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!

Monday Market

Good Morning Friends! Isn't this pear just adorable? This is a creation from one of our newest Street Team members, Ilene of Happy Valley Primitive !

Ilene is a stay at home mom, who loves to create primitive items for your home. She pays close attention to detail making her items one of a kind and very unique.

I hope you get a moment today to browse her shop. Along with these items she also does some of the cutest dolls, love their faces! Ilene is new to Etsy but has been selling her creations at craft shows for many years. We welcome Ilene to the Etsy community!

Happy Sunday!

It has been so long since my last blog post, and I apologize for that. I have been going through one of the dreaded "creative slumps" and have barely picked up a brush in days, not alone have any finished projects to share. I know that this is temporary, but boy do I hate these times. So I have been busy with outside work when the weather permits. It has been raining, or dreary, almost every day this week, so maybe I can attribute that to my slump....:) I know that as artists we all go through these times, where we just don't know what we want to create.......sometimes I feel like "been there done that", I want something new!!

A good thing comes from this though......with no pictures to share, or events coming up I have an opportunity to just write......and visit with my friends. I have been reading all your blogs, and marveling at all your creations.......of course at the same time hoping to become inspired myself. I have noted though in my travels from blog to blog, so many pulling away from blogland, and although I understand time restraints, it saddens me. I will miss these people that have become a part of my daily life, and I wish them well, and hope in time they return. Although I don't post daily, or sometimes even weekly, I just can't imagine not having this outlet. Not only to share my work, but to stay connected to such a wonderful group of creative people. Weather it is your home, your family traditions, your favorite recipe........you all enrich my life beyond measure. You have given me an opportunity to share in your struggles, your triumphs, your sorrow, and your joy, and in doing so, I am blessed with more compassion, more gratefulness, and the simple joys of friendship.

My wish for you today is that you have a wonderful Sunday doing what brings you joy. As I am writing this the sun is starting to peak out and it looks as if we might have a beautiful day.......so till next time, as always........God Bless.

OFG Pattern Giveaway!

The Old Farmhouse Gathering Team is having a terrific giveaway! All the patterns you see here will be given to some lucky winner. These patterns have been graciously donated by many of the talented designers on the team. Please be sure to drop in and leave a comment for your chance to win.

Good Luck!!

Playing Catch Up!

Happy Monday Morning All! It is such a pretty day here already this morning, and I am enjoying it so much. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and I can't think of a better way to start my day, then to spend some time with my blogging friends.

This past week has been incredibly busy, just life in general, and the days just keep getting past me. I have however been working on some Americana pieces this week, and wanted to share some of them with you. I hope to have them all listed in my Etsy shop within the next few days, but in the meantime if you are interested in any of them, I love emails......:)

The above photo is another set of wood pears that I did in the Americana theme. My intention is to do a set for each season, so be looking for the ones for fall to be coming in a few weeks.

Of course no season would be complete without doing some Holiday themed soaps. Here are three that I did and I think my favorite is the American flag.

I love this color combination. It is still Americana, but a little softer.

All of my decorative soaps are painted with the intention of decorative use only, but they can be used from the bottom up, and the design does remain until the end of the bar. These make great hostess gifts and great additions to gift baskets too.

This shelf sitter block is on of my favorties Americana designs from Terrye French. Oh so prim, with the washed out American flag, and the adorable sheep!

I have a few more Americana items that I will be showing you in the next week or so........I just need to do some finishing touches and they will be complete. So please be sure to stop back by when you get a free moment! Happy Monday Everyone!

Oh Happy Day!!!

What a wonderful day this has already started out to be! I received the news this morning that I was the second place winner of this adorable makedo from The Rusty Thimble Blog !!!!!!

Can you tell I am excited??? Brenda does the most awesome work, and to own a piece created by her is such an honor! I just can't wait to receive it!

Please stop over to The Rusty Thimble, and see first hand the awesome creations that Brenda has to offer. She has a May Giveway started and you just have to go see what she has for this month!

Thanks again so much Brenda!!

Today's Monday Market!

Hi All! Hope everyone had a great weekend, I know I did! I had some free time so I was able to get some painting done, and that always is a perk for me! I have nothing to show yet, as everything is still a work in progress, but hope to have things to show soon.

