011-05:00

Good morning everyone! As you know I've been busy in the workshop OK dining room creating. I am going to be taking items to the booth here in a little bit, but wanted you to have a look see before I go. On some of the items I will be putting prices up so that you can order if you would like. Again they will be made by order only. It may take me a week or two to get them made. Payment will be by Paypal only. I charge you after the item has been made not before. Please email me at GettysburgHomestead(@)yahoo.com (when emailing take the parenthesis out.) This is to deter any unwanted S P A M mail.

So here you go... available by order until Nov. 25th to guarantee delivery by Christmas.

Christmas Stockings... available in red (flannel), coffee stained brown (osnaburg), or black (cotton). Please specify color and number of pairs when ordering. $14.00 (includes shipping) A Gettysburg Homestead original pattern.

Gingerbread Man. Made out of brown cotton fabric that is coffe stained and cinnamon rubbed. $5.00 each plus shipping.

Christmas Goose. Made from muslin with a removable wreath so you can leave it out all year. Available in black coffee stained, white coffee stained, or brown coffee stained. Please specify color and number. $7.00 each plus shipping. A Gettysburg Homestead original pattern.

I will also make available until Nov. 25th my apron and bonnet sets. You know I have a ton of fabric and can accommodate most colors coffee stained muslin also available. Please specify color (i.e. light blue, dark blue, red, so on and so forth)of fabric or fabrics and how many sets. I will then contact you and we will work out the details. $18.00 a set (includes shipping). A Gettysburg Homestead original pattern.

Lastly, a prim cardinal cupboard hanger. Made of painted muslin then coffee stained,baked, and dusted with cinnamon. Approx. 19 inches tall. Will include a wire hanger on the back for hanging. $24.00 plus shipping. A Gettysburg Homestead original pattern.

NOT AVAILABLE...

The pillows below are going to the booth. This is all I have and can not be reproduced. I just thought you'd like to see what else I've been doing. :)

Also I never showed you my finished fall doll for my BFF.

I need to get moving and finish up pricing and gathering of other items to get ready to decorate the booth. I'll try to take my camera to take pics. This is just the beginning of Christmas items I want to make. Obviously the more orders I have the less time I have to make one of a kind items. So stay tuned... I feel a little wax ornaments coming on ;)

AAACCCKKKK lol

2011-11-04T12:40:00.006-04:00

I have been so busy trying to get items done for the booth as well as filling orders. I'm almost caught up with my orders. I have two more to finish this weekend then back to Christmas creating. This is what my dining room looks like. I never said I was organized. :)

My big stack of coffee stained special orders.

I think this special order came out too cute!!!

Stockings and geese basically done... Though I have a special order on the geese for some in white, black, and coffee stained on these that I need to make this weekend.

My gingerbread guys who still need scarves... I'm still debating on seed bead eyes and buttons or I've used whole cloves too...

Some of you know I have been experimenting with walnut hull (I bought the almost powdered walnut hulls from a lady on Facebook) stain vs. coffee. The above candy canes were done with walnut. The white is more gray, which is hard to see in the picture. Not exactly the look I wanted. However, I used the walnut stain on my osnaburg stockings and the color was awesome. Walnut doesn't make the fabric stiff like coffee can sometimes. No odor with the walnut. I actually like the coffee stain smell myself. I used gloves with the walnut because I've heard it stains. Coffee stain stains my hands too. So, I guess I've come to the conclusion that either one does the job. I guess it depends on the look you are after to what you use. I will be redying my candy canes later.

I'm going back to the OB/Gyn today. The doctor I hate the worst!!! uggghhh... He drew a Vitamin D level on me and the nurse who called said it was extremely low and the doctor wanted me to come in and talk with him. Great, yet another copay to "talk" with the doctor. Then back home to craft up a storm. I really would like to do some one of a kind creations this year. I have so many ideas it's just getting them all done. I could make Christmas stuff all year. :) I've also been asked by some Facebook friends to please make a pattern for my stockings and apron/bonnet sets. I need to find time for that too. I sound like I'm stressed, but really I'm not. I LOVE creating and sharing with all of you. Many of you are on really tight budgets like me and you just can't afford to buy the prims you really want. That's why I try to keep my prices down and create patterns when I can so we all can have the pretties we see. I don't outwardly advertise my goodies for sale, so if you see something you are interested in give me a holler and I'll email you prices. I don't want this to turn into a blog where all you see is stuff for sale and I gloat about how much I've sold. So if it does seem to be getting that way PLEASE tell me. I have pretty big shoulders and can take the criticism. Or if there is anything you want me to post about email me and tell me or ask me. I want this to be interactive.

OH, for those of you who commented on my last post about why pictures were taken like that a few very knowledgeable people posted answers. Make sure you check and see the reasons. I rely on you out there in blogland to help me out so thank you.

Until next time my friends hugs to all of you for visiting me.

Halloween

2011-10-31T08:02:00.006-04:00

WARNING... If you are faint at heart and don't like deceased people please do not open this post. It is not gross by any means no blood or guts or anything like that. This is just a different kind of post for me.

If you are still here I thought this would be a rather interesting post for Halloween. One day while I was at work my partner was surfing the web and came upon Victorian Era images. He went on to explain and show me pictures he found. I found it quite interesting that many photos were taking with at least one deceased person in the photo. I guess I never really thought about it before why people had there eyes closed. I just figured they blinked with the flash. Ummmm nope they were dead. From what I've read if you didn't come from a family with money or the mortician was not very proficient at his job the picture would be taken with the deceased person lying or sitting with their eyes closed.

As the mortician got better he then would sew the eye lids so that the eyes were open making it look as if they were not dead.

Sometimes it would be hard to tell which one was deceased.

As time went on a metal stand (almost like a doll stand) would be used for the deceased to make them stand and pose with their family. I don't know about you, but I don't like dead bodies first of all. Second of all I don't want a dead person's arm draped over me.

These last two freak me out... they look like real breathing people.

After this post you are going to think I'm just a little twisted, but things like this fascinate me. I promise I'll be back soon with one of my "normal" posts. Until then Happy Halloween everyone.

Where have I Been????

2011-10-27T06:50:00.011-04:00

Good Morning friends!!! I have been busy crafting and finally furniture rearranging. I have a lot to share today.

Sheesh where should I start ?!?

Steve and I added another member to the family. NO not that a kind. ;) lol. We have another cabinet. Somehow I think cabinets are like rabbits because they just keep multiplying. Anyway, since we had a really successful weekend at the booth we treated ourselves.

Before... Obviously I'm not fond of white...

After a base coat of black Steve dry brushed red on. I told him I wanted to own a red cabinet and this would be perfect. He sanded some of the white chipped paint off first so it has a wonderful texture to it that you can't see in this picture.

I had to wait a few days for the paint to cure before decorating. But just as I could stand it anymore... I started in...

That being said I have moved some of my other furniture for the new pie safe and now for the corner cabinet. I know I told you I was going to put my fabric in the pie safe well, uhhh, I decided that it needed to be in my kitchen. Yep, I took the buttery down and moved it to my dining room.

The pie safe... now...

I've started on the buttery, but I'm still fiddling around with that. The fabric is on the lower shelves. What I want to do is make a curtain to cover the shelves that have my fabric on them. I will be decorating the top two shelves and covering the rest.

I'm still working on the dining room. As it stands I have a cupboard completely empty and don't know what I want to put in it. Crazy I know. I'm thinking quilts will go in it, but I'm not sure yet.

All the rearranging has been going on in between crafting. Since Saturday was so beautiful and sunny I got to work on things that needed to be stained. I normally use coffee, but I tried out using walnut hulls. It worked pretty well and the items stayed soft after staining them.

I already had to make a few more pairs of the red stockings as my Facebook friends cleaned me out. lol.

LOVE how these turned out. Only one pair of these left. Haven't had time to make anymore of these yet.

I also had time to get a special order apron and bonnet set order done. I have about 2-3 more special orders for these (not this color) to get done.

Then my BFF Rose's scarecrow she wanted is almost done...He still needs his hat and stuffing around his neck put on. I will finish him up today.

Other than that I'm trying to work on Christmas stuff as well as some more special orders.

OHHHHHH forgot to show you the special order chimney cupboards Steve built for a booth customer. We took them to her yesterday and she showed us her primlicious home. She had a beautiful home and she had to point out everything she has bought from us. LOL. She says she's our best customer. From the looks I believe it. She put one on each side of her fireplace. Now she wants Steve to build a linen closet for her bathroom. We may also have a special order fireplace board to do also. We are waiting on a definite answer.

