Monday Market

Good Monday Morning Blogging Friends! I hope this day finds you all well, and safe. My computer crashed big time a week ago. So ever since getting back I have been busy trying to reload everything. The rest of the week was spent cleaning, organizing, pitching things I no longer need, and of course some major tweaking. I just can't leave things anywhere for long. It is such fun though to see what different displays you can come up with just by moving something from one spot to another. Of course we all know how that goes, move one thing, and you end up doing it all day...:)

So my apology to you for not getting my Monday Market done last week, but here it is today and hope you enjoy.

Today I am featuring Janae Manley of Signs of Patriotism.

JaNae offers a variety of signs for your home, but her specialty is doing signs for our Armed Forces. Read her interview below, and visit JaNae's shop for even more wonderful signs!

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

Signs of Patriotism, my son came up with this name when my crafts business evolved into a sign biz with a heavy emphasis on military signs.



2. How long have you been on Etsy? a year



3. What type of items do you offer? signs



4. How long have you been crafting? since 1996



5. Who or What inspires you? those who serve in the military and sacrifice for their country and the freedoms we enjoy



6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why? Home is Where the Military sends us - because it creates conversation between new and old friends and sparks great memories from different duty stations we have served.



7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog) Ebay and website and several brick and mortar stores around the country.

Be sure to stop by JaNae's Etsy shop to see even more terrific items....you won't be disappointed!

Have a great week everyone, and till next time........Blessings to All

Adorable Valentine Giveaway!

http://whimseythoughts.blogspot.com/2010/01/valentines-day-giveaway.html

Harvest Moon Primitive is giving away this adorable pocket.Click the link above to enter!

Lazy Saturday Morning......

http://top100etsyshops.gotop100.com/index2.html

Good Morning All! I just love to spend part of my weekend, searching and shopping different primitive shops. If you click the banner above, you will find some of the most talented primitive crafters on Etsy.

After the Christmas decorations are down and put away, I like to take another look at my home, and find different ways of displaying my prim gatherings.Then of course it is a matter of finding that extra little something, that will just bring it all together. So stay in your jammies, grab a big latte, or a cup of tea, and enjoy!

Happy Friday!

As much as I love the holidays, I have never really painted alot for Valentine's Day, but I love all the wonderful bowl tucks and ornies I am seeing in blogland. Maybe that is what inspired me to do a little something at least. Anyone that has followed me for very long, knows how much I love painting on soap bars. I was in a painting challenge once where I had to use crackle medium, and I just loved how it looked, so one day I thought to myself, well I wonder if that would work on soap!

So I prepped my soap as always, and began experimenting. Now, many of my soaps go through a 7 step process, seems like allot for a bar of soap, but so worth it.I still keep them very affordable, and they have been one of my best sellers. So next time you get an idea, just play, the discoveries are what make creating fun!

 If you are in need of a quick little gift for someone, be sure to stop over at my Etsy shop and take a look at the different soaps. More soap designs are in the planning stages, so I will be adding more soon! They come wrapped in cello bags with twist ties, all ready for gift giving!

I hope you all get a moment to spend some great quality time with your familes this weekend, and till next time............Blessings to All

Cute Valentine Offering!

Hi All! It seems like ages since I have posted! I know I have been busy but I am not real sure what I got accomplished. Have been getting things organized and ready for another year of painting, so my studio is ready for me to get productive.

After getting that all organized, I did sit down and get this piece done. It is a door crown that I have painted with a Deb Richey design. So primitive, and yet with the heart on the blanket it would make a great Valentine piece to display also!

I had so much fun adding the antique buttons to the penny rug tabs.....love the way it turned out! 

I will be back soon with more things to show you....I have several projects in the works, so stay tuned and until the next time.......Blessings to one and all !

                 

Introducing Monday Market

Good Morning Everyone! I hope that all of you had a wonderful and safe New Year! I have been busy organizing, cleaning, and planning some new and different things to bring to you on my blog.

On Monday's, my Etsy Team, the Old Farmhouse Gathering is doing a feature called Monday Market. We are selecting a different artist to feature every Monday to showcase some of the incredible talent of these ladies.

Today my featured artist, is Marilyn, of Harvest Moon Prims 

Here is a brief interview with Marilyn! Hope you enjoy and be sure to check out her wonderful shop on Etsy!

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

My Etsy shop is Harvest Moon Prims....Nothing is prettier or more magical in Fall...than a big ole Orange Harvest Moon....So when I was thinking on a name for etsy...that came to mind...