In the meantime I would like to introduce to you a great shop on Etsy. This wonderful cabinet is featured by Denise of Pioneerloft. Her husband is the creator of this wonderful piece, and I just love the primitive charm!

Denise has so many items to choose from in her shop. I fell in love with this wonderful pillow!

These are just samples of what you can find when you visit Denise's shop.

If you get a moment please stop in and pay her a visit.......you will find so many cute prim items!

Here is an interview to tell you a little mor about Denise and her wonderful creations......

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


Pioneer Loft is my name. It's a name I came up with for my business years ago. We have a small farm and there is a plaque on the house that says "PIONEER HOUSE", since the house was built so long ago (1860). We have a barn, and I always had a liking of lofts in barns, so I put the two words together from that. (Plus I hope to have a store in our barn & loft one day!)



2. How long have you been on Etsy?

Since August of 2009



3. What type of items do you offer?

Mostly primitives, but some cottage items, too. I sew, stencil, and tole paint and my hubby makes small furniture with a prim finish. I love to make dolls the most, but do a lot of things from old quilts like tablerunners, candle mats, pillows, check book covers, ornaments & more.



4. How long have you been crafting?

I started sewing in 7th grade (that would be 1968) and made most all my clothes for years. When I stayed home after having my daughter in 1982, I did stitching crafts, but I didn't sell anything I made until later in the 80's. I also took quilting classes in 1987, but have only made quilts for personal use.



5. Who or What inspires you?

God. (Also seeing other great handmade prims!)



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

Dolls & bears. I just love to create charater & life out of fabric.



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

We have a website at http://www.pioneerloft.com and a blog at http://www.pioneerloft.blogspot.com I sell on ebay infrequently, but my user name is thepioneerloft there.

Working Hard Wednesday....

Happy Wednesday Blogging Friends!

It is gorgeous here today....pefect spring weather! The sun is shining and that is always a good thing...:)

I have a couple of new things to share today.......first is a set of these little scoops! They are rusty tin, but I painted them a warm latte beige, and then added the cute little Americana birdhouses. I can just see these added to a wreath on a front door, or even a garland.

This was a trash to treasure find that I have had for years, and I am just now getting around to painting it. I have been lucky enough to have found several of these over the years, and I never pass one up. This I just did very primitive......no further paiting design as I just love the simplicity of the piece. Antiqued

and distressed of course!

Now this one I found at Goodwill a few months back. It was just plain wood when I got it, but I knew it had prim potential. Again I wanted it simple so I just painted it black and added the stars. I have one in my guest bath that holds a rolled up towel and a bar of fabric matched soap, and I just love the look. Of course candles would be awesome too. This one could hold a small containter candle as well.

As always all of my pieces can be found in my Etsy shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Primgal

or I love to get emails too! So please feel free to drop me a note anytime!

Wishing you all a great Wednesday, and I hope you get a moment today to enjoy this glorious spring weather.....till next time as always.......Prim Blessings!

If you Have a Little Time.........

Stop in at Signs of Patriotism!

Janae is having a great sale to celebrate her grand opening of My Favorite Things brick and morter shop

and her anniversary!

http://signsofpatriotism.com/shop/

OFG Barn Sale.........

Hey All! The gals on the Old Farmhouse Gathering Team are having a sale starting today! We have swept, cleaned, and organized everything from finished products, patterns, all at terrific reduced prices.

http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=OFG+Sale&search_type=all

We will be adding more daily so be sure to stop in and see what we have to offer!

Hope to see you there!

Some New Items.....

Good Morning Blogging Buddies! We have a perfectly gorgeous spring day here, so I headed outside to get some photos of some recent items that I have been working on. This cutting board was a trash to treasure item, and I love the way it turned out. I have painted it with a design from Deb Richey. Makes for a great collection piece for all the rooster and chicken collectors out there. I just love cutting boards, and I am hoping with the start of garage sales, and estate sales I will find a few more.

Like any other self respecting painter, I always have more ideas then time. But I wanted to get a few things started for the summer season. My husband and I eat all our meals outside in our garden once the weather allows, and there is nothing more perfect to add a little candlelight on those warm, balmy evenings. Nothing says summer more then Americana, so I painted this reproduction sugar mold to get the season off to a great start.

