PIONEER LOFT

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

2011-09-10T17:44:00.000-04:00

By popular request, I am beginning to offer vintage jewelry. Now be patient with me gals, I'm no expert on this stuff and I am a reluctant buyer at this point. More to come as I gain confidence! My pictures do NOT do these items justice. Maybe I'll try to re-photo again when I have more time.

Rhinestone dangling pierced earrings.

Rhinestone Necklace


Rhinestone Necklace


Rhinestone Necklace


Rhinestone Bracelet


Blue Stone Necklace


Crystal Clip-On Earrings


Crystal Necklace

GETTING READY FOR FALL

2011-08-26T14:55:00.001-04:00

Just got in some great smelling beeswax items for the fall! Made in Minnesota. If you are interested in purchasing, please contact me. Yes, we ship!

Tall Corn Candles $8.50 each, Short Corn Candles $4.75 each, plus shipping.

Crown with Tea Light $12.50 & shipping each.

Small Pumpkin with tea light $7.50 each & shipping.

Tall Pumpkin with tea light $13.50 plus shipping each.

TA DA!

2011-06-25T19:29:00.001-04:00

Before pressure washing.

After pressure washing, while scraping & repairing.

After scraping, just starting primer coat.

TA DA! The Victorian Lady shines!
All done 6/24/2011

MY VICTORIAN LADY

2011-06-19T22:40:00.000-04:00

The painting has begun ... here's the progress so far ... she's looking like that Victorian Lady someone created her to be again!

NEW ADDITIONS FOR SALE

2011-06-14T13:08:00.001-04:00

Here's just some more terrific items we have for sale at the Loft! We ship smalls. Large pieces of furniture are available for pick up only.

As you can see, we offer a wide range of styles in our shop. We especially like primitive & cottage decorating, and it shows! :) I am away from the store today (paint is being scraped off the front so we are closed) and I cannot remember the prices at this moment. I will be happy to let you know after I return to the store on Thursday.

Nice old buffet painted black. Pretty depression era glassware on top.

The pottery crock on the left is actually a butter churn, missing the lid & churn, but it's still a great 3 gallon crock! Tim painted the small wooden butter churn to look primtastic, even though it's not very old. The green wooden basket is actually dovetailed and has a tree branch for a handle.

I particularly love this old, beat up doll baby carriage. Just needs an antique doll or two to make it perfect!

This is pretty Depression era glassware.

Lovely hobnail milk glass sugar bowl.

This "epergne" makes a perfect centerpiece! Fill the lower part with fruit & place flowers in the top. It comes apart into three pieces.

This is a wonderful cane bottom rocker! Superb condition!

SPRING BEAUTY

2011-05-30T18:54:00.001-04:00

This gorgeous rhododendron is on my way to work every day. I've been admiring it for days and finally remembered to take my camera. Enjoy!

May 21 - Great New Prims!!!

2011-05-22T23:16:00.001-04:00

We did it again! Brought in some terrific new pieces for the prim at heart!

Just a new group display.

Love this baker's cupboard we just got in! Other new finds in the shop are the wood bowl & butter paddle, two butter molds, coffee grinder and the old beaters (red knob on handle) from around 1904!

Here's the view of the back corner, the antique telephone and big scale on the wash bench, and the framed prints are new to the shop (but not new, of course).

What a TERRIFIC OLD dry sink! Hmmmm ... where could I squeeze this in my kitchen???

This is a different kind of old washstand, but I love it! The ironstone platters in this photo are also new to the shop and are from the 1800s.

Tim made this potting bench from some old doors!

WE KEEP ADDING!

2011-05-09T19:04:00.001-04:00

"Antiques in the Alley" was a very well attended event & sales were great this past Saturday, leaving us to do a lot of moving around, etc. and needing to be out shopping for more goodies soon! Here's some views in the store as of today. As always, contact us if you are interested in something, it's all for sale!

What a terrific old Red Wing Pottery jug!

Nice primitive grouping.

Love the old wood rectangular bowl!

Tim's apothecary, my dishtowel, occupied Japan box, old rusty tin oval box - all looks great!

Nice baskets from Baskets by Rose!

Super dovetailed lidded box with some other great prims!

Fun vintage kitchen section!

Vintage yellow ware bowls always look great!

We've got some blues!

I love this cottage/shabby grouping!

Nice wicker vanity & chair, with some other pretties!

Big set of Fransiscan Desert Rose dinnerware from the 1940s. Selling as a set.

The old vintage reds are so cheerful!

WHAT'S NEW!!!!!!

2011-05-05T01:47:00.001-04:00

We are adding new inventory weekly and are excited to show you some photos of what's been arriving. Interested in anything? Let me know. Everything is for sale! Enjoy your stroll through my shop here on the web!


What a fun red desk & chair for a child!

What a great old tool carrier & yarn winder! That's an old paint bucket on the left.


Chick waterer on left on top of a table hubby made from old barn siding.

