I just had to drop in and wish everyone a very Prosperous and Happy New Year!! Like most, I have so many things that I would like to accomplish, and/or improve on in the coming year, both personally and with my business. I have heard it said that if you truly want to accomplish something, write it down, so here goes........here are just a few things that I have in mind right now, and I am sure more will follow in the weeks to come. How about you? What are your dreams, goals, ambitions?

1.Be diligent with my business plan for the year

2.Blog more.......:)

3.Lose the same 30 pounds I have been losing every New Years

4.Freshen my home with some new paint colors and decorative items

5.Organize and Declutter.........for me this coming year, less is more.

I would love to hear what your goals and dreams are...........go ahead write them down and share!! In the meantime............Wishing you every success in the coming year..........Blessings to All!!

Countdown to Christmas!

It is that hustle bustle time of year, and I was so hoping to add more things to my blog. I do want to take this opportunity though, to thank the wonderful people that have been so kind to visit my blog, and also to my wonderful customers who have made this a spectacular selling season for me. I am truly blessed by each and everyone of you.

I hope you all enjoy the new playlist that my grandson Cory created especially for the holidays!

We have allot of Alvin and the Chipmunks, and soundtracks from his favorite movie, Polar Express. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year..........see you again soon in 2009.

Blessing to All

Jody and Cory

My Secret Santa!

Aren't these just the cutest! This was my Secret Santa gift from Mandie! I am just thrilled as it fits perfectly into my home.....the perfect colors and all! Thanks so much Mandie......it will have a place of honor in my home always!

Before time gets away, I wanted to take a few moments to wish all my blogger friends a very Happy Thanksgiving! May you be richly blessed with family and friends....and treasure the memories that are made as you gather together. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Hey All!

I am getting so excited!! Our first annual "Secret Santa" swap, on the Old Farmhouse Gathering Team on Etsy will be starting in a couple days. We were to make an item for holiday decorating, and then the fun begins! I got "volunteered"....:) for the job of Swap Mama, so I am a little more anxious then the rest I think. It has been so much fun, doing the partners, and with the incredible talent on this team, there are going to be some fabulous things to show you here soon. So be sure to stop back in and see a few of the items that the girls have made! Of course mine will be front and center........gee it feels like Christmas!!!

Good Morning!!
Have you ever had a difficult person to buy for? I have had wonderful feedback on these mousepads and wanted to share this as an idea for that person who has everything.....:)

These are just a few of the designs available, I am hoping to add a couple more before the season is out. As you can see, I love to do snowmen, as then the mousepad can be used the entire winter season. Hope you enjoy seeing what I have been up to, and I wish everyone a very blessed and productive day!

Great Gift Ideas!!

Wishing Everyone a Great Halloween!!!

It has been too long since I have been able to get in here and do an update!! So sorry all! It is that crazy crafting time of year, and you could say it has been a tad hectic! Sure hope to get back soon and show off some of my new Christmas items, but until then here is wishing everyone a great HALLOWEEN!!!

I've Been Tagged!!

I have just been tagged by my friend Kim of http://valleyprimitivesgiftshoppe.blogspot.com/!! Be sure to check out all of her great stitcheries! I just love visiting her blog and I know you will too! Fantastic work, and what adorable gift ideas for the holidays!

Before I forget, the rules are:
1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here are seven random facts about Jody...:)

1) I adore flowers

2) I collect antique bobbins and spools

3) I am addicted to the Internet, and these blogs....LOL

4)I love to paint anything I can get my hands on

5)I have the cutest grandson on the planet

6)I have a very simplistic way of life

7) I love to rearrange the rooms in my home....crazy I know....LOL.

Now it is my turn to tag some of my favorite blogs.......be sure to pop in these are great gals!!

1)http://charsethman.blogspot.com/

2)http://iplayoutsidethebox.blogspot.com/

3)http://coopriders.blogspot.com/

4)http://lifeinthecraftlanewithmandie.blogspot.com/

5)http://www.kittredgemercantile.blogspot.com/

6)http://tinsandtreasures.blogspot.com/

7)http://www.blackberry-ridge.blogspot.com/

This Just Made My Day!

Isn't this the best? Brenda, of My Fathers House 4 gave me this wonderful award! Brenda does the most wonderful primitive magnets and oodles of other primitive items. Be sure to visit her blog to see some of her incredible work! Thanks so much Brenda, this just made my day so special!