I'm sorry, but I need to run. I have some crafting to do and a trip to the post office in order again. I went yesterday, but had more sales and need to go again today. I'm am LOVING it!!!! Thanks to everyone who has placed an order!!! I work the weekend, but I will need to get some things done to a point that I can finish them at work. My cross stitch will go on the back burner for now. Oh well, it can wait. Have a great day everyone!!!

Friday!!!!

2011-10-21T09:51:00.008-04:00

It is finally Friday and the start of my 3 days off. I'm so thrilled and excited!!!! I am spending the weekend crafting and furniture moving. LOL. No no I'm not moving. I'm just going to rearrange my furniture to accommodate my new pie safe. Steve said he would help me so that I don't hurt my back again. My massage on Tuesday has helped me tremendously and my back is feeling great. But I don't want to be back in the same predicament so I will accept his help.

As I told you I went shopping at Pat Catan's on Tuesday. For those of you who are unfamiliar it is a HUGE crafting store kind of like Hobby Lobby but they are only in Ohio. I forgot that I still had a gift certificate left from Christmas from my parents. So, while we were in Wooster I just had to go see what they had. I found some great stuff.

OK, you all know I like my redware and yellow ware. Most of the pieces I have are reproductions, but I'm OK with that. Well, I happened to find these at terrific prices and had to have them. I'm working on a new home for all my pieces. This will be part of the furniture move.

Then as I picked the plates up and turned around I happened to see this for $6.47. Too cute!!!!

Then I found this awesome soap mold though I'm going to try it with wax.

I found a few other odds and ends of things to use in some up and coming things I'm going to be making. I'm not going to share some of the things I bought because it will be something I have never attempted before and not sure it will turn out. LOL.

This morning I made a special order bonnet and apron set for a customer. Believe it or not I actually used fabric from my stash. :) It just needs to be stained but I'm holding off until I have a few more things to stain. I also sold her one of my sets in my collection. Guess I need to make a new one for me.

Now I'm on to a special order scarecrow doll for one of my BFFs. He'll look a little something like this... I made this one a few years ago and just sold it in my booth recently so she asked if I would make her one. So when he is done I'll post pictures.

I took a break to talk with you, but I want to get him made so I can move on to Christmas stuff. Have a great day my friends and thanks for visiting. :)

New Additions

2011-10-18T14:42:00.009-04:00

Yes, yes, I am back. I hoped I would have been able to blog a little earlier this morning, but I have only today off until the weekend. I went to a meeting at the school for my daughter, who is doing extremely well, and the teachers just LOVE her. I know that her choice to go to the career center was the best one! Her teacher even said she is doing excellent at web design. (Anyone else out there thinking what I'm thinking???) I think I deserve a selling website designed by her :) lol. Then it was off to Pat Catan's and Walmart. Boy oh boy did I get some great things at Pat Catan's!!! But that is another post. I also needed some supplies to make a few special request items that I got orders for over the weekend. I am super excited!!! I LOVE custom orders. Anyway, then off to my well needed massage appointment. My therapist went to a class on sciatica and she tried out some new techniques that were so awesome today. Now laundry is started and I have a meeting to go tonight yet.
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Since we last spoke I got a wonderful box from Lil Raggedy Angie. She is the most talented, funny, and one of the biggest hearted gals I know!!! Well, I happened to be perusing her selling page when what did I see? BUCKEYES!!!! I know it's sad that I live in Ohio and have no buckeye trees around. Anyway, I LOVE to decorate with natural elements so of course I needed them. So I ordered them right away. I pretty much stalked her by sending her like 3 emails and messages about them. Well, when the box came there was a little more then just buckeyes...

Little story about the buckeyes... I get the buckeyes out of the box and my son is sitting there saying Aunt Becky (my sister) said she would make buckeyes for us Mom. For a second I stopped and looked at him and said what??? Then I realized and said... hey Bailey you can't eat these. These aren't candy. LOL. He had never seen a real buckeye and thought all buckeyes were candy. LOL. Then he asked if you could eat the nut out of the buckeye. I said no but asked him if he wanted to try it anyways. Then I got the "MOM...."

She also sent along this awesome hand stitched scarecrow head. It is just too cute!!!! What a great addition to my fall decor!!!!

Then this awesome jointed hand stitched bear. So prim!!! He will look good with my crocks. The coloring is awful in my picture but he is a blue grey... hmmmm ok I changed my mind he will find a new home in my bedroom sitting on my child size rocker.

Last, but not least, this awesome ditty bag. It is soooo fabulous. I don't have anything like it and I already know where it is going....

On my new/old pie safe... Steve bought this for me while I was at work yesterday and brought it home and put it in my dining room... I originally wanted him to make me one just like it. We saw it at the antique store and snapped pictures of it so he could build it. But he says no that it was my birthday and Sweetest Day presents all wrapped up in one. I just LOVE him to pieces!!!! The screen is even ripped in places on the doors. I need to wash it down though it is pretty dirty.

Do you think all this will fit...

in here ???? lol I hope so....

Well, my friends I have lots of laundry to conquer and a pie safe to clean. :) I will be back Friday with my awesome finds today!!! Then I need to get busy and craft all weekend. Steve even said he'd take the kids and leave me all weekend if I wanted no interruptions. LOL. Tempting, but I think they can all stay :) lol

Back To Business

2011-10-13T07:40:00.003-04:00

Thank you everyone for your prayers and concerns recently as I battled a multitude of health issues. It seems as though I have finally turned the corner and getting back to myself. I feel sooooo much better. I started to turn the corner only about 2 days so I haven't worked on too much in the way of crafts. All I have wanted to do was sleep and sit on the couch and do nothing or work. So, while at work yesterday I pulled out a cross stitch sampler I have been working on and off of for awhile now. I still have a bit to do, but it felt wonderful to work on something. Today I need to clean and get things organized since I have been down so long. The sciatica is responding to the anti inflammatory and I can now go up and down steps virtually pain free so now I can get busy!!!!

Since I haven't done anything much I thought I'd share my sampler progress... This is a pattern I found at a thrift store that was originally a kit. It was too good to pass up.

My Thrift Store Fabric Finds

2011-10-09T10:13:00.008-04:00

I have a very long week coming up at work. Starting tomorrow and until the following Monday I have exactly one day off. I still am having issues with my health and hope they clear up soon. Basically, during my course of treatment for my sinus/bronchitis stuff the antibiotic killed all the good bacteria in my intestines and left the bad bacteria to take over. So, now I am on yet another antibiotic to kill the bad bacteria and and another pill to build the good bacteria back up. So far it's not working. I know I wanted to lose a little weight, but this is not a good way I decided. LOL. My sciatica is still out of control pain wise even though I'm taking an anti-inflammatory too. Boy this getting old stuff is for the birds.

So on a happy note I told you all I had a good haul on fabric from the Goodwill. The bad news it wasn't the colors with an extra percent off. OH well, I still got a percentage off just for being a frequent shopper :-)

First set is my Americana finds. The lighter is actually a sheet I think, but fabric is fabric... the blue has white stars all over it and the bottom is actually red. Yuck horrible picture.

I know not really prim but I'm sure I can make something beautiful for someone else.

I know a little more cottagy feel to it, but I have some other fabric it will go with just fine.

I actually like lavenders and purples. I also had found fabric just like the floral a LONGGGGG time ago somewhere.

These just spoke to me. That's all I can say...

Last but not least... calicos... the top is black with yes (GAG) hearts in the pattern. The other two are just different colored on blue backgrounds.

These are not just single yard fabrics. I have YARDS and Yards of fabric all for under $34. AND if anyone is interested I am willing to make even trades on fabrics. You have too much of a certain fabric and see something you like that I have let me know.

I have not been able to do much in the way of crafting due to the sciatica and can't sit long enough. This week doesn't look good either, but I WILL work on something or I'll go crazy. LOL.

New Christmas Pattern Available

2011-10-07T10:44:00.004-04:00

Merry Christmas!!! Early of course. lol. Just a quick note to let you know Olde Homestead Christmas pattern is now available. Please email me to order.

PDF pattern is $7.50 includes color picture, chart, and legend.
Mailed copy is $10.00 includes shipping with color picture, chart, and legend.

