Raspberry Lane Primitives

A New look....

2012-01-29T00:58:00.000-05:00

I'm going to be making some changes to my blog and my home. I'm getting more interested in the French Country Farmhouse look which also incorporates vintage, antiques and prims.....all of which I still love.

With that being said, I want to share a blog that is newish to me. Rosemary over at Villabarnes Blog transforms those gaudy gold frames and furniture into the most beautiful Parisan beauties....I love how she uses gesso to age her pieces. I have a few frames and bottles of gesso laying around and can't wait to try the technique. So go on over and see what it's all about. ps she has a second prize for the giveaway~a birdbox redo.

DIY Swiffer pad

2012-01-15T12:36:00.000-05:00

What a great way to save money and be GREEN !!
Check out this DIY by Sew Take A Hike
Love it!!

Hand dyed stitching floss...

2012-01-11T16:07:00.000-05:00

Nancy from Victorian motto sampler shoppe is at it again...doing another hand dyed floss giveaway...don't these colors look great for spring? I just love them. Go sign up and let her know that I sent ya....wink, wink...;) Post on your blog and get another entry too. Click on the pic or the link above to head on over. Good luck!!

Valentine Prims

2012-01-09T23:06:00.002-05:00

Here are a few Valentine-y prims that I've been working on. I love pink and what a great time to use up my pink fabric than for Valentines day. I love grungy prim but not on my pinks...makes them look too dull and my pinks need to be pink. I'll use the coffee/vanilla mixture on the reds though...but not my pinks...hehehe.

We will celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary this year on.....Valentine's Day -February 14th....WooHoo! Where does the time go? I feel so fortunate to have a wonderful husband who is kind, caring, generous, loving, helpful and oh, who brings prims home for me!....can't find a pic of he and I right now :(

I primmed up some tags with the coffee/vanilla mixture; stamped sweet words on some tags and used my key stamp on others. (I looove my new key stamp)!! I also aged the tags with sepia ink. Added grungy muslin tie with sweet annie. They smell so great!! I have a few bunches of dried sweet annie for sale here on my blog sidebar if anyone is interested.

I love this pink rose fabric....have had it for years and never used it!! :)

Here's a whole bowl full of beautiful reds N pinks !! Added vintage buttons to these!

Here's a crystallized heart that I made using borax soap.

Love the sparkle on this chenille heart! This heart is actually quite heavy from the crystals....I really need to make more but ran out of borax that my friend Jolene gave to me....time to make a borax run this week...hehe...

Here's the tutorial link from Martha Stewart. The video tutorial is for snowflakes and is on the left hand side of the link. There are written directions as well. (just shape your chenille pipe cleaners into hearts for Valentine's Day, dip overnight and wake up to crystally, sparkly goodness. This is a great project for kids too).

http://www.marthastewart.com/297092/borax-crystal-snowflakes

Here's a Vintage Valentine's graphic:

if you'd like this one or more FREE Valentine's graphics to use-click on the link:

Free Valentine's Day Graphics

2012-01-01T21:26:00.000-05:00

Nancy over at Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe has new stitchery designs...look at these spice bags...aren't they just great? I think so!! She says that they are the first of several designs and are very quick and easy to finish....BUT......if you want a chance to win one...(ps she's giving away 4 of these!!)...just go on over to her blog and sign up. Let her know that I sent you...wink, wink). Now go, go, go!!

I just love the vintage labels !!!

Tablerunner WIP....

2011-12-29T20:29:00.000-05:00

This is what I'm working on for a friend....goes with her kitchen colors...kinda of a late Christmas present...she's been sick and out of work for a few weeks. I had so much fun picking this coordinating fabric out...the chocolate brown binding will go all the way around and the ends will be pointed. It's about 32 inches long. What do you think so far? She has the most beautiful victorian home so I can't wait for her to see it (maybe she'll let me take some pics of her gorgeous house for you all to see)!! Everytime I go over I say I want to live there!! Were meeting next week and then will go antiquing. Yippee!

Have a great night everyone.

A Linky party: Terrific under Ten Tuesday....

2011-12-27T00:55:00.000-05:00

Check out the linky party "Terrific Under Ten Tuesday" over At Home with K They have all kinds of crafting ideas for under $10.00. I added my iced snowflake bulb tutorial. You can also add your link if you like!!

Happy Christmas and Merry Hannukkah ....

2011-12-22T00:34:00.000-05:00

to all my friends near and far.....

2011-12-22T00:18:00.005-05:00

Iced Snowflake Glass Bulb Ornament Tutorial:

Here's a last minute idea if you need to make teacher/friend/family gifts for Christmas.....

I had these bulbs laying around for literally...years...you know "I'll use them for something"....bought on sale for a few cents....blah, blah, blah....

This is the finished piece...so let's get started...

Supplies: Glass bulbs...(could use plastic but I don't think they will catch the lights and sparkle as nicely)-get them after Christmas if making them for next year (on SALE!!) , any type of punch (I used Martha Stewart snowflakes-on sale at Michael's) or cut outs from cardstock (I used brown kraft paper) or printed paper...Don't use the really heavy card stock as they won't form to the rounded bulb very easily. I had the disc shaped bulbs but you can use any shape. You'll need mod podge or plain glue which is watered down, a sponge brush and waxed paper (for the glitter). You can also dry them on the wax paper but I had the original bulb containers.

Choose which cut outs you want to use first...you can "audition" them on the bulb before applying the glue....I used 5 shapes on the front of my bulbs....Now coat your bulb (on the front) first...with quite a bit of glue. If you use too little it will dry quicker and you won't be able to reposition the cutouts- if you need to. I put a glob of glue on the waxed paper and bathed the cutout in it...flipped it over very carefully and loaded more glue on the other side.

Now position the first cutout in the center, pushing the cutout down with your brush so it sticks well. you can also use your nails to do this too. If they're not pushed down they will dry and lift off of the bulb a bit...you have some working time to get all of the cutouts on if you use enough glue on the base to start out with.

keep adding the cutouts until you like how they are positioned. Now with your brush...stipple the glue like I did in the pic below...it will dry nicer than if you use straight brush strokes...I also stippled the glue with my fingertip too....

Next you will see all the cutouts in place...Now let dry until clear. If you see white...its not dried completely.

Now before the glue starts drying, add some fine white sparkly glitter to the front...be sure to get all areas...I started by sprinkling each cutout first then sprinkled around the "white" glue areas....I used about 1/2 of this small container for 6 bulbs....when done sparkling it up, put the excess glitter back in the container for other uses :) (I am a prim girl who loves bling too )

Here they are in different stages of drying time....when they are all dry on the front...flip them over and do the same to the back...If you want to grungy up the top of the bulb...do it after the front and back are dried....Brush some glue on the top piece then sprinkle with a grubby mixture of ground cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin spice (or whatever you have on hand) and then gently shake off the excess and let dry.

You can add wired evergreen to the top (covering the silver part) and add red berries too. I also added an organza ribbon hanger on some.

Here are the finished bulbs...the brown kraft paper even looks kind of goldish/brown...with the sparkles.

All six bulbs were under $10-not too bad, huh? Hope you find some great after Christmas sales and have fun making these. Borrow a friends punch if you don't have one or I might be able to sell some for a small price...wink, wink...if you need snowflakes. Just let me know. If you'd like to post my tutorial on your blog...just email me for permission.

Merry Christmas & Happy crafting !!

Patti

Primitive New England Tree Lights...

2011-12-17T10:52:00.000-05:00

Hi All: Here are 3 of my newly made colonial tree lights made from a 'My Primitive Saltbox' pattern. I love how they turned out and they're so easy to make. They will be part of a silent auction for an anonymous fellow blogger who is experiencing financial difficulty. If interested visit Traci over at York Mountain Primitives blog to see all of the auction items. Hurray because the auction ends December 19th.

Giveaway Goodies...

2011-12-11T19:13:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to pop in quickly and show you all my giveaway winnings from Dee over at Stonewall Craftique. She included a few things for a few holidays. Look how cute they all are. There's a cute chick, a couple of whimsical snowmen, a spring basket (sorry it's cut off), a cutie pie spooky ghost with a Halloween sign. Thank you Dee, I can't wait to put them all out in the spring, fall and winter.

Ornie swap goodies....

2011-12-07T21:51:00.000-05:00

Here are some sweet prim ornies that I received from Amy's (Bumble Bee Lane)
Ornie swap....

Here are three Santas from Tam of A Primitive Place. The first is made out of Salt dough and the others are paper~n~ink vintage Santas...Tammy has these as a free download on her blog.

Next are some adorable cross stitched ornies and a sweet prim prairie doll from Theresa. She has an etsy shop so visit her at Dulaney Woods Treasure

and finally this adorable prim Santa from Kerri of The Calico Cat...I love his prim tree and the blanket stitching. He smells great too!

Thank you to Amy for the wonderful ornie swap and to all the generous, talented ladies!

Help....

2011-12-05T21:13:00.000-05:00

I'm helping a prim friend set up her blog~JoJo's Primitives and can't for the life of me figure out where the "minima" blog template is....Did they get rid of that with the updated features? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks prim friends!

Jolene eats, sleeps and breaths primitives...buying them that is....she goes to the auction every Wed...I'm going to teach her how to sew and made prims....she's my "new" old friend that I pal around with at the prim shows...we grew up in the same neighborhood....we've been having a blast......Stop by and become a follower. Now I just need her to put on some pics and posts ;)

Here we are at a prim show a few weeks ago....we were the last ones to leave....met a great prim friend too...who took our pic!!

Here are some prim Santas that I made out of wool...they are a free pattern from The Woolen Willow through Primitive Quilts and Projects....Click on the link for the freebie...I also added some evergreen~n~berries and a tag.... but forgot to take a pic...

Here are some mini sweet annie candy canes that I made recently...They smell great!!

My New Snowgirl Dolly

2011-12-04T09:04:00.000-05:00

I'm behind as usual but I must show off my new snowgirl doll made by Wanda of Olde Crow Mercantile. She is so beautiful. The detail on her is amazing! Stop by and visit Wanda's blog to see more of her work!
Wanda...I can't thank you enough for her. She will be treasured always!!