Here's some depression glass on the table and more will be added by Friday!

Beautiful three piece bedroom set!

Some good primitives on top of a dry sink made by my hubby!

The black cupboard holding the candles is a mix of an old piece that my hubby has fixed up and added the legs to make a FANTASTIC primitive cupboard!

Nice primitive grouping!

Two gorgeous wall candelabras (?) or sconces (?) for the shabby chic home! These are BIG!

STARS ON TAN TOWELS!

2011-04-27T14:24:00.001-04:00

Now available in tan with black embroidery! Buy at the Loft in Millersburg or click on the link to our website below.

www.pioneerloft.com

STAR EMBROIDERED DISH TOWELS

2011-04-19T11:06:00.000-04:00

Here's my latest creation I designed then sewed onto towels I purchased. They are for sale in my store and on my website http://www.pioneerloft.com and in my Etsy store http://www.pioneerloft.etsy.com

I am embroidering some on a khaki tan kind of color towel with black stars today and will add them to my selling places soon!

You WILL NOT find these towels with this design in any other store as this is my own personal creation and only available through Pioneer Loft!

Black

Brown

Mustard

Red

What's New at the Loft

2011-04-18T09:40:00.000-04:00

Some new photos from the store. Enjoy!

New Photos from the Loft

2011-03-21T12:13:00.005-04:00

Falling behind on keeping you updated on what's new. So, here's some photos I took yesterday. Remember, we do ship our smalls & Tim's furniture all over the USA, but we do not ship the big furniture.

Decorated out front to attract attention

The other side out front

This punch bowl from Bennington Pottery is one of my favorites!

Love that apothecary, Tim!

We have the key for this 1800s dresser!

What a gorgeous quarter sawn oak chiffarobe. We have the key for this, too!!!

I love depression glass, starting to get some for the store.

Nice cupboard displaying floral handpainted Westmoreland milk glass plates.

Here's some pretties from my cottage section.

PRETTY FINDS

2011-03-14T16:19:00.000-04:00

I had the opportunity to purchase a nice selection of etched stemware. It looks so pretty in my antique mahogany shelf with mirror on the back. These are all for sale at $2.50 per stem.

AT THE LOFT - SHOP ON LINE www.pioneerloft.com

2011-03-11T10:27:00.003-05:00

I took these photos the last time I was in the shop (flooding is keeping me away today) and am slowly adding items to our website where they are for sale. If you see anything in the photos that are not up for sale yet on the website in which you are interested, please contact me and I'll let you know the price. There are more items on the website than I am showing here.

http://www.pioneerloft.com

Remember you can order any of Tim's items in other colors, but the ones shown are ready to ship.

This three drawer cubby from my hubby is perfect for your bath! I have one in mine. I put my little hair clips in the drawers and then decorate the rest. The shelf is $42.50, including shipping!

Tim's plate rack is quite popular! It sells for $85, including shipping. This one sold on 3/12/11, still available by order.

Also in the above photos, the green pottery is Fioriware made in Ohio. It is a high quality, heavy stoneware. Oven, microwave & dishwasher safe. VERY DURABLE. The company collected old pottery molds and started making new pottery with them. Sadly, I think their business didn't last. I bought their items about 7 years ago and held on to them personally, but now decided to put them up for sale since I never used them though I love them! I have place settings for four (dinner plate, lunch plate, salad bowl and mugs as well as mixing bowls and a couple pitchers. Bonus is I'm selling them at 40% off their original retail prices which is the price marked on them! I also have some mixing bowls in mustard, deep indigo blue and creamy white available from them.

PLEASE NOTE you can save money on Tim's furniture by shopping in our store since there's no shipping costs involved!

One more photo. Here's something from the "vintage" section of my shop that I love. It's a handpainted juice set and would be terrific this summer on your porch for breakfast!

The shelf from Tim has three pegs on the bottom and functional drawers! Don't you just love it?

LOCAL PAPER STORY

2011-03-07T15:29:00.000-05:00

What an honor to receive a feature story in The Daily Record from Wooster, Ohio. Here's the link to the story.

http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/article/4993601

MORE STORE!

2011-02-24T11:01:00.000-05:00

I took a few more pictures of the store. Enjoy!

Did someone say Fiesta Ware?

IT'S COMING TOGETHER

2011-02-16T23:21:00.000-05:00

I have some areas in pretty good shape.....take a peek!

MARKET DAYS

2011-02-09T13:31:00.000-05:00

We made it through another year at wholesale market! Sales were good. Here's a photo of our booth. Plain, but does the job!

Now back to work on the store building!!!!! We are busy beavers. :)

SNOW-Down Progress

2011-02-03T18:43:00.000-05:00

Due to lots of bad weather, I've not been able to work at the new shop much lately. I was there for a while today, but spent the time getting the computer set up and working out the bugs (CD drawer stuck, install new printer).