UPDATE Playing With Wax

2011-10-03T11:50:00.000-04:00

First, I apologize to some of you that I told I would be doing an update on my wax on Friday. Friday was not a good day for me. I was suppose to work, but for the first time ever I called off. I could not stand or walk at all. My sciatica kicked into high gear. It has never been as bad as that day that I was dry heaving from the pain. Then on top of that I had my other lovely side effect from my Z Pak still hanging on. So, today I head back to the doctor to get that little thing taken care off. I think having diarrhea (this is why you visit me because I always give too much info..lololol) for over a week straight is a little too long. I did manage to drag myself to work Saturday and Sunday.

So here I am today with my little update... I didn't like the corn so I threw them back into crock pot and started again.

First, this is what my wax looked like all melted down. There have been several questions as to whether or not you could make tarts this way... I can't answer that because I haven't tried it. OHHHHH I did try to add a little candle fragrance to it and got a better scent this time.

This time I didn't oil the mold but did dust it with cinnamon.

The results were good and bad. The good part is the corn still came out of the mold just fine after I put it in the freezer. The bad part is the cinnamon was absorbed into the wax. So the cinnamon doesn't make a difference.

Next step I sprinkled on the cinnamon and rub it in. These worked so much better without oil.

Now, I was also asked about what to do with the wax that is left over in the crock pot. If you are making items unscented you could just leave the wax in it and let it harden back up and just add more wax next time if you need it. Since I used a scent in mine I will probably throw the insert in the freezer for a bit and just pop it out and throw away what's left so I can use a different scent next time. I didn't have much left when I was done though. I use the freezer method on all my candles when I get to the bottom if I want to reuse the glass container they came in.

NOW... How the heck to put a hanger in them??? Well, I turned to you my Facebook friends for help. I got tons of responses and I settled on one...

So, have a seat and light a candle and let's get started... obviously you will need some kind of candle. This one was close to me so I lit it. lol

Next, grab some wire. I happened to have rusty wire on hand. Snip off enough wire to make a decent sized hanger. I decided to try it on my pumpkin guys...

Remember when you were told not to play with fire? Well, you will be breaking that rule today. Take one tip of your wire and place it in flame for just a few seconds. The heat didn't travel that far up to burn my fingers. It doesn't have to be really cherry red hot.

Now take the end that is hot and push it through the wax where you want your hole. It'll melt like butter... once it's through I just put a little twist in the wire to keep it from coming back through. I made two holes in mine so I just repeated the step.

AND the eagle...

I bought another cute jack o lantern mold last Thursday at Family dollar to make little bowl fillers. I'm just having too much fun with this now. :)

I moving very slowly today so I'm not sure exactly what I'll get accomplished, but guess what???? I made a haul on fabric again at the Goodwill. I know I need more of that like I need another hole in my head. LOL. I hope to feel up to a least taking pics of it to show you. Have a great day everyone!!!

Playing With Wax for Ornies...

2011-09-29T07:27:00.010-04:00

Well, I've been wanting to try to play with wax for a long time. I see all these beautiful wax sheep, pumpkins, and angels on different websites and think I'd LOVE some, but being on a tight budget they are not a necessity. So, after visiting a few of my friend's blogs and my BFF Rose making the wax corn for me I decided to give it a try.

I've sort of tried it before using an old coffee can and the double broiler method and got results I wasn't happy with, so I went with the crock pot method this time. Steve happened to have one that he wasn't using so he gave it to me to use. (He's so awesome!) But it seems like every time I go to the Goodwill I see crock pots pretty cheap. I also bought a 3/4 burnt red pillar candle at Goodwill. I've been picking up all kinds of candles at the Goodwill when I see them for this purpose. I threw the pillar OK I put the pillar in to the crock pot wick and all. I turned it on low and nothing happened so I turned it on high and the candle melted great. I also had a ladle I bought at the flea market for $.50. I figured I better not use my everyday ladle. LOL. OH... I wasn't thrilled with the idea of red wax so awhile back I bought some wax tint from Pat Catan's hoping that one day I would try this. I just cut off a little piece and threw it in when the other wax was completely melted. I also put some candle scent in it, but I don't believe I put enough in because well, you can't smell it. LOL. I also pulled the wick out of the melted wax with some tongs and just threw it away.

I also needed some molds. Since I was just having fun I tried 3 different molds. I had plastic, cast iron, and a tiny aluminum cake pan. I got the cake pan and the plastic mold at Goodwill.

I wanted to try this great eagle mold first. This thing is huge!!! It is about 9 1/2 in wide by 3 1/2 inches tall. I sprayed some cooking spray oil in my mold first. Then I used my ladle to pour the wax in the mold. First problem... the plastic distorted and there were places where the wax didn't reach so I put the ball jar lids under each of the edges to level it out. When the wax thickened a bit I put it in the freezer to cool it off. I only left it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes maybe. Just until it was completely set. Pulled it out, twisted the mold a little and out it popped. Now this part is where I need to experiment a little more. I didn't dust the mold with cinnamon before I poured the wax. After I popped it out of the mold I dusted them with cinnamon and rubbed it on. They look great but I'm not sure if the cinnamon will stay on them. I am also going to try to put holes in them today to hang them.

Close up....

After I worked on them I decided to try the cast iron and aluminum. I sprayed the molds just like above then poured the wax. I do not like how my corn turned out. I think I used to much spray because the cinnamon just turns dark and you can't see the kernels. I then tried the cake pan. I didn't fill it all the way up to the top. I poured just enough to to make it about 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick. These popped right out of the pan very easily. I used a paint brush to brush the cinnamon out the eyes, nose, and mouth of the jack o lantern. I actually made two jack o lanterns, one was in the freezer when I took the picture.

All of this came from one pillar candle found at the Goodwill!!! This was a pretty cheap form of entertainment yesterday :) I would still like to try another round of wax things experimenting with different techniques. Don't worry you'll be along for the ride. I'll post another entry when I do. :) I'd like to find some other molds to. I have some old jello molds, but I think I'd like to try molds of things like I see on prim websites. I just need to figure out where to buy them from.

Anyway, as promised I took some pics of my daughters full size quilt top I made. I'd like to finish it soon, but I need to buy the fabric and batting slowly when I have the money.

I'm off today so I have few more things to work on like putting holes in the ornies and sanding and staining a few things I painted yesterday. Hope you have a great rest of the week and weekend. I probably won't be back until Monday since I work all weekend long.

There was question as to what I meant by candle tint. This is what I used.

A Stitchery Finish

2011-09-28T07:34:00.004-04:00

I feel like I've been away for ever! I know it has been a few days and not much exciting has been going. I had to call the doctor for another antibiotic to get rid of this infection I've had. He called me in a Z-Pak. Well, whatever it is I don't like it very well. OK it doesn't like me very well. I can't decide what's worse... being sick OR the side effects of it. UGH!!!! Yesterday was my last day of it and I'm feeling a bit better, but I still have a horrible cough.

Sick or not I got some things done. For those of you who aren't friends with me on Facebook, I started a Christmas stitchery on the first day of fall. LOL I know really??? The mood struck so I ran with it. So, basically, this took up most of the weekend trying to get it done so I didn't do much else. The pattern is done for this stitchery with the exception of the cover page. I think I will stain it again to get it a little darker, frame it, and take pictures. I'm hoping to have this pattern out very soon.

I did manage to get all 3 borders on my daughter's quilt too. I just need batting and a backing fabric so that I can finish it. I have already started thinking about my next quilt project. However, I need to concentrate on a few more fall goodies for the booth and then start Christmas stuff. I know I do this to myself all the time. I always get a late start with the upcoming holidays then feel in a rush to get them finished. I hate when I do this to myself. LOL. Anyway, the borders... I couldn't take the quilt outside to take a photo because the grass is all wet. I will try later and post a picture of the entire thing tomorrow.

I know this short and sweet, but I really need to do something today other than hang out in my pajamas drinking coffee today. I will try to be back tomorrow with some interesting things I worked on today.

Rag Ball Tutorial

2011-09-22T07:54:00.007-04:00

I just came off of a 24 hour shift and am sitting here drinking my coffee and sweating. Seriously, it's not even 70 degrees outside and I'm sweating. Must be hot flashes since I turned the BIG 37 on Tuesday. LOL. I treated myself to some new fall fashions at the Goodwill for a birthday present. Now I promised myself I would clean out my closet. I got to thinking that some of my clothes in there were bought before my 12 year old was born. I'm thinking it's prolly time to get rid of them. lol. I like to think if it still fits why get rid of it. I really think I'm not seeing the entire picture when I wear them because I do not own a full length mirror. Anyway, I just need to remember that just because they make it in my size doesn't mean I look good in it.