2. How long have you been on Etsy?

I have been on Etsy for over a year,but illness made me unable to do much with it until recently.

3. What type of items do you offer?

Hand crafted stitchery,prims,and needfuls

4. How long have you been crafting?

For as long as I can remember..but professionally for over 25 years

5. Who or What inspires you?

My Dad who was a wonderful floral designer was my biggest fan,and always was proud of what I created. Sadly he passed away four years ago,but I know he is smiling down on my saying..I am so proud of you!

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

hummmm...thats a hard one..Usually my sticheries are my fav

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

I also have a website:www.mtswhimsey.com...my blog:www.whimseythoughts.blogspot.com

and on ebay under the user name

harvest-moonprimitives

Welcome 2010!

I have always loved New Years Day! I make a big pot of chili every year, and  take the day as it comes. Very different from my normal daily routine. My husband and I spent a quiet evening at home to see the New Year in, so I just slept in a bit more then usual, and have spent most of the morning, visiting all the wonderful blogs.

Do you remember the excitement of the first day of school? Well maybe you weren't excited but I always was. Fresh new paper, sharpened pencils, and a fresh new start to a new school year. To this day a new notebook, journal, or now a blog page is still exciting to me. I can fill it with thoughts, ideas, plans, dreams, anything I wish.

I am like most of you.....I have dreams, wishes, goals, and good intentions, for 2010. Yep would love to lose some weight, excersize more, and all of the normal resolutions we all have, but my real desire for this year is to be more present in the moment of everyday living. With family, friends, a business to run, a home to care for, and the multitude of other things that enter our daily lives, I find myself scattered and missing some of the most wonderful moments with busyness.

So my wish for this year, is to connect more with my loved ones, prioritize what is really important, and just enjoy the journey of life. I would love to have you all join me, in sharing 2010 together. Looking forward to this year with all the enthusiasm of that first day of school, with that fresh new notebook, and today it started with sharing with all of you.

God's Blessings to Each and Everyone of my dear blogging friends! May this New Year, be filled with Joy, Blessings, and Love!

Happy New Year Everyone!!

I hope that everyone had a great Christmas season! I have so enjoyed reading all the wonderful blogs on what people do to celebrate, and the adorable photos too! I know I have some wonderful recipes to add to my collection from all of you also, and can't wait to try them all.

I have taken a break from painting for the past couple weeks, so I really have no photos to share, but I have so many things I want to do. I have been organizing, cleaning, and getting everything ready for the new season, and I am getting excited to get started again.

I have no hard and fast New Year resolutions, but I do want to be more focused on my business, and not let so many distractions interfere.....wish me luck.

So until next time......I wish everyone a very happy, safe and prosperous New Year, and as always......

Blessings to All

Look At This Wonderful Giveaway!

What a wonderful giveaway being offered at http://seasonsofthepast.blogspot.com/2009/12/resolution-giveaway.html
To enter just pop over to Seasons of the Past, and leave a comment as to what your New Year resolutions are! I just adore this spoon rack.....isn't it awesome!

Wishing You All A Very Merry Christmas!

The gifts are wrapped and under the tree, the baking is finished, now just to make up my dishes for dinner tomorrow and I will be ready to relax and enjoy the holiday.

I hope you all have simply the best holiday ever!

 Merry Christmas to all

and to all a great night!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

It will be a flurry of activity here in the next few days as I get everything together for the holiday. So I wanted to come by and wish each and everyone of my dear blogging friends a Very Merry Christmas!

It has been such a wonderful year, getting to know all of you! God Bless Each and Everyone!

Till Next Time

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Just Have to Share............

When I find wonderful creations in Blogland, on Etsy, or Ebay I just love to pass it on to all my prim friends, and blog buddies. I purchased this Santa from Lisa, of The Moonlit Stitch.
She has a shop on Etsy, and has a blog www.themoonlitstitch.blogspot.com This lady does some awesome primitive work.......just perfection!

Lisa had posted that he was on Ebay, but I was too late to place a bid, so I wrote her and she agreed to make me another, and I am just thrilled with him. Her workmanship is incredible! I couldn't get the colors to come out just right, but his clothing is all in prim red check, and I just fell in love with the jingle bells as buttons! He also has a prim tag attached to him that says Jingle, along with a vintage button. Of course I found the perfect home for him......standing next to my jingle bell feather tree....:)


Oh and this adorable ornament was also enclosed in my Santa package! What a perfect ornament for me......a star! When I opened the package it smelled so good, so I placed it in a crock that sits on my dining room table so I can continue to enjoy that wonderful scent.