I tried to take photos of the window displays from outside, but they didn't turn out at all. So, I took some inside angle photos, which aren't very good either. :(

Here's a couple photos of the floor in the back room. I rag roll painted brown over what was supposed to be clay but looks more pinky than I'd like. I hope I can learn to live with it because I really do not want to paint it again.

Last, but not least, just a general photo of the MESS! The checkout area is at least in place (on left) ......... I feel a bit overwhelmed.

Hubby has to get some more furniture finished before I can really make much progress with setting up. Hopefully that will happen any day! :)

MOVING IN

2011-01-26T21:10:00.000-05:00

We have started to move in the store. It's a mess right now, and there's more coming in, but just wanted to post an update. I still haven't finished faux painting the floor in the back. My hip is hurting and think I'd better let that heal up before I start that leaning over again.

I decorated the windows today. I'll try to remember to take some photos of those next time.

It's Gettin' Good!

2011-01-20T17:01:00.006-05:00

!!!!!MORE PHOTOS!!!!!
As you can see, we still have to finish the floors in the back section. The color we have partially painted on the concrete was mixed with the wrong base which made it lighter and have a pink/peach tone instead of clay. After a lot of thought, we have decided to faux paint the floor with other colors on top to see if we can make the color work. Next installment will show the decision & results.

BEFORE & AFTER:

The greasy roll around will be removed shortly. I wonder what they used it for. I'd love to get it cleaned up & fill it with flowers in the summer and put it out front, but it's so big and not sure that would be a good idea. Notice the bucket hanging from the dark tin ceiling on the before picture. It was catching water from the leaky roof. :( I prefer the ceiling painted white. :)

The photo above is taken from back looking front, the photo right below is the same area, front looking back.

The three photos above were before and in the midst, now here's after:

Remember this yucky wall?

In this after photo below, that wall section was actually at the left, where you can see the wall texture changes. We covered that mess with beaded board paneling and painted (the rest of that section that goes behind the hanging heater is painted over bricks). I don't have a full view shot to show the after, maybe next time, but the area now looks just like the photo below shows on that left side. Gee, I hope I'm making sense! :)

Here's another view of the back from the 2nd doorway.

One last photo. Remember this one?

Well, I forgot to do another exact shot of this part, but you can see it in the last "after" photo above, it is the back wall to the right of the post with the fire extinguisher,

The Light is Brighter!

2011-01-16T13:43:00.001-05:00

That light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter & brighter! We're almost there! Here's more of what we've been up to.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

We still have to finish installing the drop ceiling, but the oven is now concealed and the ugly metal shed next to it is gone. (I have no idea what those whitish spots in the photo is from, but they happen to me from time to time. Anyone know?)

BEFORE:

ON THE WAY:

They often say things get worse before they get better, and so true in this case. This was the wall when the self-contained old wooden refrigerator room was removed. YUCK! Really made me depressed, but knew it would improve.

AFTER:

Need a better photo of this section still, but this gives you the idea. The wood over an old window was covered by that little room. This wall was apparently an original back wall to the building and that was a window that was boarded up at some later time. I am standing in the section that was an addition.

OK, one last photo of work in progress! Here's another wall in the back room where hubby was busy working on Friday.

Good Intentions but . . . . .

2011-01-08T11:05:00.001-05:00

Our intentions were to have this place pretty much done by today, but things happened in life that got in the way! So, it will be next week. Here's some update photos of progress, albeit slower than hoped.

You can see here we are in process of enclosing the oven. Sadly, we will have to resort to a drop ceiling in this section to hide the ugly plaster. Roof leakage over the years has had its tole on the ceiling.

Here's two photos of the back where tin ceiling was still attached. This is tin that we painted glossy white. It was tin color when we purchased the building, we think the white looks so much nicer and brightens up the space!

As you can see, we still have work to the walls to do back here, that's coming in our next work trip!

We are so ready for this work in progress to be complete. Our goal is to be done this coming week. There IS light at the end of the tunnel!

Getting Exciting - New Walls on the Way!

2011-01-05T22:33:00.001-05:00

OK .... here's today's before photos ..... hope to have the after photos tomorrow to add to this post. We started working on these walls in the back section of the store today and what a difference there will be!!!!!!!

LOOKIE!

2010-12-31T22:50:00.001-05:00

Lookie what my hubby made for the store! Two stages for the window displays so everything sits level to the bottom of the windows! They slide out if necessary, too!

I know, not the greatest photos in the world, but just had to post some progress and this is all I have right now.

TRIM'S UP

2010-12-20T17:08:00.001-05:00

BEFORE:

Next is a photo I missed when I was showing before photos in my earlier posts. You can see the white door here and how much nicer it looks in three colors in the after photos! It was a very sunny day when these before photos were taken, I would LOVE to see that sunshine again! It's been so cold & gloomy here for weeks.