Alright, I know many of you already know how these are done and have already made some. For those of you who have not here's a quick and simple tutorial.

You will need some Styrofoam balls and fabric. These can also be made with fabric only and no Styrofoam balls. Anyway, I had already coffee stained my fabric for other projects. This is great way to use up your scraps. I took my fabric and tore 1/4 to 1/2 inch strips from the fabric.

Now take one of your balls and start wrapping one of your fabric pieces around overlapping as you go. Keep adding strips. When you end and start a new strip make sure you wrap over the loose ends so they don't come undone.

WOW! My pictures really stink on this tutorial... It's a good thing because this was my first one and I didn't do a great job. Yes, you all know I am particular, OK anal if you must, for things to come out right the first time I do things or I won't do it again. Yes I am my own worst critic. Hence I have many started projects that haven't been finished. lol

Anyway, in the end I had different size balls and finished them up. Woohoo!!! another UFO finished up. :) I must really stop drinking so much coffee in the morning when I take pics. LOL.

I've gotten two borders on my daughters quilt with one to go. The top is getting quite large and I have no idea how I'm going to finish it since I've never done one this big before. I think I may just tie it, but who knows. Otherwise, I have no idea what I'm going to do today. It's just me until the kids get home from school. Oh I have lots to do, but I don't know what I want to get into yet. I may play in some wax to see what I can make. This is easy because if it doesn't turn out you just throw it back in and remelt it.

Fall at the Homestead

2011-09-20T07:10:00.004-04:00

I finally feel human again. I'm still sick, and may have to call the doctor for more medication, but at least I can now taste and smell. Since I was feeling better I finally edited and took pictures of my home for fall. As of this morning, I haven't added any dining room pictures because I have all my quilting out trying to put the borders on my daughters quilt top. I will hopefully get to the point of taking pictures here in the next few days. BUT don't hold your breath lol.

So please click HERE to look at the Homestead for Fall....

New Items For Sale

2011-09-17T17:03:00.002-04:00

I am feeling somewhat better so I thought I'd get busy and list some things. I am still going through and may have more.

Please visit The Gettysburg Mercantile for more items and pricing.

Out of Commission

2011-09-14T16:09:00.004-04:00

Well, out of my stubbornness, I kept working even though Sunday I felt a little something going on in my throat. I gave in and went to the doctor today. I have a sinus infection, bronchitis, fluid in my ears, and the cherry on top strep throat. The doctor said I was beyond amoxicillin, which is normally my choice of drugs, and gave me something a little more potent and some cough medicine so that I won't need a lung transplant by the end. That being said I will not be back for a few days. I still have 4 more days of either working or teaching yet to go. Check back at the beginning of the week and I hope to have some goodies up for sale.

What Have I Been Up To

2011-09-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

As I sit here Sunday night typing this blog it doesn't seem like I have gotten much done in my 2 days off. Friday I buckled down and got a few more UFO's completed up. My first project that took the longest was my rag balls. I was ripping and staining up my fabric to use all morning... You all know I have tried a lot of crafts but believe it or not I have never attempted rag balls. Why???? Well, I have OCD tendencies. Rag balls are just that rags of fabric either wrapped around styrofoam balls or other fabric. This is where my OCD kicks in... I want the wrapping to be perfect and I was afraid to try because I was afraid it wouldn't be perfect. Well, I overcame my fear. Though making the first one I had a little anxiety attack because it didn't look good. lol... but as I got going it got a little easier...

LOL the picture is a bit blurry because I couldn't stop shaking after all the coffee I drank. Yeah the yellow one was my first attempt... lol

I'll put up a quick rag ball tutorial later this week. :)

Then of course as you all saw in my last post I finished up my newest pattern. Just an FYI I designed a new pattern Sunday for Christmas. Yeah yeah I know I don't want to think about it either. lol. This one may take me a little while to stitch, but I have some smaller ones planned I just need to chart and stitch them.

I should back up a little on Friday morning I had a few errands to run... you know bloodwork I was told to have back in March, the bank, and then of course one of my favorite shops to see my BFF Rose. I had something to drop off for her as well as I am her prim magazine lending library. LOL. I let her borrow my magazines as they come in the mail after I look at them. Well, this time she had goodies for me. She made these scrumdelicious wax corn. I can smell them everytime I walk into my living room. She did a fabulous job on them!!! She also gave me a wax sheep that I forgot to take a picture of.

I have also been pricing some new merchandise for the booth and for my selling blog. Stay tuned because Sunday I decorated my living room for fall. I found some items I will not be using and will put on here to sell. I can't give you a definite day when I will post them because I am working from today (Monday) through Sunday... hopefully... because yesterday I started to get a sore throat and cough. I have no time to be sick this week. lol.

Lastly, I have to share this picture I took Sunday afternoon 9/11. A double rainbow... the second one is very faint above the main one. Thinking about 9/11 10 years ago about all the brave souls who lost their lives. What a perfect ending to such a somber day.

Another New Pattern!!!!

2011-09-09T17:55:00.002-04:00

I am on a roll!!!! I finished up yet another fall sampler. Beautiful red, greens, golds, and oranges are used in my newest sampler.

Fall Squirrel Sampler

This pattern is also available in PDF form for $7.50 or printed copy for $10.00 which includes shipping. You will receive a color picture, chart, and color key with either version. Remember email me to order. I prefer payment by Paypal. PDF version will be sent directly to your email box within 24 hours of payment. Printed versions can take up to a week to receive. If you don't receive your PDF pattern within 24 hours please check your S*P*A*M folder as it may have been sent there.

My Newest Pattern

2011-09-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note to let you know I have just finished a new pattern. This one was a request from my friend Leslie to start making some smaller samplers. So.... here it is...

Pineapple Sampler

The pattern is $7.50 for PDF format. You pay and within 24 hours it will be in your email inbox. If you'd like a printed copy they are $10.00 which includes shipping. It will take a few days to receive your pattern by US mail. In the pattern you will receive a color picture, pattern, and chart. Please email me to order. I prefer payment by Paypal.

Giveaway Winner

2011-09-06T07:36:00.005-04:00

Good Morning everyone! Steve picked the winner for my Giveaway this morning. Remember these are the beautiful items you will receive.

I had 83 entries even though it says I have 84 comments. That's fantastic! The winner of the last Giveaway gracefully gave up her entry for one of you. Thanks Annie!

And the winner is...... Wanda of Olde Crow Mercantile!!! Sorry the pic is blurry my camera didn't want to cooperate with me this morning. Wanda please email me your address.

Thank you to everyone who entered. Next Giveaway will be at 450 Followers!

P.S. I hoping to list some goodies for sale within the next few days so please stop back!

Some UFO's Finished

2011-09-05T16:49:00.005-04:00

I decided I would not post until I got some UFO's finished up after we visited last. I promise to make this post short and sweet. Reminder I will be drawing my winner tomorrow for my Follower Giveaway. If you haven't signed up please do!

Alright, I went to my workshop, OK basement, and grabbed a few things I've had in a tub to redo.

These are those really cheapo wood boxes made from the flimsiest (is that a word?) wood. LOL. They look really awesome now... thrift to fabulous! I just slapped some stain on them and called it good.

Then I also had a cheesebox that I bought from the Goodwill awhile back. I finally decided on a color... grey... the one side of the box part is broken, but when the lid is on you can't tell.

Before:

After:

These two babies are thrift store finds as well. I'm keeping the round cutting board (it already has a home on my buttery shelves) but will be selling the candle holder...

Last but not least I painted this sign. The words and leaves are actually cut out. It is awesome! This is for sale $15 plus shipping. I will even prim it up a little if you would like me to if you buy it. :)

Other than that I worked this last entire weekend. However, I have designed some new smaller stitcheries and am working on getting them stitched up. I am waiting on an "AH HA" moment on the one because I can't decide on a border for it. The other one is about half way stitched. I will try to get them stitched up and out on pattern soon.

I just wanted to show you what one of my followers did with my free pattern... It is available by purchase click here to see :) Scroll down the page to see it and other wonderful offerings!

Thanks for visiting and I will see you tomorrow for the announcement of the winner!

Happy Thursday!

2011-09-01T07:48:00.009-04:00

Hello Friends! Thank you for the amazing response to my Giveaway! You still have a few days left to enter. If you haven't yet make sure you do. :)

I worked on my daughter's quilt over the weekend since I had a ton more blocks to make. lol I have finished the main part I just need to decide on borders. I'm not sure what I want to do with those yet. The pattern calls for a 3",4", and 5" border. I know for sure I don't have enough fabric left to do them out of the fabric used for the middle. Even though it's not prim I really like the colors.