Santa's Little Helper.....

2011-11-16T20:50:00.000-05:00

I love this lil' Elf...Brenda has been making these guys and they are adorable...She is going to give one of them away for her November giveaway...Brenda is truly a giving heart and so generous. Her workmanship is extraordinary....I own several of her handmades and cherish all of them! Please check out her blog The Rusty Thimble for a viewing of prim heaven!!

An Unbelievable Giveaway...

2011-10-19T19:04:00.001-04:00

Carly over at Boggy Bottom Bayou is giving away this precious Belinda Believer Bunny. Carly's handmades are top of the line, superior and beautiful!! She is amazingly talented and I have been eyeing her wares for months!! Head on over to sign up for a chance to win by either clicking on the pic or the link!

Bottle Cap Images

2011-10-17T23:44:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd give a freebie to all of my followers as a Thank You for your friendship! These are great for use in bottlecaps for all your prim projects and even look great hanging on a prim tree! Just use a 1 inch circle punch (or cut them out), glue them inside the bottle cap, add a hanger and you'll be all set! They can even be cut out in a square shape and added to tags....For all you scrapbookers out there...you could versamark the images and use clear embossing powder; which leaves a clear coating (almost acrylic like) to give it a finished look.... or use them in any other prim way that you desire!! There are between 6-12 images of each-all are the same 1.25 inch size. Graphics were obtained through Vintage Holiday Crafts.com and other websites offering freebies.

Click on any of the graphics for my boxnet download: Happy Crafting! Patti

Tuesdays Display Chain.....What's "Framed In"....

2011-09-28T21:51:00.001-04:00

I'm joining in on Misi's Month long.....Tuesday Display Chain over at 1890 Gable House Musings Blog. The theme is to present anything we consider "Framed"...So here's my interpretation:

Here's a new piece that I purchased from Rhonda Tedder of Simple Thyme Prims....I love my new needle punch JOL~n~Keys....Look how it's "framed" in the rag stuffed homespun pillow. I have it hanging over a wooden shutter. One day I will sit down and do some punching....

Yay....We're finally getting a deck off the back of our house....I've waited for 4 loooong years hoping that we would do it ourselves...but alas we are not carpenters! I finally broke down and hired someone to build it for us...this went up in 3 days....would have taken us 5 years!! It'll be 24 feet wide by 20 feet long....I finally picked out the decking and railing....from Trex...its a composite/vinyl called spiced rum...dark brown with black streaks through it...also picked out white railings....I can't wait til the supplies gets delivered next week!!

Here's is a framed bench that I bought from the Letchworth Arts Festival several years ago...I love it...made of driftwood from Tennessee and pine wood "framed" flower box. One day I'll stain the wooden box!

Here's my most prized find from a few weeks ago. Found this bubble glass vintage photo of a baby girl born in 1925....The woman who sold it to me said it was her Mother!! She said they were moving to Florida and didn't decorate in this style. I was happy to have found it though but sad that they wanted to give this piece away...I've been wanting to find a vintage tin "framed" bubble glass with a child so this is perfect!! It's a wooden "frame" with gold painting and just beautiful. I told the lady that I will treasure it forever and that I was hanging it up right when I got home....She was thrilled.

Here are my "framed" windows with sweet annie sitting in a preserved water bath in front of them....I had a great harvest and preserved most of my sweet annie bunches. They came out in an "olive" color and still smell divine!

Lastly here's a pic of my sunflower heads...."framed" in an enamelware baking pan....Not to worry, I left a ton of sunflower heads on the stalks for the birdies...

Go on over and see what everyone else has "FRAMED"......

Reflections of September 11th.....By Me

2011-09-11T20:41:00.001-04:00

Free Soul.....

An Old Fashioned Bake Sale Giveaway...

2011-09-02T09:55:00.001-04:00

If you haven't been over to Gail's blog: Faithfulness Farm....you've been missing out. She has the most wonderful olde thyme recipes and even a laundry soap recipe. She's giving away paper bakeware-from Welcomes Home Brands-that means no mess-no clean up and no having to get your "pan" back.

She's also giving away a vintage inspired apron, two packets of spices, a bakesale cookbook and embellished dish towels. How fun would this be to receive in the mail? Fall is the time for baking and I can't wait to make Gail's rendition of her Grandma Mae's Apple Butter Cake

"Hooked" on a Tutorial and a Giveaway....

2011-08-26T22:17:00.001-04:00

Check out Margie's tutorial on rug hooking 101...She's such a great rug hooker and a sweetheart to do this tutorial for us....I am truly thankful! Also, Margie is having a rug hooking giveaway so go on over and visit her at Hungry Hook Primitives...oh and let her know that I sent ya! TY....
Look at this Autumn Hooked Flag...I looove it!

A Scare Bear Giveaway...

2011-08-23T20:54:00.000-04:00

Maureen over at Sweet Meadows Farm is having a sweet giveaway...She's including the pattern & supplies to make this sweet scare bear; which looks like a sweet scarecrow bear. He stands on a base, is holding a sweet mouse in his shirt pocket, dons an adorable burlap hat, has gloves & a scarf and is as cute as can be....He's a smaller fella standing on a doweled based @ 14 inches tall. Maureen has the greatest bear patterns ever so go and check out her blog and sign up!

Some radom pics with my new camera....

2011-08-12T14:02:00.002-04:00

Are ya sick of me yet?...if not here are some more pics taken with my new camera...
We're having a super year with our veggie garden....our pumpkin/gourd patch is on the other side of the yard; which you can't see...My egg gourds, birdhouse gourds, apple gourds and sweet annie are all doing great...I don't seem to have very many pumpkins despite all the blossoms...I think I may need to add lime to the soil next year??? I'll have to take a pic of this garden later....Click on the pic for a better view.

picked a ton of veggies today...many for Salsa~yellow and green peppers, jalepenos, tomatoes and onions.... Yummy... We were truly blessed with a great harvest this year even though DH didn't put any cow or horse poop in the garden!! :) (yes I know...gross but ya gotta remember that I'm a nurse after all...we can do anything-esp eat while standing up and talk about gross stuff)!

Here's a dragonfly...one of the smaller ones....just look at his face...and his wings are so delicate. Click on the pic for a closer look of this amazing lil' creature! Can you tell I'm loving my new camera?

A couple of yellow finches eating sunflower seeds to their hearts content...this is the only way I was able to get a shot of them...they are soooo fast!! Can you see both of them? Click to zoom!

Well I'm off to see what else I can find to photograph....:)

Hooking sneak peek...Hummers.....and Heavenly Giveaway Winnings....

2011-08-11T23:07:00.000-04:00

Here's a sneak peek at my first rug hooking project...wow...what a workout it is to hook..I'm using linen and must be that I don't know what I'm doing cuz I feel like my arms are getting a great workout doing this! Ha!!
Can you guess what the theme is? This is my own design....look at how close my new camera zooms...Yippee!!

and here's my lil' sweetie...I mean lil' bully hummingbird...he chases all the other 3 hummers

away from the feeder...

These were taken with my new Canon power shot camera, which zooms to 840mm. My other camera only zooms to 20mm....What a difference!!

The wings are so cool and can you see his tiny feet and eyes? I am so loving this new camera...I can't wait to get shots of all the deer that hang around our yard too!

Might have to make a trip down to Letchworth State Park to try out my new camera...Just beautiful Landscape, gorge and waterfalls...It's the "Grand Canyon" of the East...ya know!

These were taken off the web: I climbed to the top of that trestle bridge in the background...many years ago...should do it again...

A bit of heaven in my backyard...about 40 minutes away... :)

Here are some sweet handpainted snowmen that I won from Lois' giveaway over @ Huckleberry Lady...She also sent two cute wooden angels wrapped with beads~n~wire...They will look great on my tree...but I don't want to think of Winter just yet...Lois does great work....I love these Renee Mullins Ornies!! Thank you Lois...they will be treasured always! Click the pic to get a better view of Lois' amazing work!

Zucchini Fritters....

2011-08-09T19:13:00.004-04:00

oh my goodness...three posts in one day...wow...I'm on a zucchini roll. Here's an awesome recipe; quick and easy and uses up all that zucchini in the garden...hint if you don't have a good food processor-you need to get one...my MIL found a small cuisinart at a yard sale for me (brand new) and I'm in LOVE with it! I need to get a bigger one though....the trick to great fritters is having shredded zucchini instead of mushy zucchini with those cheaper food processors (like I used the first time)...oh well live and learn :)

I think this recipe is from either Taste of Home Cooking blog or Menonite Girls Can Cook...I can't remember. This is my slight variation:

~Zucchini Fritters~

2 zucchini, grated(about 3 1/2 c.)

1 egg

2/3 c. shredded Cheddar cheese (I use mexican blend)

2/3 c. round buttery crackers (like Ritz), crumbled

Salt to taste
2 T oil (I use olive oil)

Chopped lemon basil sprinkled on top; about 6 medium leaves (optional)-My addition

Hot sauce to taste (optional)-My addition

Large thinly sliced garden tomato for topping (optional)-My addition

Panko bread crumbs if the mixture is a bit too watery (optional)-My addition again :) these are coarse plain bread crumbs that I like to use instead of finely coarse italian bread crumbs

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Combine zucchini, egg, cheese, crackers and salt in a large mixing bowl. If mixture seems wet, add extra crackers (or panko bread crumbs); shape mixture into patties. Heat oil in a skillet; fry patties on medium heat; about 3-6 min on each side or until golden brown.

Add a tomato slice and top with a small handful (1-2 tbsp) of shredded cheese

Serve with hot sauce, honey mustard or ranch dipping sauce (optional)

Makes 3 large or 4 smaller servings.

My DH ate his so here's a pic of mine: (click on the pic for a better view)

Zucchini Chocolate Cake....