A special thank you to Lisa for my wonderful items, I couldn't be more thrilled. If you get a moment please check out Lisa's shop and blog.......she is such a great gal to work with. Thanks again Lisa, and wishing you a Very Merry Christmas!

One More Tree!

Hey Friends! Thought I would show you one more tree that I put together today. In a previous post I said I wasn't going to put one in the dining room this year, but I have changed my mind. I did scale back though.......this is just a small alpine, instead of the six foot one I usually have, so I still have enough room, and my prim fix too!

I just love this tree topper! These were made for me by a dear friend, and they can be found in my Etsy shop. Whenever I am in need of something sewn, Donna comes to my rescue. We have shared many laughs about keeping me away from a sewing machine........I really am that bad! So she sews and I paint, and we make a great team!

I know that so many of us are going to be super busy in the next coming days, so I want to take this opportunity to say Merry Christmas to each and everyone of my blogging friends. You have no idea how much it brings to my heart, to be able to share in your everyday lives. God Bless you one and all...........Jody

Old Man Winter Has Arrived!

This is what we woke up to this morning......not looking to bad then, but now we are really getting some snow! Our area is under a winter storm warning with blizzard conditions, and it has started up already. I have whispered a silent prayer for all who have to be out in this weather today as we are already down to 16 with windchill factor, and looking at gusts of wind at 25 miles per hour as the day goes on. So it is a wonderful day to stay inside, and I hope all of you are able to do so also.




Before it got to nasty this morning I was able to grab a few pictures of some of the decorations on my front porch. My husband built this lighted birdhouse for me several years ago, and I still love it today. We have two of them on either side of the steps and the twinkling lights make a cute entrance to our home.

I didn't stay out long, as the wind was already starting to blow, but I did get a photo of my other birdhouse that sets in the corner of the porch. This one has lights wound through it also.

Here is my little snowman planter.......the planter I filled with flat cedar from the greenhouse, and then added one of my many snowmen. This hangs to the left of the entry door.

My husband built this sled for me many years ago, from old barn wood he salvaged from a barn being torn down. I have often thought of painting it, but just can't bring myself to do it. I love the natural red of the barn wood. I have wound a pair of woolen mittens to the top, with sprays of holly leaves and berries attached.

Now this is a close up photo of the little mittens I made up this morning for my wreath that hangs on my front door. Since the porch is done in a winter theme, I thought these little mittens were the perfect touch. I filled them with Cinnamon sticks, mini grapevine hearts, and added homespun material. Then I dusted them all with German Glitter Glass.

Not to bad for a quick and easy project today. Here is the wreath all finished. You can't see it clearly as I cut the top off of the picture, but the wreath hangs for a door hanger that features silver bells. It was a gift from a friend of mine, and I just love it.

And last but not least is just a cute pic of one of my snowmen that is perched on the porch chair. I bought him at a craft show many years ago, and just love his warm cap and scarf. He even has matching leggings....:)

I didn't get a really great shot of the entire porch all together......I am going to wait this storm out, and hopefully I can snap a few to share with you later on. I hope everyone can stay warm and cozy today wherever you are.......till next time.........Blessings to All

Our Family Tree

I am finally getting a moment to post some pictures of our family tree. I am so attached to this ole tree......it has been with me for many, many years. My husband and I have decided that this will be its last year, as we need something a bit smaller now that we have downsized. Our living area is not large, and as you can see this tree takes up the entire corner of the room........but I love it! So after the holidays we will be on the hunt for another "perfect" tree.....and I hope it will hold the wonder and magic that this one has for us.



This is my grandson Cory, decorating the tree in his room. He and grandma have one thing we both love....STARS! He has them on the top of his tree, on his ceiling, and of course his favorite ornaments are the ones from Star Wars! We have been adding to this tree since he was first born, and we collect ornaments for all the occasions in his life too. From the first pair of baby shoes, to the latest Star Wars ormament, he has it on this tree. He shared with me that this is his favorite part of Christmas,(short of presents......:) and you can't get any better then that.

Till next time..........hope you all have a very good week, and I will be back soon! Blessings!

Howdy All!

It has been so long since I have posted!! I have been making sure though to visit all your wonderful blogs when I can, and I am just astounded at the gorgeous homes that have been shown! They have all been breathtaking!