The weekend wasn't all sewing. Steve spent Friday afternoon with me. We went to lunch then to the Habitat for Humanity Restore and the thrift store. I bought one thing and forgot to take a picture of it and at the moment I can't find my memory card for my camera. I took it to work yesterday and now it's gone. :( (I was reorganizing my pictures at work yesterday.) Anyway, so until I find it no more pictures. But I did take pics of some of my thrift store goods already.

I don't have a fireplace but I LOVED the punched tin match holder. The latch hook mat is for a little craft something I'm going to try.

Close up of the stitchery ditty bag pattern. Too cute!

I also went to the Goodwill with my sister on Saturday. I swear we both buy a lot when we are with each other. I found this graduated set of Ball jars. For the right price they are for sale. :)

I like the eagles on the fronts of them.

Last but not least. I had a candle holder like this one that got broke. So I was so excited to find this one. I know it's a Home Interior product but this one is actually kind of rusted around the edges and has some wear. Trust me... I know the pic is horrible. LOL. It is perfect! The candle light is from a light I have near it. I haven't put one in the holder yet.

Today is my only day off and I have a few things I need to do. I have some things I'd like to paint and redo. Wish me luck because it always seems I get side tracked and don't get stuff done. I have made a decision. If I don't get some of this stuff redone I'm going to re donate. I have way too much stuff AGAIN. Things at the booth have slowed downed tremendously and I don't want to be stuck with all this stuff. Like I said on Facebook, I get paralyzed with the thought of reorganizing all this stuff so I really think I am a Hoarder. I need to get busy and weed out before it really gets out of control.

400 Blog Follower Giveaway

2011-08-28T17:16:00.004-04:00

I finally reached 400 followers! YYIIPPEEEE!!!!!! So to celebrate let's have a little blog giveaway as promised.

In this giveaway you will receive a braided mat, Keeper of the Light Vanilla Pound Cake candle, a wax dipped short battery powered candle, a treenware repro ladle, and last but not least Friends Gather Here mini sign.

Alright, now all you have to do is leave a comment on this post only. You will only get one entry into this Giveaway. You have until midnight September 5th Labor Day to enter. I will pick the winner Tuesday September 6th. Please leave an email address if you don't have a blog so that I can get a hold of you if you win.

My Craft Day

2011-08-23T17:29:00.007-04:00

As I told you yesterday I would be crafting all day. Well, I had a few errands to run this morning so I didn't get started until 11:30. First, let me say I have never claimed to be the sharpest crayon in box, or the elevator doesn't go quit to the top floor, or insert your favorite one here..... lol. I decided to start my daughters quilt she has been asking for. I know I need to get crackalackin on my stitchery designs BUT I have no working printer to print out my graph paper AND the one at work needs a new printer cartridge too. So I have not been able to do any charting only stitching on a pattern I bought at the thrift store. How did I digress already? OK back to the quilt and not being the sharpest tool in the shed... I read the directions for the quilt or so I thought. I got my rotary cutter, mat, and fabric all out and started cutting my 1 3/4" strips. So far so good. Well, somewhere up in my cobweb infested mind I thought I only needed 40 blocks. The directions said 40 sets of dark fabrics 1 3/4" X 27" You would have thought somewhere along the way the light would've gone off. I'm here to say it did not. I cut my strips and stitched them together in sets of five. I was thinking man this is too easy.... until the directions said to cut each of the units into 6 3/4" segments. I got out my trusty ruler and proceeded to cut the segments. Still the light did not go on I was doing something wrong. After I got my first set all cut I looked at it and something didn't seem right. I remeasured and sure enough my seams are off. Grrrrr... the seam was to be 1/4" and mine were bigger....so the segment measured 5 3/4" not 6 3/4". Luckily my Facebook friends reminded me to check the seams when I posted a message asking if I stupid... LOL. I am here to announce I am. LOL. It took me at least an hour to find what I did wrong. So that entire set got scrapped and I started again. I made my 40 blocks still not thinking that wouldn't be enough to make her quilt until a few minutes ago. I actually need 130 blocks. Oh crap!!!!! In other words I still have a ton of sewing and cutting to do. Seriously some days I wonder where my brain is....

My daughter decided on turquoise and brown... the fabric in the middle has silver sparkles in it. She just LOVES it.

I don't think I ever showed those of you who follow me here and not Facebook the pillow I made. The sham is burlap and then I made a "sleeve" that you could take on and off. My friend Laurie asked if I decide to sell them would I think about making different sleeves for the different seasons to change them out. I thought that was an awesome idea!

I also forgot to show you what else I got at the thrift store yesterday. I think I'm going to try pouring wax in it and see how it comes out.

I also came across my fake treenware scoop I didn't show you that I got awhile back at the thrift store. $4.00!!!!! What a steal!!!!!

Last but not least a picture of the kitchen... I'm still not quite done... I need a different cushion for my chair because it's not quite tall enough for my son. lol. YES I still need to make my curtain for the bottom of my corner desk too.

Well, day 2 my daughter caught the right buses today. The boy I was talking about yesterday asked my daughter "out" this morning on the bus. I told her I thought it was a little early for that because she just met him. She said I know I wasn't expecting it either. She did say she told him that she had high morals and that she would be taking things very slowly with him and he said that was fine. I'm not going to lie and say I'm not worried because I am. I have yet to meet this boy. Better yet Steve has yet to meet this boy. The shear size of Steve would scare anyone if you didn't know him. Maybe I'll have Steve sit there and pretend he's cleaning a gun when the boy comes over. :) LOL. Hey wait I don't even own a gun! LOL. I think that Steve's size will be enough for now.

I am hoping to get a new printer soon so stayed tuned for some new smaller stitchery patterns. Have a great next few days. I work the next two days then have the weekend off. I'll talk to you then.

First Day of School

2011-08-22T19:06:00.005-04:00

It is finally here!!! The best day after Christmas... of course. As you see in my title it's the first day back to school. Woot Woot!!!! No more "Mom I'm bored" or "there's nothing to do." Finally, the day has come where I wave to my kids as I see them ride the bus off into the distance and disappear for almost eight hours of the day. My alone time is now back and I can get things done and work on crafts all I want without feeling guilty. YYIIIPPPEEEE!!!!!

Our day went pretty well. We had a hiccup with the school transportation for my daughter and will figure out tomorrow how it will work. I got a phone call yesterday from the advisor asking if we had heard from the school system about the transportation. Well, by the time I got home from work and grocery shopping it was too late to call her back. I NEVER received a call and decided I would take my daughter to the high school to catch the shuttle to the career center. Well, I came home sat down with my hot steamy cup of coffee and sure enough a bus stops out in front of my house. I walk to the door unsure whether to open it up or not because I have my pajamas on. So, instead of hiding out in my ripped up 10 year old pajamas I grab my pink fluffy robe and go sprinting across the front yard where the bus driver stopped the bus. Long story short he was waiting on my daughter. By the time the bus pulled away all of my neighbors who were going to work got to see me in my pajamas. PRICELESS!!!! She will be picked up in front of my house and dropped off at the end of the day. One answer to prayer and a burden lifted from me. However, she rode the regular shuttle she had time to meet a boy........ REALLY?!?!?!? He too has Asperger's and she says they have a lot in common and he goes to church and is a senior in criminal justice. She said he opened the doors for her sat with her on the bus and asked if they could "hang out" this weekend. UGGGHHHH... He is also suppose to call her tonight sometime.... I am really not ready for this. Other than that my daughter had a smile from ear to ear when I picked her up after school. So far she REALLY likes it. :sigh: Another burden lifted.... she talked non stop all the way to the dentist which is 20 minutes away.... thank you to everyone who said a little prayer for her. I think I made a good decision going this route in school.

My son, well, he says he thinks he'll like is Math teacher, he's not in any classes with the girls he likes, or his best friend. That's it. He doesn't act excited at all. Maybe it's a boy thing. He was more excited to go to his hunter safety course tonight. He just texted me to be there by 9 to pick him up. He even changed clothes to go to this class. Two more nights after tonight and he can get his hunting license this year. Can't you tell I'm just thrilled... :/ NOT!!!!

Alright, so what did I do today on my first day to myself... well, I treated myself to a haircut and color first. On my way home I thought I'd check in at the Goodwill because I could. LOL. I found this great fabric... I know what you're thinking these are really ugly but I think I can blend them in some quilts.