While the yellow cupboard could have been repainted, the practical value of the piece was virtually nil for us, so sadly, we removed it. (It was not original to the building, but added later.) Sorry to those that think it should have stayed. Behind it was the original beaded boards to the building (tongue & groove), so we decided to put beaded board around most of the room. Sorry to admit the new is paneling, but at least it keeps the flavor original to the building.

AFTER:

The trim's up in the front, so here's some photos where things are looking more finished than before. We are going to faux paint the floor where the blue & white tiles are missing and hope no one really notices much! I'm taking volunteers for floor washing & waxing! It's all ready now for that mop & glo treatment! It sure has lost what sheen it had with all the work we've been doing, but that certainly is curable!

We are looking for a door to put on the inside of the entryway so we can get rid of the storm door. We had taken it down, but with the temperatures being so extremely cold this month, we put the ugly door back up and know we have to find something to replace it for the winters. We were going to rip out that entire entry cove, but believe it was originally built this way in 1873, so we decided to leave it intact.

While the brown walls darken the room and make it seem smaller in the photos, we really like how it turned out in person. It's very warm & cozy feeling and will make a great neutral background for the primitives to come!

TAKING SOME SHAPE

2010-12-17T17:18:00.007-05:00

FIRST, the project manager & top boss:

She is demanding a good floor mopping!

PROGRESS PHOTOS:

I forgot to take a before picture of this door, it was all white before. It is non-functional at this point, but we may open it up to take you to the upstairs one day.

The "before" (left) photo shows just a small section of how bad the entire ceiling looked.

AFTER: These photos hardly does justice to the ceiling now! Simply gorgeous!!! I think the ceiling is the reason I bought the place!

We put a board over this doorway (above) to keep the heat in the front section, I promise it won't look like this later. :)

BEFORE: Here's a section from the back of the building shown to the right that has been getting a little face lift.

AFTER (sort of): After I painted the wall, hubby decided to spray paint the tin ceiling and it oversprayed onto my hard work! Painting those bricks wasn't easy, the dips and pits are incredibly hard to coat with paint. Oh well, nothing some touch up won't cure. :)

The ceiling back here is actually small squares of tin, nothing fancy like in the front of the building. This is the only section in the building that will have brick walls. The rest of the room will be given the painted beaded board touch.

The rest of my photos today are more pictures from the back of the building where we have done virtually no work so far. I've posted them just so you can see how much needs to be done and maybe you can start picturing something better until we have the work complete.

The deep fryer for donuts used to be located here. Looks pretty bad right now.

Here in the back section of the building, we are looking from the back towards the front. The oven on the right (yes, still here) needs a home! We have a possible buyer for it coming after Christmas. Please pray with us that this person will want to buy it and use it again as it still works.

As I understand, this little room is where they put the dough for rising in the later years of the bakery. We believe it was a freezer once upon a time, but was no longer used for that. There's a big walk-in freezer in another section that took its place. Below is the inside of this room, minus the racks and shelves that were in there when we purchased. I may rent this out as small space if we can get the old refrigeration unit safely removed.

Be sure to keep coming back. More photos coming soon!

BEFORE . . . . .

2010-12-03T11:47:00.004-05:00

OK, I'm home today, for a change, and am posting some of the "before" photos of the building. Can't wait until we have the "afters" to post!

This is the "front" section of the building, looking towards the street & store entrance. I'm not real excited about a blue & white floor, but will have to use rugs as I cannot afford a new floor at this time.

Here's hubby working on the one doorway to the back. Notice the peeling paint on the beautiful tin ceiling! It will get painted with a fresh coat of white gloss paint after scraping!

The back room has TWO old skylights! There's plastic covering the opening here, which will go! Gonna be awesome!!!

Here's a section in the back room. The roll arounds have been removed, but you can see this place needs a lot of TLC! There's a tin ceiling here, too, but it's small squares, covered in grease from the bakery days. Gonna be a job to get them painted, but gloss white is coming soon!

Anyone need an oven? This one is sure to hold everything you could ever want to bake at one time! hehehe! Not sure how many bread loaves it holds on the rotisserie, but I'm not even a little interested in using this. Yes, we'd like to sell it and hoping to find a buyer. Lots of bread was baked in this oldie but goodie! Still works!!! Come & get it!!!!!!!!!! Price is CHEAP!!!!!!!!!!

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

2010-11-05T10:55:00.000-04:00

We did it ... well, going to be doing it! We are to close on this building in Downtown Millersburg, Ohio before Thanksgiving. Lots of cleaning, paint & LOVE required! We will be selling our own furniture & merchandise, plus renting out space to dealers with the primitive and cottage prim look, including antiques & handmade in USA items. Please pass the word on to anyone that you know that may be interested. Even if you live somewhere else, you can rent space, ship to us and we'll do the work. This great location is right on the main drag (Rt. 39) in Amish Country. Will be posting before & after photos as the work proceeds.

CHRISTMAS DIGITIZING!!!!!!!!