2011-08-09T15:38:00.001-04:00

I made 3 zucchini cakes today using my zucchini from the garden....trying to get the kid to try it....
says "I don't like chocolate cake".....now what kid doesn't like chocolate cake? Mine of course...picky he is! Doesn't even know there's zucchini in it!

can you tell one piece is missing already? Hehe...Here's the recipe....I tripled mine!! :)

~Chocolate Zucchini Cake~

1/2 cup margarine

1/2 cup canola oil

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 1/2 cups flour

4 tablespoons cocoa powder

1/2 tsp baking powder

2 cups shredded zucchini (leave skin on)-I packed them in tightly

1/3 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup or so of chopped walnuts (optional)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cream together: oil, margarine & sugar then add eggs, vanilla and milk; set aside

Mix together dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture 1-2 cups at a time Mix well and add zucchini

Pour into greased 9x13 pan

sprinkle with chocolate chips and walnuts (if desired)

bake @ 350 degrees for 40 minutes or when done (toothpick comes out clean)

~~~Enjoy~~~

If you have a very sweet tooth you may want to add a bit more sugar !!

Keep one and give 2 away.....

Hummingbirds....

2011-08-09T15:13:00.001-04:00

Well we have a lil' hummingbird bully at our house...seems he doesn't want the other 3 coming to the feeder...We've been watching him all day...chasing the others away...here he is sitting on a sunflower leaf...
I had to put another feeder up and he won't let them go to that one either...lil' bully birdie...but he is so beautiful!!

I wonder if this is the hummer that I took care of a couple of summers ago when he was just a baby and didn't know how to drink or fly...I taught him how to drink from the feeder and how to fly in our backyard before I let him go out into the world (had him for only 2 days)......would be somethin, huh?

Here he is again...going for a drink!

look at those wings~a~flappin'

Who doesn't love a penny mat?

2011-08-08T13:41:00.000-04:00

Felicia is having her first giveaway on her blog: Raggedy Creations so stop on over and say Hello...help her get more followers, and of course sign up for her wonderful giveaway....look at this amazing pumpkin penny rug...love the fall greens and oranges! Just beautiful!!

Witches Hat....

2011-08-08T13:21:00.001-04:00

Look what just came in the mail from my bloggin' friend Traci of York Mountain Primitives....She asked a few of us who posted in July, what we liked most: witches, pumpkins, bats, etc...I said Witch of course...so she made this darling prim witches hat for me.....Traci is so creative and sweet. I love the little spider on it with all the wool "spider webs" and cute lil' buttons and patches...oh and it smells just great too....The spider is hanging on with is wired legs...TOO CUTE! THANK YOU SO MUCH TRACI. This will become part of my Prim Halloween collection for sure!! If you haven't been over to see Traci...just stop on over to her blog....

Click on the pic for a better view of this witchy lil' hat...could be a pinkeep too!

Firecracker Kid Woodshelf Giveaway...

2011-08-01T23:18:00.000-04:00

Carol and her husband of Firecracker Kid Primitives are at it again...just look at this wonderful spice~n~spoon shelf rack that they are offering in their giveaway. Head on over to their blog and sign up to win this wonderful wood piece. Their work is fabulous...I want so many things in their etsy shoppe.

Goodies in the mail....

2011-08-01T11:23:00.001-04:00

Maureen wanted jar candles so I swapped some grungy candle jars~n~ tarts and a tart burner with her. Maureen is the creative genious of Sweet Meadows Farm and this is what came to my door today. Now most of you know that Maureen hasn't been feeling well lately so I was just blown away with her generosity....I'm in prim heaven right now....just look at these sweet dollies...and a bear too! the bear has a quilted heart and smells deliciously like cinnamon...the larger annie is just perfect with her alphabet apron and handpainted face...the lil annie has an Americana outfit...I love it!...and just look at this sweet bunny~her face is just precious...I put them all together on my new sewing machine cabinet....
Maureen is my prim idol !!

Here's some of what I sent to Maureen:

Go on over to Maureen's blog and wish her well....

My new obsession....

2011-07-29T23:48:00.000-04:00

I've been so intrigued by rug hooking and love how it looks so I thought I'd give it a try. I practiced using my hoop and monks cloth and think that I need to practice even more...lol....I know I'm gonna need to build myself one of those hooker frames...yippee. I love using my brad nailer!! Does anyone know where to get the "teeth" that hold the rug in place on all 4 sides? I don't want to pay $70 for a small one that I found today

I also went to a quilt shop in Caledonia, NY today and bought linen to use instead of that flimsy monks cloth.......I borrowed a Rigby wool cutter from my friend Jan who is an amazing rug hooker and has her wares in a shop in LeRoy, NY right on main street. I need to cut as much wool as I can this week before I have to give it back. I will probably miss it and want to buy one...any suggestions from you rug hookers out there? Jan has a more sophistocated one that she uses in her shop. It was a by chance encounter that we met last weekend. I didn't really know what the shop sold so I walked in...Jan has finished rugs of all sizes in there....she just told me that she sold one today for $250...she does such amazing work. I have pics of her shop on my cell but have to send them to my email then will post....She's getting her etsy shop ready to sell some wool....visit her here @ Addicted to Wool on Etsy. She has handmade ladies overalls on there right now but will be putting some of her wool wares for sale as well.

Jan's been hooking for about 20 years so I have a great teacher!! I'm so lucky.....she let me practice in her fancy sitdown apparatus last weekend....its for the "serious" hooker....they say that your first piece is suppose to come out ugly and will only get better from there. I want to do a pumpkin-simple but I'm finding that I need to practice making round edges...I've got a lot to learn....She also let me borrow two books today so I have a week to read as fast as I can. What a great prim friend!!

Thank you Jan!! :)

I also wanted to show this fabulous Civil War Quilt done by the owner of Chestnut Bay Quilt Shop

It's just beautiful especially in person. I took it quick but you can see what I mean~~stunning!!

I really want it but she says it isn't for sale...yet. Click on the pic to get a better view....I aspire to make one of these someday....they're basic blocks but would probably take me forever to make!! Hehe.

ps this is a Barbara Brackman line: Civil war Crossings from, I believe, 2004...I was able to get one of the blue fabrics though.....I'd love to get more of these (psssst...Jennifer H. do you have any of these?)

Garden Angels...

2011-07-29T09:17:00.001-04:00

Here are three lil' cutie garden angels that I made recently for a friend who has 3 sweet grand daughters. Jenny Matlock from Off On My Tangent posts the sweetest, funniest, cutest posts about her little grands.....they are the light of her life!
Here's the post that I read back in January 2011 and it made me want to make the angels
"Can I Show You Christmas"?

Here are the Garden Angels sitting in my front flower garden before heading off to Arizona. They couldn't wait to make a trip out west...all they kept doing was chatting about it.....

and here they are with Jenny's grand littles....look how happy the girls are...the dolls were made to resemble each lil' sweet grand little....the tags say: Gramma's Garden Angels....looks like they love their new home!

Have a wonderful day!

An Antique Beauty....

2011-07-28T23:31:00.002-04:00

Look what I found today while antiquing with my BFF in Middleport......an awesome find! I've always wanted one of these but I've never seen one quite like this before....an antique cabinet Singer sewing machine...with treadle that was converted to electric....SWEEEEET!! I'm just in heaven. Its in really great shape, the shop owner told me it was from the early 1900's (just looked it up; it's a G series from 1915)....was probably about $500 way back then.....I've already found a spot for it! Solid oak...its very heavy but has wheels to move it....Now take a look at it:

All 5 drawers on the left open nicely and are in fabulous shape. There are bobbins and machine parts too.

No book though.

The top opens up and the sewing machine is hidden below until you press a button on the front and up it pops! The only things needing slight repair are the left top handle....I'm gonna make a clay mold and try to make a silicone replacement with black & brown acrylics then glue it on....if anyone has any other ideas of how to restore the wooden embossed knob, let me know!! The bottom lower molding needs to be reglued on the right side...no biggie! I'm still in heaven!!

Here's a detailed view of the drawers and molding. Click on the pic for a better view......I looooove it!

Here's a close up of the Sewing machine. I've only seen the black ones with gold and NEVER any red decals...look at how beautiful it is!!! I don't want to use it to sew but for decorative display...click on the pic to get a better view.....Now for the final news...guess what I paid for it...my friend and I were waiting to hear maybe $250-$350 or so but the shop owner says quietly........$100.00 !! My friend says "I saw this back in April but my husband would have killed me if I came home with another one". "I have two already, but this is way nicer than mine"!
I know that once they've been updated to electric that they aren't as valuable but I DON'T CARE....I LOVE IT AND ITS ALL MINE!! I am one happy antiquer today.....What did you all find?

The Rusty Thimble

2011-07-27T13:33:00.000-04:00

Brenda is having a giveaway for August and will have 5 different Prims.....How exciting. Just let her know that I sent you over. Click HERE to sign up.
Here's one of the goodies: Isn't he cute!!??

A Witchy Giveaway....

2011-07-23T22:32:00.000-04:00

My friend Jenn from Bittersweet Prims is having a giveaway on her blog so go on over and check it out. She's recently become a pattern designer so if you like Giveaways, Dollies, Fall, Halloween, Pumpkins and Witches check out what she is offering......

Friendship Seed Swap:

2011-07-20T09:13:00.002-04:00

Watching a plant grow from a single tiny seed is just amazing to me.....I love the sense of accomplishment, beauty and wonderment of it all....I had the pleasure of seed swapping with Traci of York Mountain Primitives....She sent me: Dead Nettle, Columbine, Grape hyacinth and Chives. I can't wait to plant them...and look at how cute the lil' ditty bag is that they came in....I see more flower beds dancin' in my head. Thank you Traci...yours should be arriving shortly...

My new zinnia crop this year (from last year's harvested seeds)....just starting to open up....Pretty soon there will be a burst of so many colors....They bloom til the first frost~my kinda flowers!

Madalynne (Primitive Pineapple)~How are yours doing?

Goodes, Gardens & Galloping Giddiness....

2011-07-19T22:25:00.007-04:00