I then came home and got busy... I scrubbed the bathroom top to bottom, vacuumed the upstairs with the exception of my kids rooms because well, I can't get in them right now. Then I came downstairs cleaned up the kitchen and vacuumed down here. It's amazing what I can get done without my kids being here. LOL.

Tomorrow I will be crafting since I got so much cleaning done today.

Weekend Funny...

2011-08-20T10:08:00.002-04:00

Hope you are having a great weekend. I am at work, but take a look at this funny video. Steve showed me this. I just LOVE dogs and everytime I see this I laugh... Click the play button to see the video.

A Work in Progress

2011-08-18T11:01:00.007-04:00

For those of you who remember I painted my bedroom walls sometime last year. Well, at the tail end of my vacation I was cleaning my basement again and found my yard sale goods. I then decided it was time to put stuff on the walls in my bedroom. For me, the bedroom is the most difficult to decorate. I can never decide what I want. I just don't get the "vision" like I do in many of my other rooms. I asked Steve to hang a little shelf on the wall and it all unraveled from there. Steve was pulling things out of the basement and hanging them for me because I couldn't decide. I then knew I better get my behind in gear and start decorating. So, this is as far as I've gotten on my bedroom.

The curtains on the corner were Goodwill finds. They are actually tab tops, but for now they tabs are just tucked in.

The curtains on the window were Goodwill finds too. They had the pom pom fringe on them. I also ended up not dying my curtains at all. I had thought I either wanted to coffee stain or RIT dye them. But I think it lightens it up in my room since that is my only window.

I'm thinking of hanging the wood box on the shelf under this stitchery... still not sure yet.

On the wall above this shelf I think I'm going to make a little log cabin quilt to hang in this spot. I also need to look and decide what I want on the shelf. Like I say this is a work in progress. And the candle holder down in the corner will be moved. lol

Other than that I am back at work at getting absolutely nothing done at home. Grrrr... why can't I win the lottery???? lol I have started a new stitchery from someone elses pattern this time. I also got a request from my friend Leslie to design smaller samplers that don't take as long to stitch. Along the lines of my free pattern. So I am going to start working on that. After my last pattern I had already thought of doing it she just said it out loud to get me moving on it. :)

Yesterday my daughter and I went for orientation at the Career Center. I think I am more afraid of her starting than she is. I admit I broke down and cried when we were in the intervention specialists office. I need to let go and let her find her own way, but it is difficult when you've advocated for her for so many years. We have a busing issue we are working on to make her and me feel a little better. We have 3 days and counting until she makes the first step towards a career and her independents from me if it is possible. We have a long road ahead of us, but she is taking life skills Math and English which is more geared to everyday situations instead of geometry and algebra and those types of classes. Come Monday I will be a nervous wreck until she comes home and says she did great.

Well, since this my only day off this week and I have a couple more things on my list do I better get cracking. Thanks for visiting and I'll talk to you soon.

Letha's Memory

2011-08-14T16:35:00.003-04:00

My new pattern Letha's Memory is now available. Please email me to order. You can get it instantly by email for $7.00. If you would like it mailed it is $10.00 includes shipping.

You will receive a picture of the completed design, a color and symbol pattern, and a color key.

My New/Old Buttery and a Finish

2011-08-12T14:42:00.007-04:00

Well, since I have crafted most of this week of my vacation I decided I had procrastinated long enough. Since moving my computer desk and buttery shelving into the kitchen I needed to reorganize and clean. I did an overhaul on my "pantry" a skinny little closet in my kitchen with make-do shelves. I threw out food that for who knows why I didn't use and had expired. Seriously, I was a food hoarder. Anyway, I moved things around and for now it fits (until I go grocery shopping again.) lol. Next, I cleaned out my fridge washed it out and threw out stuff in there. It looks like there is nothing left and we are going to starve. I threatened my kids that if they spilled something again they would be cleaning it out not me. This is my least favorite chore as you can tell. I have to ask Steve to move my stove out so I can clean the sides of it later tonight. I feel pretty good about my clean kitchen until I walk into my other rooms. I just keep telling myself I will be decorating for fall soon and not to go moving things around yet. But I don't think I'll be able to wait that long. lol.

So while I was on a roll in my kitchen I finished my buttery shelves....

SOLD I also finished up a project yesterday. This gorgeous table runner... I LOVE how it turned out. The colorful leaves on the black background look amazing. And yes FOR SALE $25.00 includes shipping. 13 in. X 42 in.

I have plenty of things to do as you can imagine. I am still pondering on my Giveaway so I'll let you know soon. Have a great day!

Thanks for visiting...

For Sale

2011-08-11T10:42:00.009-04:00

I have a few fall items for sale so far...

Please click here to visit my selling blog The Gettysburg Mercantile...

Wednesday Already???

2011-08-10T07:50:00.007-04:00

I simply can't believe it is Wednesday already. The good thing is I woke up this morning thinking I should've been at work today. Then I thought maybe they forgot to take me off the schedule... then I looked at my phone and I had a text message from work. UH oh.... But it was a page out for someone to cover my shift. SHEW!!! It wasn't a dream I'm actually on vacation. LOL

Speaking of my job...even though most times I complain about it it does have it's good parts. Yesterday, my kids and I went to the Great Lakes Science Center. I drove up to Cleveland myself and got us there. However, I missed the parking garage entrance and had to circle back around. LOL. Had it not been for my job I would have never had the confidence to do that before. We make frequent visits to the Cleveland Clinic, so I'm somewhat familiar with the major streets. My kids have decided they would never like to live in a large city. Both of their anxiety levels were through the roof. Once we got on the road for home they both relaxed and we enjoyed the rest of the day. Steve couldn't come because his Mom had surgery yesterday and he went to the hospital to be with her and his Dad.

OK let's see what I can cross of my list so far this 3rd day of vacation.

Remember these baby gates?

This is my newest trash to treasure... use them as drying racks to cover my window in the kitchen. I'm still not done decorating them yet, or for that matter, the whole buttery... LOL

I also went to the Goodwill on Monday. I had other errands so I though since I was out I'd just stop by and look. OK I had a mission to find a frame for my stitchery. Steve was suppose to make one, but he's been busy and I am very impatient... I know me impatient??? NO say it isn't so...LOL. So I took the stitchery with me to check. Luck was on my side... I found this on the Last Chance table. Everything is $.50. Thank you Home Interiors for this really ugly picture cuz the frame is big enough for me to use elsewhere... lol.

Framed... I may have to put no glare glass in this one at a later date.

Where it went... I've been waiting to put it here for months... It finished that space.

I finished up these runner/decorative cupboard door hangers, whatever else you could use them for last night. LOL. They are backed with a plain green fabric so you don't see the seam or raw edges. They will be for sale if anyone is interested $12 includes shipping. Let me also clarify the black stockings in my last post too... they do include shipping in the price in the U.S. I had to get shipping on a pair for someone that lives over seas because it was way more expensive to ship. :)

Yes, I have done a few other things, but I can't show you yet. LOL. I found some cream colored tab top curtains at Goodwill a few weeks back. Well, I finally got around to washing them and I hung them on the top corners of my canopy bed in my room. My bedroom is a mess so I'm not showing you that yet. I am hoping that by the end of the week it will be cleaned and I will show you some updates. :D I've done laundry tried to clean off my dining table, but I just pulled stuff right back out to craft with. LOL.

Today, I need to gather up some fall items I'm going to have for sale. I will give you all a heads up when I post pictures on here of the items. I also have another project to do first though. It just won't get out of my head until I make it. LOL. I need to get going read some blogs while I finish my second cup of coffee to get my day started right. Talk to you soon!

Vacation Week

2011-08-08T07:20:00.010-04:00

Alright friends I am officially on vacation! We are not going anywhere except for the Great Lakes Science Center tomorrow I think. My daughter asked if we could and heck both the kids may learn something over the summer. If you go on a Tuesday one of the kids can get in free. So, I'm all about saving money. Other than that I'd like to stay home and clean and craft. Hopefully more of the crafting than cleaning. LOL. However I don't think that is going to happen because I created a huge mess for myself while putting my buttery together.

Speaking of buttery...I'll show you preliminary decorating. It's preliminary because I still have a tote of kitchen stuff in the basement to bring up. I used what I had already removed from the kitchen and sat on my dining room table. For the past 3 days my house has been torn apart because I was working and when I got home I was too tired to do anything.

First, my new step back computer desk. I plan on making my curtain for the bottom this week. I will soon be talking with you from this desk. Soon because my stupid computer,that I just had fixed, decided to tell me my Windows Vista was not a registered copy so I don't have an operating system. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr....