2010-10-26T11:35:00.003-04:00

I'm now offering some great Christmas designs I created on Etsy for embroidery sewing machine users! Here's three, more listed, more to come! Oh, by the way, buy any three of my embroidery machine designs, and get my digital files with the words "Believe", "Merry Christmas" and "Ho Ho Ho" free! (There is a listing to purchase them, but read the details on how to get them free in that listing.)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/59954809/digital-pattern-feather-tree-and-horse

http://www.etsy.com/listing/59954767/digital-pattern-christmas-1898-reindeer

http://www.etsy.com/listing/59937766/digital-pattern-ho-ho-ho-merry-christmas

WEEKEND WONDERS - Just a Little Cleaning Hint

2010-10-16T11:20:00.000-04:00

Here's a little helpful hint that you may have or have not thought to do.

Use small paintbrushes for cleaning those hard to get to places in decorative moldings and items with nooks and crannies! Great for intricate porcelain figures, vases, lamps, etc. Use soft brushes to dust or stiffer ones (like stencil brushes) to clean grime. Remember to be gentle on fragile items and use appropriate cleansers.

So, keep some of those little brushes on hand and in your cleaning kit!

** You don't have to buy expensive brushes like these ... but I always seem to have some of these around that are no good for tole painting any longer, so they make great cleaning brushes! **

Workshop Update

2010-10-12T19:34:00.001-04:00

A while back I posted some photos on my blog showing my working spaces. CHANGE has happened! I picked up a few great items at an auction last week, and so I'm getting more organized and efficiently set up!

First is this HUGE item that used to be in a department store, now closed, in our downtown, so it's a piece of history! I think it was probably used for something like bedding sheet sets, blankets, or bedspreads that would have been displayed on top and the huge drawers were to store the extra, bulky packages. These drawers are WONDERFUL and has the glass inserts! Very cool, eh? I haven't filled it up yet, but trying to decide exactly "WHAT" I want to place inside. (Getting ready to ship that furniture on top, so it won't be there long.) Not only is this a terrific find, the $1 price tag was FANTASTIC! What a deal!!! There were two of these at the auction, my friend bought the other one just like it!

Here's inside a drawer .... the glass divider is removable.

Next is a green piece that is the "PERFECT" height for me to use my rotary cutting boards! No leaning any more! LOVE IT! The extra granite top table to the side ($15 find a couple years ago) has my needle punch machine on top but also affords me more space when I'm cutting out! At $35 for the green piece, I can't complain too much! I have all my cutting tools and accessories for rotary cutting in the drawers with room in the bottom for more goodies! You can see my embroidery sewing machine and regular sewing machine in the background.

Next is a typewriter desk from the depression era. It's not exactly the prettiest desk, but it is PERFECT for my serger! The piece the machine is setting on can be put down inside and the top closed to make a working desk with writing surface. Fun idea! I can almost see an old cast iron typewriter and someone typing away at it! Maybe I'll paint it one day if the mood strikes in multi-colors just for fun!

That "Merry Christmas" board is vintage & made by a local gentleman many years ago. His daughter told me he worked for GE and he used to make things with lights for Christmas every year. I cannot find any bulbs that fit this light string, so I may have to replace that, but love that vintage look!

Last, but not least, is my work table. I bought a broken down table an auction years ago for $2 and salvaged the legs and runner supports for making this table. Hubby made the top from sycamore he had cut at an Amish sawmill. The top is gorgeous! I'm VERY careful with it because I don't want to damage it. It's just a wonderful size, though, so it remains there 'cuz I just can't give it up for something smaller.

What's so wonderful is now I've been able to clear out all the stacking boxes of "stuff" I had stored under my work areas, so my feet now actually will fit under everything!

Now, all I have to do is get busy making samples to take to market! I've committed to wholesaling my wares next year, so it's time to get prepared!

Mini Pillows are Popular

2010-10-06T08:08:00.001-04:00

My mini pillows for the fall are selling great! I made a bunch and have a few left, so hurry on over to get yours before they're gone!
(I also sell the digital embroidery sewing machine files for these on Etsy.)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57539149/fall-scene-pumpkins-tree-and-crows

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58238779/harvest-time-fall-scene-with-cornstalk

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57829799/autumn-blessings-cross-stitch-embroidery

ORGANIZE!

2010-09-30T15:37:00.002-04:00

I'm starting to list some drawers from my hubby's furniture making business on Etsy. Why? Because they are terrific organizers! Use them on your desk, in your craft working area, in a drawer, etc.! If you want more than one, just ask and we'll make them for you. Also available in other colors. I will be listing more choices soon.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57714049/furniture-drawer-for-organizing-your

Make Fabric Pumpkins Tutorial

2010-09-28T11:01:00.002-04:00

Visit this blog to learn how to make these great fabric pumpkins for the fall!

http://thecottagehome.blogspot.com/2010/09/fall-fabric-pumpkin-tutorial.html

Rainy Day Blues

2010-09-28T10:20:00.003-04:00

It's raining and chilly today. These are the kinds of days I want to stay inside, turn on all the lights, and not go or look outside! So, I'm looking at some great BLUE items from the OFG Team to bring a positive feeling to blue!