Here is another mini candleholder that I did. It is made of metal, and is painted with a patriotic star. It only measures 6" tall, but looks fabulous in any Americana decorated area. All it requires is a birthday cake size candle.

It is getting close to garden time here in Illinois. I have the flower beds cleaned, and just waiting for the time that I can start planting. Gardening is one of my passions, and I spend endless hours in my garden, and even take my painting projects outside and work  in the garden area, when weather permits. The morning hours are so tranquil, as the only sounds you here are the birds chirping, and the water cascading from the fountain......my idea of heaven on earth.

So I will be busy here soon, but I always have time to read everyone's blogs and comment when I can. Thanks so much to all my faithful friends and readers.......you all are such a blessing to me!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Wow!! What an Awesome Giveaway!

Wow is all I could say when I saw this wonderful Giveway hosted by Brenda, of Pine Tree Prims!

Look at all the incredible pieces that you could win! Prim Heaven for sure!

Be sure to get on over to Brenda's blog and sign up! I know I have.....and keeping my fingers crossed!

Have a great evening all.........

Wonderful Primitive Shop...Must See!!

I am so honored to have been asked to be a vendor for the Haymakers Country Store! Haymakers is locate in West Brookfield, Massuchusettes and is run by Karen Lopez. Karen has such quality items and her store is just so prim! I just love it!

Everywhere you look there is something for everyone! Dolls, quilts, candles, signs, well if it is prim it is pretty safe to say that Karen will have it.  If you won't get a chance to see this shop in person, then you can shop online at http://www.haymakerscountrystore.com/ 

Karen has been busy getting the shop ready for spring, and is in the process of updating the website, so if you get a moment pop on over and let her know you stopped in for a visit. If you have the opportunity to travel east this year for vacation, this is one place you will want to stop!

Here is the address, if you are in the area

Haymakers Country Store

177 E. Main Street

Route #9

West Brookfield, Ma

I have been kept busy getting things ready to send to Haymakers,  and with customer orders, so I haven't had a chance to paint up anything new for Etsy. I have some projects all laid out and waiting, so I should have something to share with you soon! Thanks for dropping in and taking a tour of Haymakers! Until next time as always.......many blessings to all my blogging buddies!

Monday Market on the OFG Street Team!

Happy Monday Morning All! I hope that everyone had a wonderful Easter holiday. It was very nice here, but now we are back to business this morning, and I wanted to share a very talented artist with you today. I love to take a Sunday afternoon and catch up with all the amazing talent, and this shop is no exception! So sit back and enjoy a mini interview with Sheila of the Snowman Collector,  and then take a hop on over and visit this wonderful shop!

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

The name of my shop is SnowmanCollector and if you have a look around you will see that the reason I chose that name is obviousļ I have developed a great love for all things Snowman!

2. How long have you been on Etsy?

I have been on Etsy only since April, 2009. I am fairly new but am learning more every day and loving it!

3. What type of items do you offer?

I offer mostly seasonal items ¡V stuffed snowmen, santas, ornies, etc. I also have a few wreaths and wallhangings mixed in to keep it interesting, both for those looking at my shop and for myself as a crafter.

4. How long have you been crafting?

I have been crafting for close to 20 years. I started doing quilting and things just kind of evolved. I started doing local craft shows about 10 years ago. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to branch out a little but didn¡¦t know how or where (I live in a very rural area) and then I discovered Etsy!!!

5. Who or What inspires you?

What inspires me? Everything! There are so many ideas floating in my head, I will never do them all. Plus there are so many new things I want to learn, like rug hooking.

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

I can¡¦t pick. Usually whatever I am working on at the time is my favorite item.

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

At the moment I am only on Etsy. But I am trying to overcome my fear of CyberSpace and hope to at least be on Facebook shortly.

Mother's Day Challenge at the Farmhouse!

My Etsy Team will be hosting a terrific Mother's Day Challenge starting on April 5th!

Please pop over to The Old Farmhouse Gathering Blog to find out what all the excitement is about.

Some lucky voter will be receiving a great prize! Don't miss out!