I wanted to share with you today that I was selected to be featured in the 12 Days of Christmas over at the Primitive Peddler! If you get a moment today, click the Primitive Peddler link on the side bar, and visit this fantastic blog! So many wonderful creations to see!

Thanks so much Kim for including me in your wonderful holiday selections! I am so honored!
Have a great day everyone!

We Have A Winner!!

Congratulations to Jill of Northern Illinois! She is the winner of the Old Farmhouse Gathering Holiday Basket Giveaway. You can visit Jill here http://www.backhomeagain-jill.blogspot.com/

Thanks to all that signed up and participated in our giveaway, we will have more of these in the future!

Got Started on Decorating!

Happy Monday Everyone! Well as many of you, I also spent some time this weekend getting started on my holiday decorating. These are just a few things that I have finished, and I hope to bring you more photos as I complete more rooms.

This photo is in my living room, above my couch. My husband built this shelf for me, and I just love it. I opted for a very simple look this year, and didn't bring out allot of my normal decorations. So far I am really liking this, but we shall see what each new year brings.

This is a dough bowl that filled with my start of Belsnickle Santas.I am hoping to gather more of these wonderful guys during the after holiday sales. I would love to have about 5 more, I think they are just wonderful, and very prim!

Just a little decorating done to my antique high chair........I love to add something just about everywhere. I have a real passion for stars if you hadn't noticed. I have them all over my home.

This is the top of my entertainment center in the living room. I am not done with this I don't think. Need to tweak this just a bit more, but it is a start.

I wanted to take some night shots......so here are just a few. This is a feather tree that I purchased on my outing a couple weeks ago. Normally I have a 6' tree in my dining room, but since we are entertaining this year, I felt I needed the extra space, so the little tree will have to do.

Another night shot in my dining room of my antique serving cart. I have another dough bowl filled to the brim with boughs, lights and a darling prim ginger boy. I have my tart burner going with Apple Pie tarts, and it smells wonderful!

This grapevine tree was the start of my love for primitives, oh gee, about 18 years ago. I fell in love with it and it looks wonderful in the kitchen at night as a terrific night light.

This crock is one of my favorites, and a very precious gift. I filled it this year with pip berries, greens, and wooden candy canes.

I love my table top bench, but I think more tweaking needs to be done here also. I am sure it will change many times before I get it the way I want it.

I took a prim candle holder and filled it with rose hips, and put snowman in the center. More bobbins complete this little chimney cabinet.

Well it is a start, but with much more to do. We will be doing our family tree this weekend. Hubby is in charge of the lights on that one, so need to wait till he has a chance to work his magic. I still need to get some things done outside too, so be sure to stop back by real soon to see more. Hope you enjoy your Monday, and till next time...........Blessings to All

Sad News

On Thanksgiving, our Old Farmhouse Gathering Team lost our founder, and leader. Linda Foster, also known as Prairie Rose, died suddenly of a heart attack. As our group mourns her loss, we are trying to regroup and continue on in her memory.

For those of you that have signed up for the Holiday Giftbasket Giveaway, please know that the drawing will take place in a few days. This was Linda's project and we are working diligently to get it done for her. We have lost a great lady, and she will be missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with her family at this very sad time. May God grant you peace.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Hey Guys! I just wanted to pop in real quick and wish you all the best during the Thanksgiving Holiday! I, as many others, have so much to be grateful for this year. After seeing my husband through a serious brain injury this summer, I am so grateful that we were given the blessing of spending another Thanksgiving together. Along with the large things, I have many little blessings everyday too. When I come to blogland, and am allowed in your homes and to share in your lives, it is a blessing each and every day.

Now on a more serious note........I was sent this video today from a very dear friend Donna, and I was so taken with it, I just had to share........this is what was written below the link that was sent.


Our daughter-in-law, Emily (MacInnes) Somers, created, directed and choreographed this in Portland last week for her Medline glove division as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. This was all her idea to help promote their new pink gloves. I don't know how she got so many employees, doctors and patients to participate, but it started to really catch on and they all had a lot of fun doing it.

When the video gets 1 million hits, Medline will be making a huge contribution to the hospital, as well as offering free mammograms for the community. Please check it out. It's an easy and great way to donate to a> wonderful cause, and who hasn't been touched by breast cancer?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw

Please take a moment, and watch this.........it is for such a wonderful cause, and it is just delightful to see. Happy Thanksgiving Blog Friends, and I will be back after the holiday so till then.........as always

Many Thanksgiving Blessings to Ya!