Isn't this Creative?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/wvluckygirl?ref=seller_info

We are having a Kitchen Swap on my Old Farmhouse Gathering Team on Etsy. Our instructions were to include a vintage kitchen utencil, a handmade piece, and three recipe cards.

Well I was lucky enough for Becky of wvluckygirl's Primitive Store to draw my name!

Not only did I recieve the adorable cheese grater along with the homespun towel....(she even stitched my name on it...:)  but Becky also sent me three wonderful recipes, along with three of her delicicious home made jellies!

Thanks again Becky it was such fun having you as a swap partner!

Please be sure to drop into Becky's shop on Etsy. There you will find pillows,stitcheries,candles,

grungy dolls, and hang tags. Becky also welcomes custom orders, just drop her a note and she would love to work with you!

Here is just a sampling of the many decorative tags Becky has to offer. These are her vintage line, but she has several other sets to choose from. I adore her prim ones!

What a neat little stitchery to remind us of the important things in life. Love this!

Like many of us Becky is preparing her shop for the Fall season. She will be adding more items soon so be sure to pop in and see what she has to offer!

I hope you all have a terrific Monday.........Blessings To All!

Happy Sunday All!

I was so honored to receive a notice the other day, that one of my products would be featured at Great Finds Made for Me by Oaklie !

This kind and generous lady features different shops to help out her fellow artisians, and I am so very gratetful to be chosen along with several other great artisians. If you get a moment today please visit and cast your vote. One of my team mates on the Old Farmhouse Gathering Team, Carol, of Firecrackerkid Primitives was also chosen, so be sure to check out her Etsy shop too!

Thanks again Anne for this wonderful opportunity.........:)

A Productive Weekend!

I hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday weekend! We used most of it to get some of those much needed outside chores done. We are in the process of totally repainting our front porch, so out came the power washer, and the scraper....now to just get started painting!

Of course when you are doing all this sprucing up you want some different things, so I have been working on a few redo's. I have had a couple wicker planters for a couple years now, and always told myself, to get them painted white, so I did get that done along with making a new sign to welcome our guests. My husband Walt, built me some cute planters out of shutters, and we got those painted, and planted with flowers, now to just get them hung back up after all the painting is done.

We did have a very nice Sunday afternoon. Our grandson and his girlfriend were able to come down and spend some time with us......we had a marvelous time, and although it was so hot, it was a welcome break to all the chores!

So with all the outside activity I have done little in the way of painting..........well decorative painting anyway. So stay tuned for some new pictures of our spruced up porch......hope you all have a pleasant week, and as always blessing to each and everyone!

Wow, two posts in one week, I am on a roll.....:) I wanted to share with you some of the things that I have been working on. It is that time of year to begin painting for Fall and Halloween and you can barely walk in my studio for all the projects I have laid out to do! Here is a basket that has the cutest design by Karen Wisner......perfect to hold all those Halloween treats!

I painted this tin plate for a wonderful customer of mine......this is a design from Renee Mullins

I did a set of these last year, and they were so much fun to paint, I wanted to do them again. This is a design by Sandy Holman Sackett.

I just fell in love with this whimsical design from Terrye French. I painted it on a gallon paint bucket with the words Trick or Treat on the lid.

If I don't get back to all of you, I am wishing everyone a wonderful Fourth of July weekend! See you again soon.........and as always Blessings to all my dear blogging buddies!

Good Morning Blogging Friends! It is a gorgeous day here today......a cool breeze, and the sun is shining!

I wanted to share a few of my garden photos with you.......Hope you enjoy!

This is where I start my mornings, with a great cup of coffee, and a little "me" time before the craziness of the day.

It is so peaceful here........I turn on the fountain and as I listen in the quiet to the cascading water, I thank God for each and everyone of my blessings. A wonderful way to start the day!

I have several more photos to share, and I will post those later on this week.

For now though I need to get my day started......

