A LIttle Touch of Spring!

With all my excitement of spring, I just had to share this gorgeous painting with all of you. This lady is so talented, and it is a pleasure to know her. This painting was done by Barb, of http://barbsgarden.blogspot.com/ Her medium is in oil, and if you wish to see more of Barb's art just visit her blog, or the many places she sells on the web. I met Barb through a small painting group that I am on, and she is such an asset to the group. What incredible talent! You can vist Barb at these locations on the web! Enjoy!

http://barbsgarden.etsy.com/

http://barbara-haviland.fineartamerica.com/

http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/BarbaraHaviland

Hi All!

It is positively GORGEOUS here today! I have had the worst case of cabin fever that I can remember having for a long time! The sun is shining, the air is clean and crisp, and the only thing I can think of right now is my longing to go dig in the dirt. I know it is early so I am going to have to contain myself, but oh the promise of spring is all I need today! So I am going to take advantage of it and be outside as much as possible. Grab that cup of coffee, and just enjoy the sunshine.
Also, the news from here today, is that I have decided to offer a supplies category to my Etsy shop. I have so many ornaments, and surfaces that I know I will never get to. So if you are a painter, or crafter, be sure to stay tuned, and I will announce when the supplies area is ready for purchases. I am hoping to have it done and ready by the end of next week! Till the next time.......blessings to each and everyone of you!

Well I Had the Paint Out Already..........

Since I was working on my swap today, and the paint was all on the palette, I figured I didn't want it to go to waste, so I whipped up this cute spring soap to match the candleholder. I really enjoyed doing this one. I am sure it has something to do with all the spring colors. It was sunny here today, but still very chilly, but we are supposed to warm up towards the end of the week, and I am so looking forward to it. In the meantime, I painted a little spring........hope you enjoy!

What I Have Been Working On Wednesday!

We have lots going on over at the OFG Street Team. We are getting ready to launch our Easter Celebration, along with our Spring Celebration, and we have a spring swap going on right now also. Today I wanted to share with you what I did for my swap partner. Always during these swaps I agonize, and change my mind a hundred times, before I finally decide what to paint. I had started about three different projects, but I finally decided on this one.

For our swap this time, we were to create something that was either Spring or Easter related, and I thought this cute design by Renee Mullins, filled the bill on both parts. I then added some scented candles, and will of course include some great Easter goodies in my partners package. Wouldn't be a swap without chocolate..,:) I really enjoyed doing this one, and I hope my partner likes it. I will be mailing out next week.

My Swap Gift!

Hey All!!
Isn't this just the sweetest thing? This was what I received from my swap partner Dee Begg of IceHouseCrafts
We are in the process of having a Spring Swap on the OFG Street Team, and I received this adorable door pocket in the mail just the other day. Dee did a gorgeous job of painting it, and then she stuffed it plumb full of pipberries! I couldn't wait to hang it on my front door to tell my friends and family, that yes, SPRING IS COMING.......:)
Along with my gift, she also send the most yummy cadberry eggs, and some wonderful peanut butter Reese's.....which by the way are long gone. If you have a moment pop over to Dee's and see what other great things she has to offer!
Thanks again so much Dee, I am just thrilled!

Spring Has Sprung on OFG!

If you get a moment today, be sure to stop over at Etsy and check out all the wonderful spring creations our team has put together! We officially launched our Spring Celebration, for our team Old Farmhouse Gathering! The gals have all done a fantastic job and the incredible talent on this team is just amazing. So if you are ready for a breath of spring, be sure to hop on over, you will be glad you did!

I have been so surprised, and honored by the several awards that I have received......thank you for each and everyone one of them, they have all deeply touched my heart.

With that said, I am finding it so difficult to select blogs to send the award on to, as I feel there are so many that are deserving, and I can't pick just a few. So I have decided to be Award Free,

and I hope everyone understands.

Here They Are!

As promised, I did get my new soaps done today! I love to paint on just about any surface imaginable, but I really have a love for painting on soap. I take pride in all the steps that my soaps go through before I feel they are presentable for the buying public.

Through experimentation one day I decided to see if crackle medium would work on a soap surface. Sometimes crackle doesn't do well on all types of surfaces, so I was pleasantly surprised when these turned out as well as they did. Well with a crackle finish, and my love for primitives the sky was the limit. All of my soaps are sanded, then cleaned. The next step is sealing the bar for it to take paint well. Then I apply my first base coat, when dry, the crackle step is next. What is really important in working with soap is allowing for drying time between each step......this is really important for you to be able to turn out a nicely painted soap. If you don't allow for the drying time you find that your paint will creep, or pull off.

So now we go to the topcoat.......after the crackling process is finished, I am finally ready to paint my design of choice. Paint the design, and again let it dry completely. Many times I use a heater or blow dryer to speed up the process. Now it is time to seal the bar, so that the painting will remain if used. I seal my soaps AT LEAST three times........so as you can see my soaps go through quite the process to be ready for sale.

I hope you enjoy the new designs that I have done today........and maybe you will take the leap and try your hand at painting soap! They are really fun, and make excellent small gifts for friends and family.

New Primitive Soaps

What Have I Been Working On!

My Etsy Street Team is gearing up for our Spring/Easter Celebration that will be launching around March 1st, so I have been busy preparing spring pieces to enter. I will be posting more about our Celebration in a few days. I have to have four items......2 for Spring, and 2 for Easter, so the brushes are flying.