WOW! This birdhouse surely would cheer up the view out my window! What fun from MulberryLaneFolkart!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53040067/bird-house-blue-with-white-trim-and-red?

Oh, I've found it now!!! It's the blue bird of happiness! And what a perfect one at that from MissesKWittys!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/43403159/baby-blue-bird-ornament
To complete this bird theme, I love this tin nest with aqua blue eggs from SweetLibertyPrims!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/56216613/tiny-vintage-tin-nest-and-aqua-eggs?

After all the blue bird items, I'm feeling much better and ready to start thinking about how to keep warm & cozy in the season ahead. What better way than with a pretty blue scarf! These terrific scarves come from a new store, ForElephant. This shop was opened by our very talented team member SimpleTilly. Be sure to visit her new shop and see all her pretties!

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

MONDAY MARKETPLACE FEATURES

2010-09-27T10:19:00.002-04:00

Here's an early look at Christmas 2010, OFG style!

Wow, look at this TERRIFIC reindeer from RabbitHollowPrims!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57423247/primitive-believe-in-the-magic-reindeer?

Look at this adorable mouse for Christmas! Warmth has a wonderful collection of mice that won't make you bring out the cheesy trap!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53819726/new-2010-ltd-editionsantamousefirst-in-a?

Look at this fun sign for cat lovers!!! Love it, IceHouseCrafts!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57187429/sittings-with-santa-claws-sign-pet?

A Treasury Collection on Etsy

2010-09-24T22:02:00.002-04:00

'New For You, Fall & Winter, too!' by PioneerLoft

Some super new items from the OFG Team in the last week! Be sure to do a search for "OFG TEAM" to see all the wonderful creations from this very talented team!!!

Peace Hope Joy Paper Mache S... paintedkreatio... $17.00	Primitive Crows First Thanks... CountryAcres $9.50
Pumpkin Swag Wood Star and W... PioneerLoft $7.50	LILLYBERRY dollsandbunnie... $45.00
Punkin PunkinSeedProd... $14.95	Primitive/ Vintage Raggedy J... WillowtreeTrea... $
NEW Cute Lil' Country Fo... goodtidingscre... $9.99	Santa and Reindeers Jingle B... SnowmanCollect... $22.00
A Touch of Sunshine - Hangin... atouchofsunshi... $23.00	Hand Painted Slate - Welcome... Pipberrytree $8.00
Primitive Owl Decoration primitiveseaso... $4.50	Harvest Fall Leaf Wood Sign mycountrycotta... $8.95
Primitive Trumpeting Angels ... happyvalleypri... $34.95	My Barn My Rules NEW DESIGN ... SweetPrimitive $8.95
I Drink Coffee For Your Prot... SawdustNStitch... $8.00	Primitive Americana Bowl Fil... SweetLibertyPr... $6.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Ornament Swags!

2010-09-23T13:15:00.000-04:00

I made these fun swags and hope you will like them, too!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57106352/pumpkin-swag-wood-star-and-wood-spools

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57108763/crow-swag-wood-star-and-wood-spools?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57104035/star-swag-wood-star-and-wood-spools?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57104862/sheep-swag-wood-star-and-wood-spools?

Two More Embroidery Sewing Machine Designs for Sale

2010-09-14T17:12:00.001-04:00

Here's two more of my embroidery designs for sale on Etsy!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/56140109/country-primitive-house-home-digital

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55740834/crow-on-pumpkin-country-primitive-folk?

2010-09-13T12:52:00.001-04:00

'Something to Crow About!' by PioneerLoft

OFG Team crows will not disappoint!

Primitive Crow RustyThimble $15.99	Country Primitive Folk Art C... PioneerLoft $19.95
Primitive Ornies Old Crows O... CountryPrimiti... $13.98	Primitive Grungy Dirty Crow ... farmersattic $19.99
Crow ...Worm... Soft Sculptu... MotherlodeToad $45	Primitive Fall Appliqued Pil... TeresasPrimTre... $14
Tin - Decorative - Dream Big... tinsandtreasur... $8	Handmade Cloth Crow Make Do ... kittredgemerca... $23.95
Crow on Lumina pumpkin moonbeamprimit... $35	Hand Painted Primitive Crow ... foxglovefolkar... $15.95
Harvest Greetings primitive ... primitivehodge... $13	Eco FriEndLy ReuSabLe CandLe... catnapinnprimi... $5.5
30 PRIM CROW HANG TAGS LOT C... wvluckygirl $9.99	Crow Pin Artbyme $5
Primitive Halloween Poe Cat ... Rabbithollowpr... $27.95	Mousepad-Primitive-Handpaint... Primgal $11.99

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Something to Crow About - OFG Style

2010-09-11T10:05:00.005-04:00

After creating a treasury on Etsy by this name, and having it glitch and disappear, I think I'll just CROW about OFG CROWS on my blog for a few days instead! :) So keep coming back to see more!!!