Check Out This Website!

I have just recently begun to advertise with a great group of ladies called Primitive Crossroads! If you love prim, this is a great place to start your shopping for the holidays! What a wonderful variety of very talented crafters! Just love this place! So grab yourself a cup of cocoa, or warm tea, and treat yourself to a few moments of shopping! You won't be disappointed!

The Holidays Are Fast Approaching!

Everyone has their favorite way to decorate for the Holidays, and mine has got to be Christmas trees, and ornaments! I don't think there is a primitive ornament that I can ever pass up! Ornaments are my favorite way to capture memories of family and friends. So at this time a year, I just go nuts with painting any kind of ornament that I feel could make a lasting memory for someone.

These ornaments would be perfect for prim trees, snowman themed trees, or that adorable country cabin look. I like to take these ornies and make garlands, or add them to wreaths, and of course they look terrific as gift tags on packages for that special someone. Be sure and visit often as I will be adding more and more ornaments in different themes as the holidays get closer and closer. Hope you enjoy!

Woodland Snowman Ornaments

Take A Peek At These Treasures!

Grapic Courtesy of HollyberryCorner

If you get a free moment today, be sure to check out this new treasury! It is loaded with adorable creations from the Old Farmhouse Gathering Team! I hope to be able to post new treasuries everyday, so be sure to stop back by and see all the wonderful prim goodies offered by these talented ladies!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=27657

Christmas Soaps

OFG Holiday Celebration has Arrived!!

Good Morning! I am so proud and honored to announce that the Old Farmhouse Gathering Street Team, has launched it's Holiday Celebration. If you haven't had a chance to visit Etsy, you are missing out on a mulititude of very talented artists. These ladies have just outdone themselves, creating ornaments, sleds, dolls, candles, and just about anything you could want to decorate your homes for the holidays. Just type OFGHC in the search bar of Etsy to see all of these fabulous creations!

Don't Forget!!

Heavens, I don't believe it has been so long since I was able to come in here and post. I have been super busy getting things ready for the upcoming holiday season. The OFG Street Team on Etsy, is gearing up for the launch of some of the most incredible holiday items. So if you are looking for that perfect gift, decorative item, or just want to spoil yourself, be sure to mark your calenders for October 1, and come visit!

What a Wonderful Surprise!

Upon opening my mail this morning, I was just delighted to see that I had been nominated for this award! Wow I feel like a celebrity or something......! Thank you so much Judy of http://blackberry-ridge.blogspot.com/ for this award, I am humbled and honored.

Now for the fun part.....in turn I get to nominate 7 other blogs that I just love to visit and I hope you do also. These gals are all so talented, and have so much to contribute to the crafting world. Hope you take a moment and visit them, you won't be disappointed.

Tins and Treasures-http://tinsandtreasures.blogspot.com/

My Fathers House-http://myfathershouse4.blogspot.com/

Folk Art Tree-http://folkarttree.blogspot.com/

Painted Kreations-http://paintedkreations4u.blogspot.com/

My Country Cottage-http://mycountrycottage-raggedydollys.blogspot.com/

Debs Primitive Country Kitchen-http://debsprimitivecountrykitchen.blogspot.com/

Keepsake Korner-http://keepsakekorner.blogspot.com/

OFG Spookfest Has Arrived!

If you are looking for great Hallloween decorations, you can't find any better then from the artists on the Old Farmhouse Gathering Street Team! Witches, pumpkins, dolls, signs, soaps, just to name a few! I am just in awe of the incredbile talent on this team! Be sure to type in OFG Spookfest, or OFG team in your search bar to see all this wonderful talent! Here are my contributions.

What I Have Been Painting!

I have had the most fun time painting for this upcoming fall season. All the products you see in the slideshow are available for purchase in my Etsy shop, well almost all. The Hallow's Eve box, and the Witch's Boot candleholder won't be available until after the launch of the OFG Spook Fest, coming up in just a few short days. Be sure to check us out by typing in OFG Spookfest in your searchbar, to see not only my items, but the many things that have been created by the talented Old Farmhouse Gathering Street Team.

Spooky time on OFG

I Just Had To Share........

Isn't this the cutest thing? I received this graphic today from Mandie of http://www.hollyberrycorner.etsy.com/ ! I had done a custom order for her, and she sent this to me as a thank you, and I couldn't be more delighted! What an adorable addition to add to my feedback on Etsy. I just love it!