Happy Easter Everyone!!

Happy Easter Blogging Friends! I hope you all have an opportunity to spend time with your loved ones, or just enjoy the wonderful spring weather!

The Old Farmhouse Gathering Team will be having a wonderful Mother's Day Promotion coming up and I will be posting the details here, so be sure to visit again soon!

Happy Easter!!

   

Look What I Won!!

I recieved the most awesome email yesterday! I was notified that I was the winner of this adorable Easter Pocket that is handcrafted by Marilyn, of Harvest Moon Prims! I am just thrilled and can't wait to find the perfect spot to showcase it in my home!

Here is just a sampling of what can be found in Marilyn's shop on Etsy. I have had the privelige of

viewing Marilyn's work up close, and it is always exceptional.

If you have a moment today, drop in to Harvest Moon Prims and take a look at all the other

fabulous creations Marilyn has to offer. Thank you again Marilyn!

Hi All!! Well again it has been awhile since I have been able to post......I really don't know where my days go, but they sure fly by fast! I have been so busy getting a shipment ready for a prim shop that I sell to, that I haven't had much left over time to do anything for my Etsy shop. I did take time out though and painted up these light switch covers. This is a design from Marie of Marie's Country Woodcrafts!

This is Marie's first e-pattern and I just thought it was adorable. Hop on over and pay Marie a visit, she just added another prim design, and it is as cute as this one. I should have these listed in my Etsy shop over the weekend, so come on over and visit!

Happy Spring Everyone!

A Few New Things To Share........

Hey everyone! It has been crazy busy here this week! I hope you all have had a chance to get out and enjoy some of this wonderful spring weather. I have just been so itchin' to get out and clean flower beds, but it is still just a little early for that here in Ilinois. It is wonderful though to be able to grab a cup of coffee and go and enjoy the sunshine, after so many weeks of dreariness.

Don't know about you all, but sunshine puts a spring in my step, and I get really anxious to clean, organize and create. So here are a few new things that I did this week. I was blessed beyond measure this week when two dear friends sent me a wonderful box of goodies to paint on. This snall trencher was one of the items, and it made the perfect container for some pears I had been wanting to paint. Isn't it just darling.....love that trencher! I listed this in my Etsy shop, and it sold witnin minutes! Gotta love that!

Since I have received so many requests to offer these pears in my Etsy shop, I wanted to let you all know they are now available as a set or individual. Sorry the set with the trencher bowl included was a OOAK item....hoping to find more one day!

Also included in my box of goodies was this fab cutting board. I have always loved this design by Susan Burd, and this piece finally gave me the chance to paint it. My camerea just didn't want to pick up the warm tones that are on this piece, but believe me it is prim to the max........very old and worn.

Now this piece I found at my local GW......I love recipes, and I never have enough storage for them, how about you? I painted this in a deep Rookwood Red, and then added a warm beige to the front. Then I sanded yet again to bring the red through, and it it turned out great. I added a real rusty tin star to it and there you have it........perfectly prim.

Till next time........Blessins to All!

We Have A Winner!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Donna Wilkins

of Sweet Prairie Dwellings!!

I want to take a moment and thank you all for entering my giveaway, and for all the wonderful comments you left about my blog and my work. I have had such a wonderful time, meeting new friends, visiting awesome blogs and finding such wonderful people who share my love of prims and painting!

I count each and everyone of you as a true blessing, and I thank you!

Have a truly wonderful Sunday!

                                                                             
                                                         

                            
                            

Last Chance for my Giveaway!

Howdy Everyone!

I will be announcing the winner of my giveaway in just two more days, so if you haven't had a opportunity to sign up you still have time. Thank you to all that have participated so far. I have had the best time visiting new blogs, and meeting all of my new followers! So be watching on March 14th for the winner......I am so excited! Have a great Friday all........

A Trash to Treasure Redo!

This past Sunday my husband and I had a chance to do a little thrift shopping at GW. Although there wasn't a whole lot to choose from I did find this awesome sized plate. The moment I saw it I knew exactly what I wanted to paint on it. Sorry I didn't get a before picture, but believe me it was ugly and in much need of some tender loving care. So home it came and after some sanding, sealing and more sanding it was ready for paint. I have loved this design of Deb Richey's since I first saw it, and I thought it was the perfect thing for this plate!

