Good Morning Everyone! It is a gorgeous morning here in Illinois and I hope the rest of you are having a great weather day to day too. I wanted to ask all my wonderful followers if you could help out a new blogger? Connie, of AshleysTrinkets on Etsy has just joined us in blogland, and it would be awesome if she could have some new followers.  She also has a wondeful website so if you get a moment hop on over and pay her a visit!

http://www.homespunandrust.com/

http://www.ashleystrinkets.com/

http://ashleystrinkets-connie.blogspot.com/

I have had the pleasure of owning some of Connie's creations and they are just fabulous in quality....you will never be disappointed. Thanks all I really appreciate all your help!

God Bless

Just The Beginning.......

Good Morning All! The time has arrived for me to finally get to play in the garden! After experiencing many late Illinois freezes in the past, I have learned that patience is my friend. This weekend though is my "annual" time of the year, and I just can't wait to add tons of color to the gardens.

I have a couple peony bushes that line the back of the garden, here is one of the gorgeous blooms!

I started this honeysuckle last year, but this was the first time for it to bloom and I just love it. I am hoping that it eventually will fill the entire area behind the fountain. It smells heavenly too!

Here are just a few shots of all the green in the back garden. When we first began this area of the garden it was dense shade, so it was quite the learning experience to figure out just what would work well here. I had no idea of how different "kinds" of shade you can have. I spent hours on the Internet trying to figure it all out......:) I will be adding allot of color to this area, but for now I love its simplicity.

This deep blue is just breath taking.......

The iris this year put on a spectacular show.......very tall and stately, with the small climbing rose in the background. Now to get started on adding all the wonderful color of annuals. I have 10 baskets to make and several pots to fill so we all know what I will be doing this weekend...:) I hope everyone has a great week, and I will return soon with even more garden photos!

Monday Market

Today I want to introduce a relatively new shop that has joined Etsy. These adorable primitive creations are from Brenda of the Rusty Thimble. I am sure many of you know Brenda's work from her selling blog and newsletters, but when I find a shop that is new to Etsy I love to promote it.

All of Brenda's creations are hand sewn and I have had the privilige to own some of her precious treasures and the quality is top notch. Please take a moment and read the brief interview below about Brenda's shop on Etsy.

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?




The Rusty Thimble

I come by the name honestly, I even had store named this in Texas. I ask my husband almost everyday if you find something rusty today please bring it home to me.



2. How long have you been on Etsy?



Just a few months now.



3. What type of items do you offer?



Primtive Handmade items dolls, critters, tucks, makedos



4. How long have you been crafting?



I remember as a child making doll clothes and watching my mother sew. I Made all of my own clothing in high school.I have made my creations and sold them since the age of 18 and I am now in my 50's. So I guess I could say I have crafted almost all of my life.



5. Who or What inspires you?



I get my inspiration from so many places. I live at a lake and love to go to the water and sit. I love color and all things I can get my hands on that are VINTAGE to use in projects. Old quilts are my favorite, my grandmother and mother always quilted. My mom is 88 and she stills quilts that is enough to inspire anyone. I hope I am still doing this if I reach that age.



6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?



Right now that would be my Cone Rabbit. It is an original OOAK no two are ever alike. I often make this using old sheet music for the cones.



7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)



http://therustythimble.blogspot.com/




http://www.simplyprimitives.com/artisans/rustythimble.html


http://rustythimblesalesblog.blogspot.com/


http://shop.ebay.com/therustythimble/m.html?_dmd=1&_in_kw=1&_ipg=50&_sop=12&_rdc=1



I hope you have an opportunity to check out these links to even more primitive items that Brenda creates. I know I have really enjoyed sharing her shop with you.....Happy Monday All!

My Heavens It's Hot!

Hey There Blog Buddies!




I hope everyone is having a great Sunday! Wow is it ever hot here in Illinois today. We went from 69 to 90 in 24 hours! Now I love summer, but this was even a little too quick for me. Of course this was the weekend that we set aside to get all our yard work done, so for the past couple days we have been outside as much as possible. We have been laying mulch, transplanting flowers, and getting all the gardens ready for the summer months ahead. I still have so much to do, but I have a plan, so hopefully Memorial Weekend we will be all set. I will be snapping some photos this week to share with you too......just need to get more of my pots planted before I do......:)

So in between yard work, I have gotten a couple things painted up for the Summer Celebration starting Monday for the OFG Etsy Street Team. This door crown is a design by Deb Richey and is just loaded in detail......love this design for the summer months.

Aren't these Salt and Pepper shakers just the cutest? These came to me from a dear friend all the way from South Carolina! They are vintage holders that have tops on them that are actual wood screws. Dovetail detail can be seen through the painting also. So I decided to use a Terrye French pattern of Summer Saltboxes, with a cute sheep and flag.

What summer would be complete without some patriotic chickens.....:) I loved this design and was hoping I would get a chance to paint them up for summer.

So all of these items will be available for sale in my Etsy shop starting tomorrow May 24th for the Old Farmhouse Gathering Team's Summer Celebration. I hope you all can pop in and view our Summer creations. Just go to Etsy and type in SCOFG in the search bar to see all the particapting shops.

Till Next Time Everyone

Blessings to All!