If you have any graphic needs, be sure to visit Mandie as you will not be disappointed. Here are a few links where she is located.

http://www.hollyberrycorner.com/ - Custom and Premade Vinyl Graphics
http://www.hbcorner.etsy.com/ - Affordable Etsy banners
http://www.hollyberrycorner.etsy.com/ - Handmade crafts
http://www.lifeinthecraftlanewithmandie.blogspot.com/ - Free Country Clipart

http://www.primitivecrossroads.com/
Your Connection to the best Primitive, Americana, Rustic and Country craft sites on the web.

Featured Artist-Joann Wheeler

I have for you today, another very talented artist, Joann Wheeler! Joann does exquisite china painting. You can visit her shop at JYWheeler.etsy.com. Now lets' sit back and hear what Joann has to tell us about her beautiful art. I know that I love visiting her shop often, and I am sure you will also.

Drawing and painting since childhood, I am basically a self trained artist. My first love is porcelain art (china painting). I also like to do decorative acrylic painting & paint ACEO's/Artist Trading cards in watercolors, acrylic, colored pencil and pastels most of my subjects are from photographs many of which I have taken myself. I am a member of the Society of Decorative Painters, Chespeake Bay Decorative Painters & the China Painting Artists of Maryland. My style runs the gammet but I lean towards the cottage/shabby end of the Old Farmhouse especially with my china painting (porcelain art)!Each piece of china is painted and fired to a temperature of 1800 degrees in a kiln multiple times. The paint is built up and goes from light to dark as you would in watercolors. In fact there is no white on the pallette as the whites are actually the china showing through. Most china is painted 3 times, however, I have had some pieces painted as many as ten times. You can view a progression of the painting of a piece of china on my photobucket. Here's the link:http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v298/heylucy1/China%20Painting%20Stages/It shows the inspiration piece (an antique postcard), the blank china, then the blank china with the design sketched on it and the 3 paintings and firing of the piece.Joann Wheeler

OFG Fall Celebration Has Begun On Etsy!

If you are looking for great items to fill your home with fall decor, please checkout OFG Fall Celebration! This fall promotion on Etsy will run for a month, and will be showcasing all the fall items created by the artists of the Old Farmhouse Gathering Street Team on Etsy! These gals have incredible talent, and their work is just above fantastic!

I have entered this celebrations with a gourd that I have painted with a favorite fall design by Deb Richey! You can see this item and others by typing in OFG Fall Celebration in your search bar!

I also entered a penny rug ornament hang tag. I have used actual antique buttons for the pennies of the rug.....it is so darn cute! For a hanger I chose to use some grungy cheesecloth for a really primitive flair. This ornament was painted using a Renee Mullin design of a pumpkin and crow with a banner saying "Punkin' Pie.......it could hang from a peg hook, used on a seasonal tree, or even make a cute gift tag for someone special!

Fun Places to Shop for Prims!

If you are like me, I can't get enough of different places to shop for my primitive addiction! Prim Sister Talk Radio has a wonderful site called PrimSistersShoppes. I have a shop listed with these wonderful artists and I just love what they have to offer. You can visit my shop at http://www.primgalsprimitivepalette.com/ while you are there. Right now I am in the process of redoing everything in order to get ready for the holiday season, so bare with me. Hopefully within the next couple weeks or so I will be ready to showcase some new items! In the meantime browse and enjoy!

Featured Artist of the Week-Vickie Briningstool

Hope you enjoy reading about our featured artist this week! Vickie Brinningstool aka Momma B is an incredible artist, and showcases her work in many areas of the Internet. You can find Momma B's shop on Etsy at http://mommabsfrontporch.etsy.com/ ! Hope you enjoy hearing from Vickie and viewing her wonderful art!

Hello Ya'll, I am MommaB ! Thought I would tell you a little about myself. I have been painting now for over 20 yrs and love it..I can"t stop!
I used to be known as Possum Hollow Crafts, for about 5 yrs, but needed a change and new website.
My hubby of 30 yrs does most of cutting, building, all the sanding, staining and also the laundry.,I am not fooling.But no dishes or cooking!! I have 3 grown kids, but no grandkids yet.I put a lot of time into each piece that I do, too much most of time, but I like what I do and hope you will enjoy each piece you purchase for yrs to come.

What I Have Been Working On.......

Good Morning!