Wishing you all a glorious summer day, and hope you have enjoyed my garden!

Blessings to All!

Monday Market

Good Monday Morning Everyone! Today is Monday, and as always I have a new shop for you to see! Today I am featuring Connie of Ashley's Trinkets ! I hope you enjoy viewing some of the awesome creations made by this talented lady, and you take a moment to visit her shop. Here is just a sampling of what is available at Ashley's Trinkets........

Grab a cup of coffee, or your favorite beverage and sit back and enjoy this

interview with Connie!

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

My Etsy shop name is Ashley's Trinkets. The reason I selected that name is that Ashley is my daughter'¦s name, and I offered a variety of items from primitive stitcheries, ornies, key fob wristlets, and a few vintage items. Thus, the word trinkets came to mind when coming up with the name.



2. How long have you been on Etsy?

I've been on Etsy since January of 2009.



3. What type of items do you offer?

Primitive stitcheries, ornies, key fob wristlets, vintage items.



4. How long have you been crafting?

I'¦ve been crafting practically all my life, but I've been selling online since 2005.



5. Who or What inspires you?

Everything it seems. I love looking through magazines, searching online websites and blogs, and of course browsing through Etsy. I love browsing for fabric! I see a pattern in a fabric, and I think, That would make a great doll dress, or key fob! It just gets me to excited to get a new fabric and make something from it.



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

I would have to say my favorite item in my shop are my key fobs. You can take a piece of fabric and make as many key fobs as you want from that one piece, and you rarely make any two that are alike. Each key fob is different, but the same too.



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

www.ashleystrinkets.com

www.homespunandrust.com

www.ashleystrinkets-connie.blogspot.com

I Have No Excuse.......

Good grief, I just looked at the date of my last post, and I swear I don't know where the time has gone. They say the older you get the faster time flies, well I am a believer! At this time of the year, I wear too many hats, and really struggle with priorities......anyone else out here with that problem? I am an A personality, and we all know that organization is key to us folks, but these past few weeks you would never know it.

Here is excuse No#1......my second passion after decorative painting. I could literally spend hours outside at this time of the year. My mornings are filled with the birds singing, and the powerful scent of the flowers blooming, and I just tell myself......one more minute.

So I can only say that the lazy days of summer have really put me behind my "normal" schedule, and I am loving it. I have been painting though, but it has been to supply my shops, and to fill wholesale orders. So I really need to set aside a day and paint some new things for my Etsy shop and to show you here. In another couple weeks, believe it or not, I will begin painting and designing for Fall and Halloween, so if you are ready to see some new creations, please be sure to stop back by.

For now though I am headed back out into the gardens........to listen to the birds sing, and relish these glorious days of summer. I hope you can take a moment also to just be in the moment for a little while.......there is nothing more peaceful to the soul.

Monday Market....Check out this Etsy Shop!

Happy Monday Blogging Friends! I wanted to share an adorable shop with you today.......these adorable primitives can be found at Rabbit Hollow Prims on Etsy!

Sue love to make dolls, but as you can see she does prim critters too......aren't these just too cute?

I hope you enjoy this brief interview with Sue, and take a moment to visit her shop.......you won't be disappointed.......

So Here's the Questions:

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

Rabbit Hollow Prims because my mom had the name for her shop when it was open and wanted to carry on the name.



2. How long have you been on Etsy?

About 2 years

3. What type of items do you offer?

primitive dolls. vintage patterns, fabrics and turkey calls

4. How long have you been crafting?

17 years

5. Who or What inspires you?

All the other doll artists out there.

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

I couldn't pick just one but I love Halloween the most.



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

http://www.rabbithollowprims.blogspot.com

http://www.spookyspells.blogspot.com

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/rabbithollowprims_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_ipgZ

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5125705

http://www.lemonpoppyseeds.com/shoppes/psrabbithollowprims/

http://www.countrycraftshowonline.com/craftbooth489/

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!

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.