PrimCountryCreations surely has a hit with this great crow on a spring! How cool is that?!?!?!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54506554/grungy-prim-crow?

From sunny Florida, we have this set of six crow & moon bowl fillers created by CountryPrimitivesLLC. How fun these would be on your table this fall!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/34737917/primitive-ornies-old-crows-olde-moon?

Now I simply have to share my crow wreath. This guy would be great on a door or wall, don't wait too long or he will be gone!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/47893614/country-primitive-folk-art-crow-with

Something New for Fall

2010-09-09T08:06:00.001-04:00

I was checking out the wonderful creations from the OFG Team for the fall. Here's just a few that caught my eye this morning.

This adorable scarecrow from YellowSweetPotato would be a perfect decorative item all the way until Thanksgiving!!!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54344225/primitive-cute-fall-autumn-scarecrow?

This white pumpkin ornament from PrimitiveSeason is super for a tree for the fall. A small,artificial Christmas tree works great for this purpose!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55697126/embroidered-white-felt-pumpkin?

PunkinSeedProduction has the most unique & wonderful blocks and this one for the fall is no exception.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54437496/autumn-the-years-last-loveliest-smile?

There's more WONDERFUL items in the shops of these gals, so please take a few minutes to check out their other listings for more irresistibles!!!

WEEKEND WONDERS - Trash to Treasure Helpful Hint

2010-09-04T10:32:00.000-04:00

If you're like me, there's nothing more fun that finding that piece of "trash" that you know will become a treasure with lots of love & elbow grease! But what do you do if your trash is rusty wrought iron and you don't want a rusty finish?

First use a wire brush to remove the loose rust. Then sand lightly or rub with some fine steel wool dipped in kerosene. After the kerosene has dried, the piece may be painted with outdoor paint for more years of beauty!

And boy, do I wish this table & chairs were mine!

My Country Primitive Embroidery Machine Design Files for sale on Etsy

2010-09-01T10:23:00.000-04:00

I'm beginning to offer my digital files for embroidery machine sewing on Etsy. These design files are my own work. I have a few more to list yet, but will be creating more and more to sell in the weeks ahead. Here's a couple samples for you to see.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55199723/country-primitive-crow-on-pumpkin?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55135836/country-primitive-home-sweet-home?

Monday Morning Not-So-Blue Market Place

2010-08-30T08:10:00.001-04:00

Good morning! I've had a busy weekend, with a busy week ahead, but I want to take a couple minutes to feature the great work of one of our OFG Team gals!

OakLeafHollow loves to paint & her work is wonderful! She even paints on softballs! Here's a few examples of her work. Hope you'll visit her shop & find that perfect something for your home!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55032403/handpainted-softball-bowlfiller

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55030171/handpainted-softball-bowlfiller

WEEKEND WONDERS - Helpful Hints

2010-08-28T11:20:00.005-04:00

Would you like sparkly clean glassware?

Do you ever have an old bottle you'd like to clean?

How about some stubborn, cloudy accumulation?

To clean glass, soak in a solution of warm water mixed with 1/4 of clear ammonia. Rinse well & dry carefully. (It is a good idea to place a towel in the bottom of the sink first when washing delicate crystal or any valuable glassware.) Some old glass bottles can become clouded or discolored and can be treated by soaking in a mixture of one part ammonia to four parts warm water. Another method is to mix sand with denatured alcohol and swirl it around in the container until it looks clear. White vinegar and water may be used to soak off sediment that may have adhered to the inside of a glass container. Fill the container with this mixture and leave to soak for a few days.

My Baby

2010-08-23T15:56:00.001-04:00

I haven't yet introduced my blogging friends to my "baby" Precious. She's a pomeranian poof ball, and all queen & all baby at the same time! Here she is with her "security" bear. She grip bites/licks on his snout. She's done this ever since she was a puppy and is 6 years old now. We say it's her way to de-stress her life, but it's only a guess. She has brought such joy to my life. Love my baby!

New Ornies Now For Sale!

2010-08-21T22:38:00.003-04:00

OK ... I have finished making six of each of these, tied on homespun for hanging, and they are ready for a prim tree, peg, cupboard door, doll or just about anything.
I'm selling these in sets of two, you get to pick if you want one of each design, or two of the same, in each of the listings.
Do you want a different mix of two? Simply convo me on Etsy or contact me here and I can make a listing custom just for you! :)

First, great for a fall theme,
the pumpkin & cat tags:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54363178/set-of-2-primitive-fall-pumpkin-and

Now some good ones for any time of year!