Although we are still gardening, weeding, and enjoying family and friend gatherings, this is the time of year we start thinking ahead to fall creations. As I have shared before, I just love painting on soap! Cute little gifts, and so different! Here is one that I just finished and I hope to add several more before the end of the season. Hope you can come back soon to see what else I come up with. You can find this little guy on Ebay and in my Etsy shop.

Wow! What an Honor!

I am just thrilled to have received my first blog award! Thank you Julie from OaklleafHallow! You have just made my day! Please be sure to visit Julie's blog, she is an awesome painter, and has wonderful things to share.

The rules for receiving an award are: (This is all purely optional) 1) Put the logo on your blog. 2) Add a link to the person who gave you the award. 3) Nominate 5 other blogs. 4) Add links to those blogs on yours. 5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

My Nominations are

1) Hollyberry Corner

2)My Fathers House

3)Raggedy Angel

4)Praire Rose

5)Deb's Country Kitchen


You can find the links to their blogs in my favorites!

Primitive At Heart

Featured Artist-Linda Foster

As promised, I am so proud to announce our first Artist of the Week, Linda Foster, of Prairierose! Linda is not only a talented artisian, she also works tirelessly to head our Etsy Street Team Old Farmhouse Gathering! To view more of Linda's incredible work visit PrairieRose on Etsy soon. Now a little more about Linda.......sit back and enjoy!

I have loved to draw and sew since I was knee high to a grasshopper. My Grandma taught me to sew on her old Treadle machine (which I now own) when I was 8 yrs. old. I have always loved old things as long as I can remember. My "art" has always reflected this. I cherish all things that have been loved and well used through the years. I have been very fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. I have had a series of cards made by Hallmark Cards featuring my handmade bears. I have also had one on the Front cover of Early American Life. Country Living magazine has purchased a set of the bears that have shown up under and around trees almost every Christmas since 1989. I have also has some of my dolls showing up in various articles in Country Decorating. I have also worked the National Gift and Home Wholesale Markets for 12 years ( That was WORK!).Today I work mainly with "Trash to Treasure" pieces, and do a lot of furniture and trunk restoration. I have always had a brick and mortar shop until a couple of years ago. I decided to close it and try on line selling, in hopes it would give me more time to spend with my Grandchildren (10), and to paint, and create. It has been a new learning experience for me, and has been very rewarding in many ways. I joined Etsy for the same reasons and time as everyone else. I really felt like a grain of sand in a big sea of shops. I had the thought of starting a sellers group --the Old Farmhouse Gathering, in hopes of "gathering" other like artists and being able to help one another find our way. It has been a bit more work and time consuming that I thought it would be, but it has been extremely rewarding at the same time. I have met some fantastic ladies and made some wonderful friendships that wouldn't have happened if not for this group. For that I will always be forever thankful. I am so proud of what this group has accomplished, and I am just blown away by the Art that is produced by the members. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by so many lovely, caring, and talented Ladies. I Thank each and every one for making OFG what it is--the Best Prim Team on Etsy! I am truly Blessed! Linda Foster ~~ PrairieRose

I Am Thrilled to Announce............

I am very excited about a new feature that is going to debut starting July 20th here at Primgal's!

Every Sunday, I will be featuring a new primitive artist from the Old Farmhouse Gathering Street Team! There will be short bio of each artist, along with their shop name and link, along with a couple photos that will showcase their incredible talent. Each artist will be on this blog from Sunday through Saturday, with a new artist coming in the following Sunday. So please be sure to check back often to see who is represented from week to week.

I sure hope everyone has a chance to drop in and take a peek at the wonderful selection of prim, cottage, and countrystyle artistry that this team provides.

Summer is Moving too Fast!

Heaven's I can't believe it has taken me so long to get back here. It seems the older I get the faster the days are flying by....and I thought with age you would have more time to stop and smell the roses....:)
Actually, I suppose you do, because I think as you age, you also realize just what priorities deserve your time and which can casually fall by the wayside. The "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff" really does begin to come into play, at least in my life, and I hope yours. So next time life gets a little crazy, stop, and smell the roses, or just take a moment and go visit nature. There is nothing like coming back in touch with God's creations to bring everything back into perspective. Treat yourself today, take some time for you.....I just did. Here are a couple updated photos of my garden. Each day it changes and brings me such incredible joy. Be sure to stop back sometime soon, as my phlox are loaded with buds, and I hope to have more pictures to share. Have a very blessed day!