(warning: picture heavy)....Hello blog friends....Where is the summer going? Can't seem to catch up but that's the story of my life!
Here are a few goodies from my New England friend Kat of Primitive Echos. I also had the pleasure of meeting our blog friend, Misi of 1890 Gable House Musings and obtained a few of her treasures.....

I'm also posting this for OLM's "What makes your Heart skip a beat" Giveaway since these things/people make my lil' heart skip a beat! Here they are in random order:

Remember this prim black table tray that Kat made for me in her workshop?....love it!.... Here's a colonial candle in Maple Applesauce from Misi.....I can smell it even before I come down the stairs all the way....amazing!

Kat's Door board....I loooove this!!

Kat's bonnet from her OWN pattern! (I'm so sorry Kat~had this all ready last night and somehow forgot to post it)! This bonnet is truly to DIE for...such detail; wish you could all see the stitching on it! Kat did a marvelous job for not knowing what she was doing....or so she says...hehe...love ya girl! :)

Fabric boxes from Kat:

bowl filler fixens from Misi in Farmhouse Tea.....just the most divine scent!!

A stunning Prim George Washington Box from Misi: I love anything with George Washington and Abe Lincoln....

Here's a sideview of the box: Love this red feathered design...just adds so much to the whole box!

Garden Thyme::

here's my sweet corn growing oh so nicely:

Cucs are one of my favs...can't get my dh or son to eat them though!

Apple Gourds....my egg gourds haven't blossomed yet

Jalapenos: love these in a ton of dishes!

2nd crop of peas-love eating them fresh right in the garden, Here's eggplant too:

Tomatoes & Peppers all in a row:

No its not a CSI crime scene: It's my coveted sweet annie: I have 8 precious clusters growing so nicely! The tape will deter the deer from stepping all over it!! Now you all know that this surely makes my heart skip a beat! Don't look at the weeds....why do they have to grow faster than our plants??

two apple trees/pumpkin/sweet annie patch at a distance-on the East side of our yard: had to put a scarecrow in this year to keep the crows away...they were eating our pumpkin seeds! Looove prim crows just not the real ones that eat seeds! Poor brownish grass!

Love my new rusty red wagon:

Sunflower (one of my fav summer flowers):

Front flower bed:

and of course my boys and summertime make me very Happy:

My BFF...my sister Carol: We have so much fun together! Don't feel too bad for her "pale" skin...she's going crusin' to Bermuda soon!

Love My Momma and My Sister:

and my sweet daughter Rachel..... with red hair

Love my Momma and Daddy: He still gets excited to dance with her....after almost 50 years! That makes my heart dance!

Wow, how did I forget to add in my sweeties last night?? I looove my pups!!

Molly: cockapoo, will be 5 on July 24th~She's our personal doorbell...knows whenever anyone comes to call~

Lazy dog days of summer: Zoey: age 2 pure cocker:

These two follow me around and just crack me up....they are lights of my life...besides my children of course! :)

Tolentreasure Goodies....

2011-07-13T15:42:00.000-04:00

Run right over to see what Cathy from Tolentreasures is giving away as part of a celebration of 500 posts....Now that's ALOT of talking & typing!! Now many of you know that Cathy has several little grandchildren that she spends time with, has a t-shirt business with her husband and paints & creates in between...She writes about her life and has the funniest posts I've ever read!! Head on over to see what she has painted for her giveaway....shhhhh (I secretly want all of it!)....but I have to be fair and let you all get a stab at it too!

I want this one too!! :)

A Bonnet Sale....

2011-07-13T11:18:00.000-04:00

Lecia @ Farmhouse Prims is having a Bonnet sale with FREE shipping...She makes such beautiful prairie bonnets...Just look at how great this one looks in her PRIM home!! Take a peek at what she has available...they're going FAST!! Click on the link or pic to go shopping!

Prairie Bonnet

2011-07-07T16:10:00.002-04:00

Here's my first ever made coffee/vanilla dyed prairie bonnet. I used a Kim's Whims pattern...I reinforced the brim section with heavy interfacing, made a minor adjustment and tacked down the outer ties instead of "seam ripping" and adding them...Couldn't bring myself to do that....I also added a second pair of ties on the inside (If I ever decide to wear it...now wouldn't that be a sight!?) Think I'm going to try a ruffled one next time....click on the pic to enlarge.

Goodies and more goodies....

2011-07-01T21:36:00.000-04:00

Here's what I ordered from Mandy over at Bittersweet Folkart Primitives....a gorgeous, and very large Black Uncle Sam donning vintage blue and gold starred fabric...He's holding a flag made with the same material and says God Bless America....I just loooove him...I even bought the pattern since Mandy's having a $5.00/epattern sale going on for Independence Day....Here he is sitting on my ($2.00 garage sale find.....an antique oak school desk.....

A close up:

His Flag:

Also here is what I won from a giveaway on Laura's blog-Rhodes Creations....this is a great bag that could be used for many things: a handbag, a grocery bag, a beach bag...heck I might be able to put a small dog in it..only kidding...my dogs are horses...29 and 34 lbs...Wow its all handmade & embroidered by Laura herself...great job and Thank you! It's just beautiful!!

Next up is a surprise goody that came in the mail today from Cyndi over at Distinctive Creations just for entering her giveaway recently (not winning might I add but only entering!)...She was so generous to award many who entered her giveaway with different darling surprises...I'd say we all were lucky!!....Just look at this sweet lil' scarecrow all handmade by Cyndi....The picture does not do him justice...he is amazingly handcrafted to perfection. The detail is unbelievable...from his handpainted & stitched face to his sweet overalls, cute burlap hat, little fingers and sissal stuffing. This guy is not going in a box...He's stayin' right here near my corn...and he's gonna scare those crows away that like to visit my pumpkin garden! Cyndi is truly one talented lady...She also makes the sweetest annies, bunnies and snowmen...Go check out her blog!
Click on the pic to see his detail...Thank you so much Cyndi! I will treasure him always!

....here's my newest obession. Rug hooking with yarn....I purchased this Oxford punch needle right from its creator-AmyOxford over at Her website even thought I know very little about hooking...I do know that I like the look of pieces made with the size 10 hook. So I need all the rug hookers help here...This is also what I bought...I know many use wool yarn but I thought I would try this soft jiffy brand...it's acrylic but I like the look and feel of it...its soft and fuzzy...seems to be a tad bit smaller in diameter than the sample yarn that comes with the hook...Does anyone kow if it will work?? I also purchased monks cloth because I want to make a rug tuffet for a small round stool....Also what is the difference between monks and weavers cloth or is it the same? (where is Marge from Hungry Hook Primitives when I need her?)....so I'm thinking black background and pennys around the stool using these colors...note the punch of color with chartreuse (one of my all time fav colors)....is this the right kind of hoop?-It's slightly smaller than the stool area. Any help would be appreciated....

and here is the table runner that I started the other day. It still needs to be quilted on top but essentially is done otherwise...I love the way it looks with my bumble bees! This is my first runner and I'm kinda proud of it. What do you think? Any ideas for the stitching? I think I'll keep it straight and simple (stitch in the ditch) because its so full of visuals for the eyes already!

Have a Wonderful 4th of July (and Happy Birthday to my Friend, Jenn of Bittersweet Prims-she's a firecracker baby!) One last thing: Please check out Jenn's new venture: The Olde Primitive Peddler Artisan site...it started today and they are having giveaways galore from so many talented artisans.

Americana Quilt Pattern Freebie...

2011-06-29T16:39:00.000-04:00

I'm on a roll with Americana quilts...Look at this sweet quilt...for the beginner or advanced...I just love the way the stripes are all different sizes...they call this "stack & whack"...which basically means that you don't have to be perfect! My kinda quilting!! Click on the pic to go over to Free Quilt Patterns for the free download....This quilt measures 68 x 72 approximately. Have fun with this!

Tuesday Display Chain: Quilt Anything...

2011-06-28T23:10:00.004-04:00

Misi from 1890 Gable House Musings display chain for this week is to show off anything using quilted material....Here's my contribution:
In the 1990's I used to watch the HGTV show with Alex Anderson: Simply Quilts...do you all remember it??
Here's the link to some of the archived episodes... http://www.hgtv.com/simply-quilts/video/index.html
I truly was addicted to that show!!! I was very interested in applique quilting and did these blocks....I also did a quilt top on point with these blocks--and I can't find it at the moment...I never did finish it...shame on me...I did have a toddler then and was preoccupied...and working full time....what else can I say? LOL.

Here's a closer look: They were stitched on my machine with a feather stitch....

Here's another quilt top that I appliqued using a handstitched button stitch but again...never finished it...wow, there's a theme here...I used that wonderunder to place the snowmen and wished that I hadn't when I started to hand sew the edges...it is the thinnest adhesive but hard to stitch through...oh well...live and learn!
Molly wanted to be in the pic! Oh yeah..I simply loooove my quilted bedspread from....shhhh ...TARGET !!

Here's an annie dolly purchased from a local crafter...she used a quilt piece for the heart...

Here's my most prized quilt that I've show here before...an antique handmade quilt from probably the 1930's?? It lays here on my daughters antique rocker in my living room, along with another annie purchased from the same local crafter!

I will definitely be making this small pieced Americana table runner...I purchased the pattern kit at my favorite quilt shop about a week ago...the owner has an eye for putting fabrics together. She had a sample in the shop of the very same one and I had to have it.....It's quick and easy and not overwhelming like making a larger quilt. The larger red piece on the right is for the backing, the two strips on the left are for the 4 patch squares, the cream americana fabric is for the "point" sections (triangles)...the dark blue is for the binding (edging).

Update: Here's the table runner quilt top all pieced...the blue is for the binding...The triangle (cream) fabric has the names as signed on the Declaration of Independence!!.What do you think so far? I'll probably leave it out all year long!

Here it is all pieced...a close up...now to put the batting and backing on and then quilt it!! Click on the pic to see the amazing fabric...now you know why I had to have it!