Where the crocks are my printer will be going. Steve decorated for me and put those there and the jars up top. So very preliminary. LOL.

I just thought about it and I did do something these past three days. Friday night is when we put the desk and shelves in the kitchen. My shelves stayed bare until last night. I think it's going to look awesome when I'm done. I hate the jail cell window look behind it. I am working on that problem. I will be covering it up soon.

When I went back to get my shelves from the antique shop it was the first day of the Old Lincolnway yardsale day. So I got two new things. This carrier, which I know you put those little wood quart things in, was too cute for $3.00

Of course then I got another basket. I know it looks like the ones I've been getting at the Goodwill, but I really like them.

Other than that I was very good. I stopped and looked but nothing jumped out. Maybe it's because I know I have way too much stuff anyway. I'm going to have to clean out once again. In all the moving around of my kitchen I have lost precious cupboard space. So I will be going through my kitchen rearranging and pulling out things I don't use. One of the biggest kitchen cupboard space I lost was this...

This was in the corner and was our snack, bread, chips, and cereal cupboard. As you can tell I haven't decorated this yet either. Steve put the huge basket on top. LOL. I took out one of shelves for now. I really like it there BUT it blocks half of the only window I have in my living room. I guess I'll try it for awhile and see if I like it. My house faces north so I won't get any sun to fade out the cabinet.

Oh yeah, I am also making black stockings and coffee stained muslin stockings for fall and winter... I quick threw these together this past Thursday. I had enough fabric for two pair. I believe one is already sold (have to go to the post office to figure shipping) but I have one more pair just like these. $10 includes shipping.

I also see that I am at 400 followers!!!! WOOHOO!!!! Thanks everyone. As promised I will be hosting another Giveaway. Give me a day or so to decide what I will be giving away and I'll let you know.

Not Much Going On

2011-08-04T07:38:00.010-04:00

Hello everyone! I'm going to be honest and tell you have haven't gotten much done in the way of crafting since we last spoke. Many of the things I've gotten done are things that have been nagging at me for quite awhile. The one day I was looking for some directions for my son's remote control and couldn't find them. In the process, I tried to open a drawer in one of my cupboard's and found I couldn't open it because the crap inside the drawer caught and jammed the drawer. In this drawer I keep my old bank statements and bills and that sort of thing. My son asked me what all that stuff was and I remarked how it was stuff I needed to shred and just haven't gotten around to it. He told me he loved to shred stuff so right then and there I stopped my treasure hunt for the directions and began organizing. I cleaned that drawer and moved onto my fabric scraps. I have no idea what got into me! LOL. I reorganized and pressed all my scrap fabrics. I am even getting rid of some scraps. No, no, I'm not throwing them away. That's silly throwing away fabric. lol. I'm hoping to make a pillow or something and stuffing it with my scraps.

I can show you some progress I am making on my buttery too. I know I've been talking about it forever. I finally got Steve busy. Sheeeesh!!! I can't say anything he's been working a lot lately. When you are a subcontractor you work when you have work. Anyway, I can't move it upstairs yet because we need to rerun the computer cable to reach the new location of my computer. I was going for the step back cupboard look even though it's going to be a corner cabinet. I still need to make a coffee stained curtain for the bottom part. I just LOVE it!

I know it's hard to see, but Steve even painted the parts that we had to use new wood on to match the old boards. The inside of both upper and lower were new wood.

I also found another piece for my buttery two days ago. While I was at work my partner and I decided to take a different way back to the shop because I wanted a smoothie from McDonalds. Well, my stupid craving also led me to an antique shop I never knew was there. It is only 20 minutes from my house. How could I not know about this wonderful place??? It is very small and they have a few things but I found exactly what I wanted AND it was only $25. It is two pieces so very flexible in using it other places if I want. I couldn't fit it in the ambulance and we figured chances are we'd get a call and have this baby in the back. lol. So I must go back and pick it up today. I hope it fits in my truck :/ BUT if it doesn't oh well because it is on old route 30 and today starts the worlds longest yard sale on route 30. So I will just have to look and see while I'm out. As I type my sister just called me and she has a minivan so she said she'd come with me to pick it up! yiippee!!!!

One of these will be used in my buttery too. These were a trash pick so they were FREE!!!!!! I thought at first, at 6am when I picked them, they were the sides to a crib but they aren't. They are part of baby gate from a porch. I'm so excited to start on my kitchen!!!! No I'm not going to tell you what I'm doing iwth them yet. lol

I also bought these at the antique shop when I got my shelves. Also for my kitchen.

I also finished my next candle mat at work. I think I will put it and the green one in the booth to sell.

I found some things I don't think I showed you that I've acquired on my thrift store shopping trips.

You know I'm a cross stitch fanatic. I've scene this exact pattern in some of my decorating books and magazines I have. It is stitched on linen. I'm sure it was a popular kit back a few years ago.

No explanation needed... lol

I got these 2 bolts of linen like material at the flea market for $3.00 a piece. I have some awesome ideas for this! It's dirty so I need to see if there is washing instructions on it. I know I'm going to regret it because it'll wrinkle and shrink like crazy. hmmmm.... what if I just hand washed it...

I can't remember if I showed you this. If I did I apologize. This is heavy upholstery fabric I also got at the flea market. LOVE it!!!!! I know you are wondering what I'm going to make out of it. Guess what??? I don't know. LOL. Maybe a couple pillows. We'll see !!!! OR another smaller make do chair????

This is not cross stitch but I believe yarn on canvas. Anyway, I liked the pattern. I call it my tree of life. I also like the fact it is smaller and I can put it in my small displays.

Today is my only day off so I need to get busy. I'd like to start some fall things. I won't be doing too many fall items because I'm starting a little late, but I'm going to start Christmas soon. Sheesh... I hate being behind. lol But if you are in the market for runners, towels, or candle mats for fall keep checking back... OH and I'm going to attempt something else that I'm so excited about... see you soon ;)

One more thing... I am 2 away from reaching 400 followers... 2 more and it's time for a Giveaway!!!!

Some Old and Some New

2011-07-29T14:05:00.006-04:00

I know what you are thinking. Mary, we know you were off on Wednesday but we didn't hear from you. You better have been working on some good stuff to show us. LOL. Well, yes and no. I had some orders for my star pillows I showed you in my last post. So, first thing in the morning I got up mixed up some coffee stain and stained up some fabric to get moving on the orders. THEN, I made my own coffee to actually drink. Then I got busy on some other fun things.

I have been thinking about doing some felt look alike of wool penny type mats. I can't afford wool, and don't seem to find much at the thrift store, and since I have a ton of felt I figured I'd try one. I showed you my blanket stitch tutorial so I was armed and ready to try. I actually only got them cut out. You will be happy to hear I actually used one of the many books that I have bought at the thrift store to make these. So if I sell at least one of my mats my book is paid for :) See how I justify my purchases? LOL. Anyway, I took them to work with me yesterday and only finished one.

This one is just a practice. I needed to figure out how to do the corners and stuff. But still not bad to put under a candle.

Here's the other one waiting to be stitched...

I think I'd like to do a brown and red or orange for fall too.

I also did what I said I would do. I sat down and reread my directions to finish my hooked rug mat. The directions I had stunk royally. It did not explain how to go around a corner so I improvised. Let me just say this is best left to the professionals. LOL. And I am not one of them. LOL. My corners don't match, but I guess not bad for my first one. You all know me I'll try most things once. I really do like the hooking part just not so much the finishing. BUT it's done. One more thing crossed off my list of UFOs.

My sister has gotten the thrift store bug. She goes a lot more often than I do now. LOL. The good thing is she knows my style. Whenever she sees something good she'll snap a picture and send it to my phone and ask if I want it. Well, she found a really awesome thing not to long ago.

It is on photograph type paper. I need to see if I can get another sleeve thing for it because my sister had a candle next to it in the bag and the candle melted a bit. Guess how much she paid. Are you sitting down???? $.49. Seriously!!!! It is so cool.

I think I have some other things I've gotten that I haven't shown you so I'll walk around today and take some pictures to show you next week. I am off until Monday. Woohoo!!!! Steve wants to go to the Hartville Flea Market tomorrow, but my sciatica decided to kick into high gear yesterday while I was at work. I am having trouble walking and sitting. But I may muster up the strength to go. My son wants to go to the Kidron Flea Market tomorrow too. LOL. He says you can get lots of cheap stuff there and you can "juke" people down on their price. LOL. Another funny story before I go. There is a person who is moving a couple duplexes down from us. When my son's Dad brought him home today his Dad spied a rocking chair in the trash. After he dropped off my son he stopped and picked it up and took it home. My son proceeds to tell me it was my fault because I pick stuff out of the trash and now his Dad does. LOL. SERIOUSLY... my son blamed me. He was laughing the whole time he told me the story.