It seems the more deadlines I have to meet the more creative I become. You all know I love to paint on soap, so in the midst of bunnies, and Easter eggs, I just had to create some new primitive soaps. I have to give them the finishing touches and then I hope to be able to post them for you to see tomorrow. Add in a Spring Swap and I have projects all over the studio. My mind just goes in so many directions at once, so it is a little here, a little there, and then on to something else. Somehow, someway, I manage to get things done.....:)

So I hope you get a chance to stop back by in the next week or so........and in the meantime I am wishing you a very blessed week.

Look What I Won!!!

I was just delighted when I was contacted that I had won this adorable angel! She arrived in the mail today, and is the perfect addition to my angel collection. A huge thank you goes to Cordwood Cabin Primitives for offering this sweet angel in a give-a-way on their blog! Be sure to check out their blog for even more neat and primitive items! Thanks so much girls I love it!!!

Look

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Graphics used compliment of Mandie!!

Here is wishing each and everyone a truly special day with your loved ones! I will be spending the day with my husband, and grandson, as we go to celebrate Cory's All A's report card.....I am so proud of him. I hope that all of you get some time today to send love to your family and friends, and the day is special for all of you!

Look at These Valentine Treasures!

If you are still looking for some cute Valentine decorations or gifts, be sure to follow this link to a treasury of them. These are all very talented artists, and you won't be disappointed.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=42478

What Have I Been Working On!

I just love the way this mousepad turned out........as you can see I couldn't pull away from my primitive colors just yet........just had to do this one!

This soap would be adorable in a cottage style home wouldn't it? Actually my own master bathroom is done in cottage style, and I love it!

This mousepad I did for fun........everytime I see this bunny she makes me smile, and those flowers? Wow can't wait to see my own coming up soon!

What would Easter be, without a bunny soap or two? Course he is a prim rabbit, a design from Terrye French!

I made a resolution this year to be more active on my blog, so I have decided to do a "What Have I Been Working On" series that I hope to post each week. Although we are still knee deep in snow here in Illinois, I could have sworn I smelled a breath of spring in the air the other day......probably wishful thinking......:) So with spring in mind, I took the plunge, and put away my primitive colors, and pulled out the lighter shades of spring. These items are a bit different for me, as I don't usually do this palette, but it was fun and a refreshing change. Hope you enjoy! Be sure to stop back by next week, as I have been doing some new primitive items along the way also.

Hey Everyone! I Am Back!

I am so glad to be back in cyberspace! I have had some major computer issues, and just last night, after over two weeks of frustration, I am finally able to communicate for longer the two seconds.......LOL. If all of you love your computer friends, and family as much as I do, you know the feelings of isolation, it was awful!! So with time on my hands I did do up a couple of spring items. Now maybe I can get really busy with doing more with all this other stuff behind me. I have missed you all.....Blessings

Good Morning!

I woke up to a good ole fashioned winter storm today.......lots of snow, lots of wind, and below freezing temps coming later on.........could be as low as 31 below before it is over......brrrrrrrrrr. Now in my mind, this makes for the PERFECT crafting day.........so I have fresh pot of coffee, and I am headed to the studio in just a few minutes, but before doing that I wanted to show you what I have been working on.

In a previous post, I had been sharing about "free" decorating, by taking that shelf, mantle, or corner cabinet and playing with what you already have to give you a fresh feel for little to nothing. Well I started doing that with mine, and I decided I wanted something that I could use for the different seasons, holidays, or whatever theme I happened to be doing at that time. That is when I came across the idea for the shelf sitters that I have pictured above. Nothing expensive, but something new I could add as the seasons changed.

Above is the sitter block that I have done for Valentine's Day. I am in the process of making more, so be sure to come back and visit as I hope to get a slideshow of all of them added to my blog soon. All of my sitter blocks are avaiable for purchase in my Etsy store PrimgalsPrimitivePalette. Hope you enjoy and wishing everyone a blessed day today and always!

New Discovery!

I was just doing a bit of primitive searching this morning, and came across this wonderful website! If you love prims you have to check it out!http://todaysprimitivehome.com/index.php Oh my, so many wonderful prims to look at. To my surprise this wonderful lady, had selected one of my prim mousepads to be featured on her blog! Just look under This and That! What an honor!

This is the time of year when I go searching for new and different things for my home. As I have mentioned before I am a little bit of a mix.......more Primitive Colonial, then Extreme prim, and yet I also have a country cottage thing going on along with it. One of my very favorite things to do is to change gatherings, move furniture, change my groupings on shelves, and just use what I have on hand to give my home a new or fresh look. It is amazing what a few simple changes can do.

So if you are feeling a few of the Winter blues, or Holiday letdown, go on.........clean off that fireplace mantle, change that shelf in the living room.......a fresh prospective for the New Year, and it didn't cost a penny!

It's Great to Be Back!

Wow it is great to be back! As much as I love the holiday season, there is nothing like getting back to the "normal" of everyday. The trees are put away for another year, the craft studio has been cleaned and organized, and now it is time to begin some new things for my shop on Etsy.

I know we all make those New Year resolutions, and I was no exception, and so far I am doing well...:). One of the things I promised myself was to complete all started projects. I am sure if you are a crafter of any medium, you have many of those still around. So my goal is to complete at least one a month, and I started with this key case that I had basecoated, and never got any further with. If you have any UFO's join me in my challenge.....complete at least one project a month...and feel free to send me your photo and and I will post it here on my blog along with my projects.

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.