I very well couldn't forget to add this last pic...of my fabric stash...just a note...this DOES NOT hold all of my fabric (I know...its a sickness and yes I just bought some more tonight!)...some are in bins under my bed...and a bunch more are in the basement, and in my office/studio/craft room where this olde cupboard is...I bought it at Letchworth Arts and Craft Festival a couple of years ago and thought it was big enough to hold all the loot...haha...notice that I put the fabric in order of the ROYGBIV rainbow!!!

Here's the quilt that Becky is giving away as the prize for this weeks display chain....Also go on over to Becky's blog: Primitives n Stitchin to see all of her gorgeous quilts...She is truly talented!!

A Raggedy Little Nurse.....

2011-06-27T16:50:00.003-04:00

caring for a newborn....made by me using a Julie Marcotte pattern of My Raggedy Dolls....You must check out her website if you love Annies like I do! Mine did not come out exactly like Julie's because we had a lil' nose mishap that was remedied....Tip: never use a disappearing pen on coffee dyed muslin for facial feature placement...oooops...forgot that I couldn't do that...(you'll have coffee marks all over her face if you try to erase the disappearing inkpen)...luckily I caught it before It made a mess. I just made the nose a bit bigger and wider...

Isn't She as sweet as can be? She's about 12 inches tall...a petite lil thing...cute as a button,,,with painted and penciled eyes & face shading. She has a stitched nose mouth, eyebrows & under eye "smile "wrinkles". She has black buckle shoes, painted strips on her legs and a sweet nurse's dress, cap and pantaloons too!...Her hair was carefully handstitched on as well...shhhh....the wee babe is sleeping! The pic does not even show how extra sweet she is as in person!

A Lil Raggedy from a Lil' Raggedy Angie....

2011-06-18T21:24:00.000-04:00

Look at how adorable this sweet Annie is that came in the mail today....She was made by Angie of Lil' Raggedy Angie...We had a swap recently....
I love how she's holding the American flag, her lil' pouty mouth and star apron!....and she fits right in with my raggedy collection! Thank you so much Angie!! Great job!

The Primitive Hutch Giveaway...

2011-06-17T23:48:00.000-04:00

Look what Robin is up to...It's her Birthday....Yippee.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU....HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ROBIN.......and its her Blogiversary too......

But she is giving a gift away instead....How incredibly generous!!! Just look at this sweet Blue Moon Beginings Garden Angel....She would look so nice in any prim home...on any prim porch or sunroom...hangin' on a door or sittin' on a cupboard....love that lil' crow too...So hurry on up since the GAW ends July 1st....and don't forget to wish Robin a Happy Birthday & Happy Blogiversary too.

The Witch is In....

2011-06-14T17:07:00.001-04:00

Well she's over at Brenda's house right now but will be going to a new home.....Yes, that's right, Brenda is having yet another giveaway....This time it's an amazing Prim Witch by Brenda Sanker...This witch has so much detail....a round head in the front and a flat head back so she sits or hangs nicely....I just love both Brenda's for their amazing creativity and TALENT!! So....check out The Rusty Thimble Blog for this AMAZING GIVEAWAY.....you may even want to check out Brenda Sanger's website to see what she has available as well over at The Vintage Polkadot

Firecracker Kid is having a giveaway....

2011-06-10T15:08:00.000-04:00

Now we all know how talented Carol and her husband are in their woodshop....so here's your chance to own a prized piece from them....They are having an Independence Day giveaway with 3....yes, I said 3 prizes...so hurry on over and sign up for this awesome GAW...The prizes are still a secret right now though so we'll all have to keep wondering what they will be....Click on the pic to head on over to Firecracker Kid Primitives !!

Misi's Summer Swap Goodies...

2011-06-10T11:13:00.000-04:00

Here are my goodies from Robyn of Primlish...Thank you Robyn...I love them all!
\
A bee balm bag hanger, a prim sanded star and a sweet liberty bell:

and look at this sweet bumble bee with a small prim carrot:

Help Laura out....

2011-06-10T09:30:00.001-04:00

Let's all help Laura to get more followers on her blog. Visit her @ Laura's Little House to see what she has available.Here are some of her prim bowl fillers:

and look at these bees:

Sweet Annie Seeds....

2011-06-09T12:17:00.000-04:00

My sweet annie is finally looking "fern" like. I planted six 30 foot rows directly into my pumpkin patch garden...sweet annie on one side...pumpkins on the other....here are my seedlings in small pots...will transplant when they are at least 2 inches tall....I have sweet annie seed packets still available if you'd like to try growing your own. They're on my sidebar for $4.50 for over 500+seeds.

It's never too early for Christmas...

2011-06-09T11:57:00.000-04:00

Well look what just came in the mail today....These ADORABLE Christmas bell ornies from Season To Season....I also bought the e-pattern but really wanted these made by the designer, Sharon. She has some cute patterns on her website. Check it out: Season To Season. She has instant downloadable patterns too.
Click on the pic to see the details...They're 7-8 1/2 inches tall. All 3 for $24 (AMAZING)!!

Peppermint Sticks Giveaway...

2011-06-04T18:56:00.001-04:00

Janice from Prims by the Water is having a fabulous giveaway....she will be giving away her new George Washington peppermint sticks pattern to those who refer followers to her. She is also giving away the actual Peppermint sticks in a separate giveaway if you do not want the pattern. Hop on over and let her know that I sent you (Patti from Raspberry Lane Primitives). Click on the link or pic, sign up for her giveaway and refer another follower to her and also get the pattern (if you choose)-what a cute lil' pay if forward in reverse....huh?

Sweet corn and our Sweet Dalmation...

2011-06-02T23:02:00.001-04:00

Short and Sweet:
Here's some sweet corn that I made today: I can honestly say that I don't enjoy sewing on chenille too much...even with smaller stitches I had to restitch.....kinda hard with those lil' bumps...click on the pic for a closer look:

We also lost our sweet 14 yo Dalmation~Mandy yesterday...Our hearts are sad...We love you Mandy...

This was her last walk around the yard....poor angel was just tired and it was time to go...RIP baby pup. We buried her in our backyard. Todd says that they sell pet tomb stones at Lowe's...will have to get one and then plant some flowers. :(

Rhubarb Lemon Balm Tea Bread...

2011-05-29T21:46:00.003-04:00

Well my nursing colleague, Cathy brought this bread in for our LAST nursing meeting of the semester last week and....I instantly fell in love with it....I also have such an abundance of rhubarb that I was needing another way to use it up....besides giving it to our neighbors...fresh from the garden.....

This is the BEST bread that you'll ever taste....even if you push your nose up at rhubarb...honestly try it just once and you'll be hooked...just the right amount of tartness mixed in with all that bread sweetness!....oh yeah...all of us faculty swapped perennials too-I have a TON of lemon balm herb growing like mad over here from one small plant that I put in a couple of years ago...low and behold this recipe calls for my lemon balm...woo hoo....if you've never grown it-its wonderful...just rub the leaves and you get a lemony scent...you can us it in salsa, salads and sauces too....and I think it keeps the deer flies away too!
ready, set, go....Here it is: drumroll***$%#&^^%$#@@#$$%^&(()())*@#$$%#

Rhubarb Lemon Balm Tea Bread:

1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil (I will use canola)
1 cup buttermilk (I get the low fat)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chopped uncooked fresh rhubarb
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh lemon balm
1 tsp grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature

preheat oven to 350 degrees. grease 9x5 inch loaf pan. Line bottom and sides with wax paper (I don't think I will do this)
In large bowl combine brown sugar and oil, beat well. In a small bowl, beat together buttermilk, egg and vanilla. Add to borwn sugar mixture. Blemnd thoroughly. Combine baking soda, salt and flour. Gradually stir into brown mixture. Fold in rhubarb. Transfer batter to prepared bread pan.
In a small bowl, combine sugar, lemon balm, lemon zest and butter. Sprinkle mixture over batter. Bake for 50-60 mnutes or until a tester inserted in the cente rof the loaf comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. turn out onto racks, Remove wax paper when loaf is coll.

Cathy also brought in this book on herbal growing and cooking which has this recipe:
Kitchen Herbs by Sal Gilberti

here's the link to Amazon where used copies of this start at 10 cents...my friend bought one for 12 cents last week...~~I'm heading on over to Amazon to buy one right now~~. I bought my copy tonight for .99 (very good condition) I'm weird about books...they must be in great shape!! :)....shipping is about $3.99 not a bad deal for such a great herb book....here's the editorial exerpt:

More than a cookbook, this volume is unique in its 90-plus pages of detailed growing information about 34 herbs. Starting with soil preparation, Gilbertie, owner of the largest herb farm in the United States, gives specific instructions for planting, watering, feeding, controlling pests, harvesting, and preserving culinary herbs. There are suggestions for gardens specializing in edible flowers, as well as for Italian, fish, dessert, salad, and salt-substitute herbs. The rest of the book presents innumerable ideas for cooking with each herb, including about 125 unusual but fairly simple recipes by Frances Towner Giedt. Lavishly illustrated with photographs by Joseph Kugielsky, this book is attractive and useful. Terry M. Cole, Harrisville Central Sch. Lib., N.Y.

Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The first one to respond to this posting with interest will get a surprise in the mail from me...some lemon balm to make your own and maybe even a small rooted piece...must be a US resident (within the continental USA please).

Above pic taken from http://www.321delic.com/ (similar but not exact to this recipe)...lemon balm topping is missing...just wanted to give you all a visual.... :)

Sweet Annie seedlings.....

2011-05-29T11:06:00.003-04:00

Thank you to all who have purchased my sweet annie seeds so far....Many of you asked how to plant them and what they look like so here are my seedlings that I started in small containers this year (it's my first year growing them too)....you can either sow (broadcast) them directly in the ground or start them in containers. When you get your seeds they will look like the yellow/green balls on the sweet annie that we all know and love...gently rub them together with your fingers to release the seeds-there will be hundreds of them, really!! You can also put them in a small bag and shake them around to release the seeds. Just sprinkle the sweet annie which will look like dust (but are really the seeds because they are so small) just under the soil no more than 1/4 inch. Watch out for the wind or they will disappear...lol....

Remember that they will reseed themselves but you have to leave some to drop to the ground in late fall (usually October for me).