Alright so I need to get something done today other than sitting around. My 24 hour shift turned into 26 hours today. I'm burning day light hours. LOL. Plus if I don't I won't have anything to show you next week. :)

OHHHHHHH... and thank you to all my Facebook friends who take the time to send me messages. I just LOVE to get them. It is very interesting finding out where some of you live. Some of you live very close to me which is very awesome! It is so much fun interacting with you like we are carrying on a personal conversation. I may be planning a shopping trip to Berlin in August to celebrate the kids going back to school. I'll keep you posted... It's looking like it may be the week of the 22nd if any of you would like to meet up with me.

What I'm Working On

2011-07-26T10:36:00.007-04:00

Even though I've been working a lot I have managed to get some things done. You all know I've been stitching, but I've also done some sewing. I am hoping to do some more sewing here within the next few weeks as I start to make some fall items. I know I'm behind a season because that should have already been out. But that's the beauty of my own booth. Lol. I can be lazy and make things at my pace. I have a vacation coming up so I'd like to get a lot done even though we are going to make a few day trips here and there. We will see how that plays out. LOL.

Anyway, I have now completed another stitchery that I hope to chart this week like I said. This one is very near and dear to me. This one was done with my Grandmother in mind. I remember this lady always having some kind of sewing project going on. She was my Barbie's personal clothing maker. She would make all kinds of silky blue gowns, shirts, pants, you name it she made it. She also made me two tie quilts. I don't believe I've ever posted them so I will do that here in a few days. Anyway, both of them are Dresden plate with hand stitched pieces then appliqued to the background. Her pattern for the pieces was made from a piece of newspaper. My Mom still has the patterns. I also have a few braided rugs made by her. She would have this huge cardboard barrel sitting next to her chair with fabric scraps in it ready to be added to the already long braided piece. She even let me try my hand at it, but I think she probably took out the braided part I did. LOL. She also had the metal things that actually folded the fabric into thirds for her as she went. I haven't been able to find these little things anywhere. She also would babysit my sister and me every now and again. She would take us to the parking lot behind her house to pick "Queen's Anne's lace" flowers. We would then bring them inside and use food coloring in the water and like magic the flowers would change colors. I LOVED when we used blue. We would also witness my Grandmother using her spray bottle of water out the door when animals would come to the back door and she would yell "git." LOL. I also remember her favorite bird to be the cardinal. My Mom also likes the cardinal too so whenever I see something with the cardinal on it I buy it. This part has nothing to do with my stitchery, but I remember going to church with my Grandmother and her having "Chicklet" gum in her purse. And looking through her Bible that had a few pages that had some kind of coating on them that would stick and make a sound when you pulled them apart. So when I got bored I would go through and unstick the pages during church. LOL. Sadly, my Grandmother got brain cancer and passed away almost 16 years ago. She got to see my daughter and hold her after she was born and then passed away a few months later. Looking back I wished I would have realized how much I LOVED to work with my hands and have her teach me the things she knew. But I always wonder if my ability to craft came from her.

So here it is my Letha's Sampler. My Grandmother was actually born in 1911. Had she been born a hundred years earlier she would have been 11 in 1822. Obviously this pattern could be altered with another name instead of hers. The frame is at the glass shop getting glass as we speak. I will be charting maybe tomorrow or over the weekend.

Next, I bought some duck type cloth at the thrift store recently. Normally, I just bring the fabric home and add it to my already huge overflowing piles. Instead I actually used it. I coffee stained it and cut out some pillows. I then used paint to make the designs. These are for sale at $12 a piece plus shipping. The star one is sawdust filled and the other two are poly filled. I think they turned out great. The star and Primitive Keepings one are SOLD, but I am willing to take orders on them. Just email me which ones you would like and if you'd like sawdust or poly fil stuffing.

I also bought these cutter quilt pieces at the antique store awhile back. Well, they have been sitting around so I figured it was time to do something with them. I thought about framing them, but figured pillows would be better. So I used some of my vintage fabric fat quarters and backed them and stuffed them all. They will be so cute in a basket. I have a feeling these will be up for sale soon. I just don't have enough room for everything. I know this picture stinks but I took it at 5am this morning before I came to work.

So now I have nothing to work on. Ughhh... I know I need to finish up my wool hooked rug. The directions said something about zig zagging around the outside to keep the wool from coming out then folding and stitching again... blah blah blah... I just need to sit down and reread it and digest it. I'd like to get this finished up this week. I need to do something that will keep my hands busy. Otherwise, I pick and bite at my nails and cuticles when I sit down. Nervous Nilly I suppose. I am off tomorrow so I need to write down my list of things to accomplish and go from there. We'll just see what I get done. LOL.

Happy Birthday and a Winner

2011-07-25T08:55:00.007-04:00

Well, today we have a special day for two people here at the Homestead. The first, my son, turns 12 today. OK well not technically until tonight at 11:57pm. But since I'm a nice Mom I let him celebrate all day. LOL. He of course is my baby. He is officially a tween. He was my difficult baby. He decided he was going to have colic. uuuggghhh... We ended up having to feed him some really expensive formula at $25 a lbs. since his belly couldn't digest the cheap stuff. Then as he got older he wanted me or his Dad to lay with him while he fell asleep. Funny how we would always fall asleep first, but wake to the feeling of our eyelids being pried apart with two little fingers asking us if we were sleeping. LOL. Of course we had a hospitalization because of a darn rotovirus he caught. Yep that was fun cleaning up puke for an entire week before the doctor would do anything. He has tested my patience for years now LOL. But he is still my cuddler and always tells me he loves me still. AND he tells me I'm the best Mom in the whole wide world. OK I'm taking that as a compliment since I'm his only Mom and he has no one to compare it too. So don't rain on my parade. LOL. He came home the other day from the pool and told me about a girl who wanted to talk to him the whole time and swim with him while he was there. Then how she would push him in the pool while he was trying to get out. I asked him if he liked her and all I get was a shoulder shrug and a grin. (sigh) It's starting all ready. He will be in 7th grade this year. Wow!!!! His Dad also bought him a shot gun to hunt with for his birthday. That I'm terrified of but I have to let him grow up sometime. right? (This pic was taken at this Dad's house not mine LOL) Anyway, Happy Birthday Bailey!!!!

Next, my Giveaway closed yesterday. I had a lot more entries this time around. I assigned each of you a number in the order of your comments. I threw them in a bowl and had the birthday boy pick again.

Congratulations Annie of Scrappilachia!!!! Please email me your address so that I can send out your goodies. And thank you all for entering my Giveaway. The pattern is available for purchase on my left sidebar. Just email me and I can invoice you through Paypal. It is available as a PDF file so you can get quickly or I can mail you a copy which ever you prefer. I am close to having 400 followers and once I reach that I will have another giveaway.

I finished stitching my newest sampler and will be back tomorrow to show you. This one will also be charted and for sale hopefully by the weekend. This one is near and dear to my heart, but I will give the story tomorrow when I show you the finish. I'll also show you some other things I've been working on too. Last week was yet another busy work week. BUT I am almost to the point of being able to breathe in my budget. I am less than $3,000 away from being debt free from creditors. However, I still need to repay my parents when they bailed me out during the divorce. BUT at least they won't report me to the credit bureau. LOL.

Have a great day my friends!!!

Another Giveaway Chance

2011-07-19T08:00:00.001-04:00

I had my first Giveaway drawing last week and Kriss from Kountry*Porch*Primitives won. However, Kriss is so awesome that she asked if I would redraw a winner since she was helping me with the cross stitch tutorial. How selfless is that? So, what I will do is give you another chance to win. If you enter my Giveaway of my first cross stitch pattern you will receive not only the pattern for free, but the cloth, and floss needed to complete the project. So.... in order to enter again please just leave a comment on this post only. You will have until July 24th to enter and the winner will be drawn on July 25th.

Oh and don't worry about Kriss she will be well taken care of by me :) I have other plans for her since she technically won a Giveaway! The best thing about all this is I actually got to talk to Kriss on the phone. She is so down to earth and extremely kind and generous too. It was my pleasure to talk with you Kriss.