I added a real vintage button to her dress just to dress it up some, and I just love it!

I have a few more trash to treasure projects in the works, so I hope to be able to share them soon.....hope everyone is having a terrific Thursday........till next time......

Big Blessings to All!

Happy Wednesday All!

I never thought I would say this, but today I love the sight of mud! For the first time in months, I see the grass, ground, and all that winter left behind. We had a rather nice day here yesterday, and Mr. Sun worked his magic, and all the snow is gone....:) Now as I look out my office window, the promise of spring is becoming a true reality, and I couldn't be more excited.

It has been a busy week here so far. I have been blessed beyond measure with orders to fill, so that has kept me hopping. I did however get this whale tail box painted. I used a Terrye French design of an adorable chicken, with her saltbox house, and all that says prim! I have it as a utencil holder, but I can also see it as a wonderful candle keep. Love the little drawer at the bottom too.

Just as a reminder, my giveaway is coming up soon.......I will be drawing the winner on the 14th of March! So hop on over and get signed up! I have just been amazed at the response to it so far, and I wish that I had 10 more to give away.

Happy Wednesday to you all!

Take a Look!

Hey Everyone!
Today is a rainy one here so I have been doing some "eye candy" shopping and put together this treasury of a few things in red......hope you have a moment to take a look!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=117645

Happy Sunday all!

Blessings
Jody

I Got To Paint Today!

I hope everyone is having a super Tuesday! It seems like forever since I have had a moment to get any new painting done but today I did get to finish up two new pieces!

This little gal is my "Prim Chick" There is just something about Fok Art chickens that I love to paint. I think it's their whimsical quality that speaks to me the most....:) I have a few more all  ready in my studio, so I will be showing those to you shortly.

This little gal I painted up for a customer today. The sun is shining here, which is wonderful, so the promise of spring has to be coming soon right? Since I usually paint in darker primitive colors, this was a wonderful change of pace for me, and I love how it turned out.

I actually got a photo outside today...the first in a very long time. I painted this little gal on a metal tin plate that has the ABC's embossed all around the rim. Of course I had to prim it up a little so I did some light sanding aroun the edges. If you like this design I have posted another like it in my Etsy shop......so go take a peak!

Happy Tuesday Everyone till next time.......Blessings to each and everyone!

Happy Monday Everyone!

I hope that everyone had a terrific weekend! My husband and I took off and did a little bit of thrift store shopping, had breakfast out and just enjoyed being out of the house for awhile. I did find a handful of treasures, but it was slim pickins to say the least. I will post a pic of my finds a little later on.

Today I wanted to share with you a very talented artist......Denise of the PioneerLoft! If you get a moment drop in and visit her shop. Denise carrys a variety of primitive and cottage style items for your home, and I love her pillows and quilt creations. Here is what Denise had to share about herself and her products.

Pioneer Loft is my name. It's a name I came up with for my business years ago. We have a small farm and there is a plaque on the house that says "PIONEER HOUSE", since the house was built so long ago (1860). We have a barn, and I always had a liking of lofts in barns, so I put the two words together from that. (Plus I hope to have a store in our barn & loft one day!)



2. How long have you been on Etsy?

Since August of 2009



3. What type of items do you offer?

Mostly primitives, but some cottage items, too. I sew, stencil, and tole paint and my hubby makes small furniture with a prim finish. I love to make dolls the most, but do a lot of things from old quilts like tablerunners, candle mats, pillows, check book covers, ornaments & more.



4. How long have you been crafting?

I started sewing in 7th grade (that would be 1968) and made most all my clothes for years. When I stayed home after having my daughter in 1982, I did stitching crafts, but I didn't sell anything I made until later in the 80's. I also took quilting classes in 1987, but have only made quilts for personal use.



5. Who or What inspires you?

God. (Also seeing other great handmade prims!)



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

Dolls & bears. I just love to create charater & life out of fabric.



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

We have a website at http://www.pioneerloft.com and a blog at http://www.pioneerloft.blogspot.com I sell on ebay infrequently, but my user name is thepioneerloft there.