ps I live in the country and our black flies and deer flies are out...the deer flies were just biting me terribly today so I rubbed some of my sweet annie stalks on my arms and neck and they haven't been back....Sweet annie is also a deer repellent too!!....oh yeah and it treats fever and malaria :)

Okay back onto the planting info:

The seedlings will start out teeny tiny and with two small smooth leaves then the second set of leaves will look more jagged and fern like....Sweet annie likes full or partial sun but for those who live in the deep south you might want to try planting them in partial sun since it's so hot down there...good luck and happy planting!!

Click on each pic for a closer look: Here they are with 4 leaves:

Here they are so teeny!! All the pics were taken today! See that some have 2 leaves still and others have 4!

Another closeup:

If you would like to purchase Sweet annie seeds, click HERE. The paypal button is just to the right of the posting. The seeds come with a planting tip sheet too! Best of luck!!

Now I'm off to finish vacuuming the pool-yippee it's going to be in the 80's today-I love SUMMER! Enjoy the weekend everyone!

patti

A Prim Wall Pocket Board....

2011-05-27T23:57:00.000-04:00

My friend Kat from Primitive Echos is having her first giveaway....She is an AMAZING prim artist so head on over to her blog, become a follower and see what she is up to...She is not only talented but funny too. She loves to "pick" and tell and posts some of her funniest thoughts and happenings!! She makes me laugh!

Just look at this Prim wall board with the cute lil' pocket! I secretly want to win this piece!!!

Look what Margie is doing....

2011-05-27T23:32:00.000-04:00

Margies from Hungry Hook Primitives is having another giveaway for one of her handmade hooked rugs....This is one of Margie's own patterns...A sheep rug...It's adorable! Head on over to sign up and let her know that I sent you (Raspberry Lane Primitives)...you won't be disappointed....thanks, patti

Sweet Annie Seeds.....

2011-05-27T20:29:00.006-04:00

Can you just smell them through the computer....I am offering sweet annie seeds. Now if you've ever bought seeds online or in the stores you know that you only get a few seeds in the package and not a handful......Here, You'll get a heaping tablespoon size or so which is about 400 or more seeds to start your own Artemesia Garden aka Sweet Annie Garden !! The seeds are from the crop that I purchased from a local herb farmer here in NYS this past fall.Remember that when it grows, let some of the seeds drop to the ground so it will reseed itself for the next year and you'll enjoy this great herb for years to come! I have a bunch of my own seedling emerging from the ground from this same crop. I am soooo excited to have it in my garden this year. Email me with any questions. I have posted the paypal purchase button on the right sidebar here on my blog. Remember that you do not need a paypal account to use it, just a ccard. Shipping is FREE (only in the continental US) and the seeds are $4.50/bag. If you live in Canada message me via email FIRST so I can figure out shipping. I cannot ship internationally elsewhere~sorry.

Swap goodies from Lil Raggedy Angie.....

2011-05-27T13:20:00.001-04:00

I participated in Tricia's Friendship swap from Hillcrest Home Primitives and this is what Angie from Lil'RaggedyAngie sent to me....She certainly outdid herself...just look at all the awesome prims....The Annie shelf sitter-I love her lil crocheted poncho!!, prim eggs-I need to MAKE some of these!!, sugar cone pantry cake, stitcheries with seeds inside, awesome smelling cinnamon pudka pods, CHOCOLATE-YUM!, coconut/lime (one of my fav-how did you know?) handsoap and handcream, a sweet lil' mouse, prim star, garden tools, a tablet mousepad, annie/andy pattern, fabric (which I couldn't fit in the pic...black and a floral-awesome!!...Recipes for zucchini bread, banana madarin pie and apple oatmeal cookies...woohoo!!
I love it all! THANK YOU Angie and to Tricia for hosting this fun swap!

For the people of Joplin, MO....

2011-05-23T20:35:00.000-04:00

Please pray for the people of this horrible tragedy...May they find peace after the storm.....

An Amazing Americana Eagle Make-Do....

2011-05-22T21:19:00.000-04:00

Well Miss Brenda has done it again.....aka The Rusty Thimble is having a second May giveaway and is offering this gorgeous Americana Eagle.....Just look at the detail of this piece...just beautiful....Brenda gives so much attention to detail...If you do not own any of her prims you are certainly missing out....She is an amazing prim artist....I own several and they are some of my treasured pieces....Head on over to her etsy shop to see what she has available....

Pirates and a Pinkeep.....

2011-05-22T12:26:00.000-04:00

Well yesterday was a busy day ending with Pirates of the Carribean at the Drive-Inn.....It's never been so crowded...but then again it's the first weekend after 2 straight weeks of rain....Even though Orlando Bloom (Will) or Keira Knightly (Elizabeth) were not in it....it was good....Penelope Cruz did a nice job too!

Wendy from Ravenwood Whimzies hosted a pinkeep swap.....I did get a package in the mail yesterday from my swap partner JoAnne over at The Carter Clan Look how cute this pinkeep is....I Love it! She also sent an Americana bowl with tooties rolls (which my son wanted to rip open before I took the pic but made him wait)! JoAnne also added some quilt squares too.....Thank you so much JoAnne! I hope you love your pinkeep that I sent too.

A Great Prim Giveaway....

2011-05-20T23:36:00.000-04:00

Misi from Gable House Musings is having a wonderfully prim giveaway...it's a large handcrafted colonial lollipop style rack with aged pewter wood finish.....Go on over, sign up and let her know that I've sent you to peek at this beautiful piece (and of course to sign up yourself...hehe)......thanks so much.
patti (Raspberry Lane Primitives)

Ravenwood Whimzies Giveaway.....

2011-05-20T21:42:00.000-04:00

I don't know how Wendy of Ravenwood Whimzies does it all.....blogger, prim crafter, wedding planner....She's even going to be packing up her home to move into another home.....and the list goes on.....She is celebrating 260+ followers on her blog by having an Americana Giveaway....Look at this sweet Uncle Sam on a sheep! Just adorable....so head on over to sign up for several chances to win.....

Prim Uncle Sam...

2011-05-14T18:36:00.001-04:00

Just had to post my new prim from Jenn over at Bittersweet Prims I won her giveaway awhile back and just received it today....He's just so adorable!!....I love his eyes and all his Americana garb....Click on the pic to get a more detailed view....Thank You So Much Jenn...I love him!!

I also received a sweet Snow Mommy and her baby and will post at a later date....Can't think of winter just yet....hehe!

Birds, Bees and Flowers Display Chain...

2011-05-13T18:24:00.005-04:00

I'm participating is Misi's 1890's Gable House Musings display chain this week, hosted by Amy @ BumbleBeeCottage
here's what I'm posting....this is for next week so I'm a bit early (well that NEVER happens!)....

My Bees have been returned from Create and Decorate magazine....Did you all see them in the June issue? It was my first project publication for those who've been hiding under a rock here in blogland (hehe)...I put them in my new bowl...

Here they are next to the article:

Birdies in my front feeder: with my new gorgeous daisies

A baby crabapple tree with pink blooms:

Angelique Tulips....I also have lemon balm here and learned a lesson after I placed peppermint in this bed...it goes everywhere...I love the smell though...they say its medicinal...

we still need to put down the mulch...:)

Some tulips and lilac bushes which are not in bloom yet

I love forget me nots!

Here are some daffodils next to a lil' birdhouse on a stake made by Kat of Primitive Echos...I love it!

Thought I'd pop in my zinnias from last year so you can see them:

Faux blackeyed susans in a patriotic display...in my new lil' firkin...

Beehive bowlfillers that I made with crows and watermelons last year.

and finally...my most favorite flowers: Lilacs...Beauty of Moscow...a double flowering pink lilac that is extremely fragrant....

Happy Weekend Everyone!

A Pantrycake peg hanger and random pics

2011-05-09T20:26:00.001-04:00

Here's a pantrycake that I wrapped with hemp and added grungy cheesecloth, sprig of delicious sweet annie and a yellow paper daisy....just so prim...I just love how it came out. What do you all think? I brought a few to my booth.

Look who's coming to life...hidin' in the basil, strawberries and allysum......he'll be a critter that you don't mind having in the house.....

Me and my Beautiful Mommy....can you believe that she is almost 70....she is AGELESS !!

My Beautiful Babies:

A Monkey and A Princess....ummmm I mean Joshua and Rachel....

How do you like Rachel's Red and Orange hair...It does look cute in person....

New finds....

2011-05-07T21:24:00.002-04:00

Here are some new finds from a church sale last weekend and today......A solids oak desk (to be refinished)probably from the 50's..maybe from a city office/lawyer office? It's just what I've been looking for!!...A pewter pitcher and small goblet, candlesticks, another heart mold, old postcards, Buffalo pottery platters, old bottles, wooden wheels, grater, chandelier (in the box that I'm going to redo with a textured bronze spray paint), old wooden hammer, pewter candlestick holders....My most favorite find at this sale was this old trunk...$10...and as a bonus...the inside is not even stinky! Yay!!

This was my treasure trip today:

Found 10 pewter wine goblets for $1 each...I'll keep a few and maybe do some pinkeeps with the rest?...a firkin (not olde), wooden candlestick bases, a willow plate, shoo fly covers (2)-going to paint and grungy up...flat grater, more candle stick holders with handles...pewter salt & pepper shakers, an enamelware pot, olde cookie cutters (25 cents each), a cigar box with dove tailing, baskets, shaker box (for redo)..lil' flags, a bag of glue sticks, a Hallmark Santa Key ornie and a couple of Cherished Teddy's....gotta love those church sales!

I'm going to replace this checker backing on this shelf with beadboard soon...

Love how the sun beam is showing through...

Also bought some plants today: romaine lettuce, basil (I usually grow my own from seed; looove the basil scent and wanted it a bit early), tomato, broccoli, allysum (blooms all summer), strawberries, and two plants that look like garbera daisies...there all closed up in this pic though...

Here's a sweet PIF gift from Holli over at Where the Rooster Crows....I just love this lil' prim bunny and the bath bomb that she made! Isn't he sweet hanging out in my new bowl? Can't wait to use the bath salts too!! Thank you so much Holli-It was a nice surprise today!! :)

ps Can you just smell the Hyacinths in this pic...they are divine...my second favorite flower scent right behind Lilac...can't wait for those to bloom too!

and finally....there is a barn is coming down on my road. I asked the new owner if I could have some of the wood and he said YES!!! Yippee. I can't wait!! Have a very Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there!!

Angies Mother's Day Giveaway....

2011-05-06T11:55:00.000-04:00

Angie from LilRaggedyAngie is having a sweet Mother's Day giveaway...even though she is feeling sick....poor honey! Head on over to check out her blog...She makes the cutest dolls and is so multi-talented. She's also trying to get to 100 followers....and will add other goodies if she gets there...so what are ya waiting for?? Click on the pic or the link above to get there!!

Goodies from Maine....

2011-04-29T18:43:00.000-04:00

My goodies arrived from Kat of Primitive Echoes....look at all the great prims...I love this rough cut caddy with the terra cotta pots...going to plant some herbs in those! I had seen Kat's table top shelf and just had to have one...she is an amazing woodworker...just look at these two birdhouses that she made! I couldn't put the staked one up yesterday because of the strong winds...I'll probably keep the bigger one inside...or on the porch...now look at this ticking pillow...there's corn inside which can be frozen or heated to use for sore muscles and such...I'll be needing that when I start playing in my gardens!!...Kat I just love everything! Thank you so much!! :)

Amazing Treenware Bowl.....

2011-04-20T20:59:00.002-04:00

Well I was a lucky duck today....was passing by the GW and at the last minute thought I would stop in for a "few minutes"....glad that I did....went right over to the usual wood~n~basket section and spied this beauty instantly...a gorgeous SC treenware bowl that looks like a German or Pennsylvania Dutch piece...the carving detail is exquisite!!....a poor woman walked by me and said "oh I was just looking at that but it wasn't meant to be"...I said "I'm sorry"I did feel bad but I did not want to give it up...I still feel kinda bad about it....also found a tin candle lamp and a gorgeous glass decanter...I don't know if the decanter is old but it is just gorgeous....The top does not have a rubber or silicone stopper either...just look at all the details....it's embossed on the outside....it's so stunning in person....has anyone ever seen one of these or know about this type of container?...Please don't tell me that they're at the Mall !.. ....Will probably fill it with olde wooden spools...Also picked up two weighted candle holders for pinkeeps or makedo's.....All for under $20.....

will have to find the right spot for it after it gets a good cleaning! Click on the pic for more detail!

Here are the Decanter & Tin Candleholder:

Must find spots for those too! Click to enlarge.

Demijohn Anyone?

2011-04-19T21:03:00.000-04:00

Check out Angies Demijohn creation over at The Country Chic Cottage......made out of old t-shirt material...she has so many great ideas!

Calling all Sweet Annie Lovers....

2011-04-17T10:09:00.006-04:00

I've been having a great time using my Sweet Annie in so many prims lately....so.......I have a limited supply but I am willing to give up some of this "prim gold" and would like to offer it for SALE......I have 8 bunches....They will come neatly and wrapped in crow tissue paper so they fit in the box...the bunch on the right that is wrapped will look like the one on the left when unwrapped.....they are full, have multiple sprigs and are quite long-Approx 34 inches so I will ship them off in a 38 inch tubed priority box....Once they arrive....carefully unwrap your new delicious Sweet Annie and gently fluff it out...do this over the tissue paper as you DO NOT want any bit of the seedlings to go to waste.....This is green & yellow gold in my eyes and I use EVERY DROP! Also, do not throw away any of the stems...break them up and put in your fixins & bowls.......

I purchase this SA from a local herb farm here in WNY. Each SA Bunch has been dried upside down since last fall and stored in a dark, dry, cold space so it has been unaffected by inside winter "heat"....It's recommended to keep it out of direct sunlight too. The SALE price is $10.99 per bunch plus priority shipping (Through the end of May). I use Paypal and will send an invoice for the total price. I prefer to use paypal for payment. The priority price will depend on where you live and the weight of the package. I will ship throughout the continental US and if I can ship to Canada with these boxes, I will be glad to do so...

Here's a pic so you all can see the dimensions of the "Full" bunch and when it's "wrapped" as compared to the 38 inch tube box.

The first 8 to comment here, send me an email with their addy to: pkendall1(at)frontiernet(dot)net and order through paypal will be the ones that I ship to...I will also post on FB. Thank You for looking! Patti
click on the pick to see the SA closer.....

A Brooch from Lexi....

2011-04-16T23:28:00.000-04:00

Lexi of Lexi Loves Vintage is having a giveaway and will be offering a stunning 1920's blue Czech glass brooch. I have always been drawn to these gorgeous pieces, even as a small child....so go on over and visit Lexi.

Pantry Cakes....

2011-04-15T23:27:00.000-04:00

Here are a few of my pantry cakes...I used a larger heart mold and bunny~n~carrot cookie cutters. I added coffee dyed cheesecloth, thin hemp string and sweet annie sprigs. A rusty wire can be added to the backs for hanging on pegs......Click on the pic for more detail.....

Furbabies, Flowers and More...Updated

2011-04-14T21:05:00.003-04:00

I'm playing along in Misi's Scavenger Hunt-Part 4. Here's my update version since my daffodils are starting to bloom: (if you've already seen this post....skip over the furbaby part)...

You can't imagine how hard I've tried to get the "perfect" picture of my baby pups and front flower gardens...JUST IMPOSSIBLE....so here they are lying on the loveseat.....lounging....they both recently went to the beauty parlor...well essentially they were shaved down...if you all remember Zoey...the chocolate cocker....she was a furry teddy bear this winter...and Molly had long cockapoo wavy hair! They just love lookin' out the windows at all the new birdies and people and cars going by!

Daffodils:

Here are my all time favorite flowers of Spring.....Lilacs..... lil' lilac buds at DUSK... getting ready to bloom in the next month...I wish they bloomed all spring & summer long!

And.....A Sunset from my backyard....God's creation of loveliness!

and another beautiful Sunset a few minutes later.....

I am so Thankful for New Life in Springtime....

A Stitched Sampler Sewing Caddy.....

2011-04-13T18:45:00.000-04:00

Look at this adorable stitchery sampler sewing caddy made by Kaaren of The Painted Quilt. Kaaren is an amazing artist of all sorts...a painter, a quilter, a rug hooker...Her work is to die for! For those of you who do not already follow her...click on the pic or link to go on over and see all the fabulous tutorials and freebies that she has available. I just love this blog!!
patti

The Keeping Room Giveaway

2011-04-12T21:08:00.003-04:00

It's a secret giveaway...In honor of the success of Heather and Lori's selling blog....the winner will receive a $40 valued gift(s) of their choice!! Head on over to The Keeping Room and check out all the great prims and antiques.....you won't be disappointed!

A Primitivesnstitchin Giveaway....

2011-04-12T20:18:00.001-04:00

Becky is almost at 200 followers...and will give away two prizes if she reaches the magic number.... She has the cutest giveaway items for her blog milestone....a sweet lil' quilt... and a cute pocket dolly for scissors, other sewing needfuls or whatever! Hop on over to sign up....She make just the greatest things!
Primitivesnstitchin

New dough bowl and giveaway winner...

2011-04-10T08:48:00.002-04:00

Wanted to show my new dough bowl that I purchased a few weeks ago at the antique shop in Farmington, NY...love this bowl...look at the patina and it's soooo heavy...There are three cracks on the sides adding to its olde thyme charm....makes you wonder who used this bowl...A Mother, A Baker at a bakery?...hmmm

Here's a pic of my bowl with all the names for the giveaway....60+ entries

I am grateful to all of my followers; new and old...that comment and whom are interested in what I have to say or show...and I Thank You all for that! I remember over a year ago wondering how do people get their sites to look so nice with these backgrounds and everything...and since figuring that out with the help of people along the way....I return the favors and love to give new bloggers tips and tricks in getting started or adding to their blogs....

and really, now onto the winner.....are you dying of anticipation yet?

drum roll........

and the winner is........

Tina from "Tina's Primitive Attic"--------Yay for Tina!!!!

If you haven't visited Tina yet, click on the link above and become a follower. She is a new blogger so go on over and say HI....She has some of the most amazing prims...I love her spring dresses with an attached ornie, hanging on a stick hanger...she has so many different ones...just beautiful!

Tina, I hope you like your new Easter Prims.....

Send me your addy and I will get them out this week.

Thank you all for participating in my giveaway.

Patti :)

Scavenger Hunt #4

2011-04-08T08:24:00.008-04:00

I'm participating in Misi's 1890 Gable House Musings scavenger hunt #4. I really thought that I was outta the game since I didn't have any of the same bath and body work scents or any of the other goodies on her list. Here's what I did find though for the second half of the hunt:

1. A pair of authentic wooden shoes from Holland-not sure how they walk around in these hard things!! They're right from my basement-had to blow the dust off :)-been meaning to do something with these for at least 10 yrs. A family friend brought them back.....put them on my chippy bench with some summer flowers and my Americana flag.

2. Heart pantry cakes dusted with cinnamon...made last night with my silicone molds....baked for six hrs on 170 degrees....

3. My daughter's 19 yr old Christening gown and hat...this one made me choke up reminiscing about her sweet life! The collar has yellowed a bit and I'm sad about that!

and lastly:

#4 (Bero's contribution): Yay, I can do this..we order pizza once a week.....had a delicious pie from Pontillo's (Churchville, NY)....for those who don't live around here...this is one of the best pizza places...started in Batavia, NY..so as we're getting our slices, I say "I gotta take a picture of this"...well my son and husband look at me like I'm crazy...I say "It's for my blog"...Josh says "why do you need to take a picture of pizza for your blog"...so I say, "I'm in a contest"....and they both looked at me again like I'm nuts!! It was a riot!! Thanks for the fun, Misi !! :)

I just realized that the pizza was from the first part of #4 so I made some biscotti:

Misi: Here's my Cranberry~n~Walnut Biscotti....this is one of three loaves....it's actually still cooking on each side...but I had to make the 12pm deadline:

Here's a prettier biscotti:

If you've never made biscotti...you must try it...very easy and so delicious...no oil, no butter....which makes us all a bit chubbier...here's the site that I used: Cranberry Biscotti...I substituted walnuts for the pistachios and also added white chocolate with the cranberries. Yummo! Oh and by the way....be prepared to be in a sugar coma afterwards.....I've been really good; lost 10lbs recently but ate a couple of the smaller wedges during the baking process and just couldn't keep my eyes open....:) What was I thinking when I quadrupled the recipe?? Todd will eat them and maybe take some to work.

Madalynne's Lil' Birdie.....

2011-04-07T21:35:00.002-04:00

Here's my special gift from Madalynne over at Pineapple Primitives. She had an impromptu giveaway for the first 10 visitors who commented on her birdie posting....and I was #2....How lucky for me. He's so cute with the thread in his mouth, sitting on a wooden spool. Madalynne's attention to detail is superb....what a talented artist! Thank you so much Madalynne. I will treasure him always.
Click on the pic for a more detailed view.

Hurry...It's almost giveaway time....

2011-04-07T12:26:00.000-04:00

Thank you to all who have signed up for my Spring giveaway but if you haven't signed up...now is the time to do it...latest time to sign up is Saturday April 9th by 11pm Eastern time. Click on the pic to go to the link. A winner will be picked on Sunday....See original posting for GAW rules:

An Amazing Hooked Rug Giveaway...

2011-04-06T22:48:00.004-04:00

Margie from Hungry Hook Primitives is having an amazing giveaway. She will be sending this incredible hooked penny rug to someone's home when she reaches 100 followers. She's at 76 right now so head on over to say Hi, sign up and let her know that I've sent you over. If you recruit new followers you too will get an extra chance so what are ya waiting for....get over there right away.

Big News...

2011-04-04T21:48:00.001-04:00

I was just offered a spot in Patternmart. I'm just so excited!!...been waiting for about a year to get in. I have piles of ideas in my head and on my sketch pads; saved from the last 2 yrs or so....Trying to figure out how to add another account in paypal so I can get started. I'll let you all know when I get some patterns listed. Now I better get busy making some new patterns!!

Primitive At Heart Prims

2011-04-03T21:55:00.002-04:00

Head on over to see my new friend Patti over at her new blog: Primitive at Heart She's new to the prim world so give her a nice prim welcome and become a follower! She just made up a cute prim sunflower and crow can, made some Easter prims and has great recipes too. I can't wait to try the chinese dish using spagetti noodles!

Antique Dresser...

2011-04-02T19:44:00.002-04:00

How could I have forgotten to post a pic of my new antique dresser??....It was a thrift store find...a diamond in the rough...it's oak with this white painted all over it...not sure what I'm going to do with it yet as far as refinishing...might use chalk paint and stain over the white...?? I love this olde scalloped mirror, which swivels. Just look at the detail on the front of the dresser...dovetail drawers of course. It's quite big too. Now I've really gotta go and correct some papers......I get easily distracted with all this prim stuff!! :)

Antique and Prim finds....

2011-04-02T17:06:00.000-04:00

Here's a peek at what I've found at antique shops, co-ops and a peddlers market show....my hubby also found some great things for me too.....

He found an antique iron...in excellent condition:

He was so excited to show me more things the other day...he knows I've been wanting a yellow ware bowl...so he was proud to show me this one...and a brown pottery bowl (not sure what this one is called), some old wooden spools and bobbins-I can see some wagons and carts being made with these...Hey does anyone know how to clean yellow ware? This one is filthy as you can see...There are also two metal frying pans and a small olde crock that we can't get open (any ideas as to how to open it?) I will try warm water first but am scared because it says its a cheese crock...I'm afraid of what I will find in there!! The wooden table is also very olde... folds up too.

Here's a 19 yr old blue pottery jar dated 1992 with the artists initials BBP that I bought for $22...I love it!!

now look at all these cool prims that I picked up today at Peddlers market:

Very olde spoons (to use with Misi's embossed garden markers tutorial)-Yup I ordered my metal lettering kit from Harbor Freight on sale now for $4.99. I've been also wanting to try making some metal jewelry with it too. Click on the link to go to Misi's garden marker tutorial.

I also found an olde tamborene (without the parchment paper)-makes you wonder who played it all those years ago, a chenille bedspread, an old wooden trunk (for storing fabric of course), an old maple syrup can, blue willow saucer, three pairs of olde baby shoes, which I can see mice or bunnies popping out of or painted Americana or both, an olde canada dry box, very olde books from the late 1800's and early 1900's. There's even one with a fantastic picture of Abe Lincoln (which I can make transfers with)-yippee!!, a tin funnel and an olde wicker baby carriage-worn but has so much yesteryear charm!

Here's the carriage in the house with my dollies from Jenn over at Yankee Ridge Prims:

Hope you enjoyed looking at my new "olde" finds.

My Raggedy Primitive Bumble Bees are here !!

2011-04-02T13:53:00.002-04:00

My Primitive Raggedy Bumble Bees are featured in the newest June issue of Create and Decorate that's out now....WooHoo! I'll also be featured in August and October! A dream come true for me.....I haven't received a copy yet but thanks to Denise L this is what they look like on the page:

This is what they look like in a bowl at my house:

They can be sanded to look olde!

Scavenger Hunt #3

2011-04-01T00:13:00.005-04:00

Here's what I found for
Misi's scavenger hunt #3

A crow on a stick (a wooden stick bobbin with my handmade crow)
Funnel (new but made to look olde)
Abraham Lincoln silhouette box (I made the silhouette)
Putz sheep (mine is made of muslin but does have stick (well masonary nail legs). After researching the term "putz" I found out that the Pennsylvania Dutch German immigrants also called these putz figurines "stick leg" sheep...with fuzzy bodies of real wool.....(mine has a real wool blanket...does that count Misi?) If not I'll try to find something else.
I almost bought a maple syrup tin but noticed that it was turned into a bank...so I passed on it.
I do have an olde stool which I'm going to redo with wool; probably in a penny rug design...did not have time to get this done for the hunt :(
I searched for a wooden tobacco mold but couldn't find one anywhere :(
Hope that I passed the "hunt"
Thanks Misi....

Here's another shot with the crow on a stick inside a large wooden bobbin:

Update: I found a Syrup Can at the prim show for $1.50...Since I didn't think that my sheep counted...this makes 4...

Tobacco Basket Giveaway...

2011-03-27T19:28:00.000-04:00

A Primitive Place has a new blog and is giving away a handmade Tobacco Basket made by Pam of Basketsnprim. It's gorgeous so if you want a chance to win head on over to sign up.

Prim Paper Mache Easter Eggs...

2011-03-26T19:14:00.000-04:00

Here's what I've been working on today before I re-stocked my booth....painted paper mache eggs. These go nicely with homespun wrapped eggs. Need to prim them up a bit more.

Misi's Scavenger Hunt #1 Prim Finds....

2011-03-25T11:58:00.004-04:00

I am participating in Misi's 1890 Gable House Musings Scavenger Hunt. I am a tad late in posting her first gathering of goodes but as long as I posted before 12pm today I am still in the hunt. I was able to find some things around the house; both displayed and hidden way down in the basement....I was able to find four of the 6 items....so here they are.....

Olde Jar w/ seeds
Faceless doll
Homespun pillow case
Doll bed
Ironstone china

The olde blue Ball jar on the right has homegrown Zinnia seeds from my front flower beds last year....I also packed in some Fairy tale pumpkin seeds from my very first fairy tale pumpkin, which I purchased at a farmers market last fall...can't wait to plant these...they look just like the pumpkin carriage from the Disney movie~Cinderella...I couldn't fit my basil package in the jar nicely but those are my favorite to plant not only in the garden but also in pots for the front porch...my mail lady loves bringing the mail and smelling the basil! I did give her some to plant too.

Here's a couple of faceless dolls and a homespun pillow:

Here's the bigger prairie doll in her usual spot:

and finally a doll bed, which I purchased for $5.00 a few summers ago at a yard sale. The lady said it was a doll bed for her daughter's dollies. I had visions of putting all of my annies and dollies in there to sell at my craft booth but never ended up painting it or filling it with dolls...maybe one day I'll get to it...I want to paint it black and distress it...(heck I want to paint everything black)

Here's another doll bed~a trip down memory lane: this is about 18 yrs old~belongs to my daughter (shhh don't tell but my son played with these too). Goes to her Fisher Price Doll House. My how time flies by....

An ironstone china gravy boat...with a scene from England...I love this piece....made in England:

2011-03-25T11:56:00.001-04:00

Here are my items for Misi' 1890 Gable House Musings Scavenger Hunt #2:

Child's chair
Toy Boat
Colonial Print (with a boy and a girl)
Iron Tree
Blue Willow

Child's chair: I will show you two~

Here's a highchair made by the amish-

A church find...$5.00

A Toy Wooden Boat: in a nice wooden frame. This lives in my son's room

Colonial Print...Whatcha think about this one?

There's a boy and a girl....and another girl and a mom and a dad.....donning their colonial "saloon" clothing!
This was a ton of fun...but so long ago...look at how little Joshua, Rachel and Leah are...and wow my hair was so short...Todd looks like a mean villian......I know that we weren't supposed to smile but we did anyway...

Here's my lil' metal tree...

Here's my blue willow pitcher...at least that's what it said on the tag when I bought it..even though it does not have the chinese scene on it?? Hope you enjoyed seeing what I have collected.... Misi: Let me know if this one counts.

New Blogger in Town....

2011-03-24T19:58:00.000-04:00

Please go on over and welcome Margie from HUNGRY HOOK PRIMITIVES to our lil' olde primitive blogging community...She is a new follower of mine and I just discovered that she is an amazing rug hooker...(is that what they are called)? lol....She would like to get some followers and eventually have a giveaway for one of her amazing hooked rugs....She does AMAZING WORK!!....Click on her blog link above or on her hooked rug below to get there....

What is it Wednesday???

2011-03-23T21:52:00.001-04:00

Does anyone know what this is? I picked it up at a yard sale last summer while I was lookin' for olde, rusty ~n~junky stuff....but can't figure out what it was used for....hmmmm? It does not open up at all. Any ideas? It does look cool hanging on the wall but I haven't found just the right spot for it yet.

Cedar Creek Giveaway...

2011-03-23T19:40:00.001-04:00

Check out this sweet giveaway over at Cedar Creek Primitives. Karen just started a new selling blog and will draw the winning name on April 9th.

Prim Carrots....

2011-03-20T16:29:00.001-04:00

Using my new Bunny Love epattern...

Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway, which ends on April 9th. Click Here for a chance at winning Sleeping Bunnies, Prim carrots (like these minus the tags AND they will have needle sculpted "indents"), salt dough stars and prim homespun and painted eggs