Sheep & Home

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54363448/set-of-2-primitive-sheep-and-home-wood

Crow & Star

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54327710/set-of-2-primitive-crow-and-stars-wood

WEEKEND WONDERS - Helpful Hints

2010-08-21T15:55:00.003-04:00

I can't think of a better way to relax on a summer evening than on a porch, lounging on a wicker chaise! Maybe you have one that's in need of a little help. Here's how to revive it.

First, hose off your item outdoors to remove loose dust. If needed for grime removal, use a small brush or toothbrush dipped in dishwashing liquid & water. Be sure to remove all dirt, loose paint, mildew, etc. Rinse & dry. For best results, dry in the sun as you will not be able to towel/wipe dry in the weaving.

Using a sharp pair of scissors cut back any loose or frayed pieces of wicker that may have come undone. If any legs or arms are getting loose, be sure to tighten the strands and secure. If the wraps are fraying near the bottom of the legs, simply repair them using a plastic tie strap. Be sure to put the connecter on the back side of the leg. Due to the size of the tie strap they fit in perfectly and not be noticeable once painted.

Now you can varnish your item in a matte to gloss finish or spray paint with a thin coat of good quality paint. Repeat a second thin coat if needed. Varnish may also be applied over paint if desired.

For sagging woven cane seats, completely soak the caning with HOT water & leave to tighten & dry in the sun.

Dying Unfinished Wood

Lightly sand the bare wood item and carefully dust off. Apply a solution of liquid "RIT" dye with a sponge in a circular motion. Let dry completely. The color will be lighter when dry, so repeat the application of dye to obtain a richer color. You may wish to seal the finish with a coat of varnish.

Wood Tag Ornies!

2010-08-20T11:10:00.000-04:00

I've been busy painting these wood tags. Posting them on Etsy real soon!

My Crafting World - Part 1

2010-08-17T16:34:00.001-04:00

Blogging about my work areas couldn't have come at a better time. I just really cleaned my space where I sew a few days ago and haven't started on a new project since. So, it looks really good compared to normal! :) I have to keep after it regularly anyway since I do operate a store out of it, so people walk in and see the mess, so I try to not let it get out of hand. I took a bunch of photos, but I guess I couldn't hold still 'cuz so many are blurred, so I'm going to make two installments in my pictures of where I work.

This is where I paint. It's in my new enclosed front porch in the house. A little messy, but could be worse!

This is the computer center where I meet the world on the web! This is also in my new office, former front porch.

Here's my embroidery machine, and also my needlepunch machine with its back to the camera, and my serger. I'm trying to decide what to embroider on those black & white placemats. This photo, and all those following, are from inside my shop where I sew & work in a portion, then have a store with things for sale in the rest.

Wardrobe (for sale) with doors closed, then voila . . .

Open!

This old wardrobe (from around 1900) is such a blessing for storage that I'm really not anxious for it to sell. I have no idea what I will do with all my old quilts & other things in there if it goes.

This is a little blurry, but not as bad as others I took. This is my cutting out table, my thread holders (which doesn't hold all my threads), and another sewing machine. The white kitchen cupboard base under the thread is full of supplies. The big black cupboard is packed full of fabric, which I'll show pictures of the next time. That cupboard is not for sale. The folding screen is hiding more stuff, too! Next installment! :)

Under that work table you'll find this:

I hate this because I cannot get my feet under the work table, but I need somewhere for all these containers with goodies I simply cannot go without! :) You can't even see all the containers from these two shots. You know, the biggest problem I have is remembering where I've put everything! Guess I need to make a cheat sheet! :)

My Porch Office

2010-08-17T12:19:00.003-04:00

Here's another one of my hubby's creations. I'm still not happy with my decorating of this cupboard, but it will have to do for now, until I can find the "RIGHT" something else! Just used what I already had around. I've really gone to decorating in the primitive country cottage look in my house rather than the darker colors. This is hanging in my freshly enclosed front porch which is now my office. I'm struggling to decorate it to suit me perfectly, so as I get it done, I'll post photos of the different sections. (It's long and narrow and I'm using lots of cupboards for storage --- it's grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat!)

P.S. Hubby won't let me put nails in the cupboard to hang the sign. :( So, I'm improvising the best I can. :)

For those of you who don't really know about us, my hubby makes items like this for a living, selling to stores nationwide. (We will sell directly to you, so if you are interested, please let me know.) Several of his items have been and still are in almost every issue of "The Country House" mail order catalog for the last 10 years.

BRAGGING ON MY HUBBY

2010-08-16T15:35:00.000-04:00

My hubby made this for me a couple years ago when I was VERY sick & bedridden. Decided to "brag" on his work and show it off here. It's made of sycamore & coated in tongue oil rather than varnish. I love the low sheen of that finish, though it requires reapplication from time-to-time.

If only I could actually "REMEMBER" in which drawer to find what I want! I've only managed to memorize where to find postage stamps & mail stickers and the doggie brushes without hunting! Oh well ... maybe in another 2 years I'll figure out a couple more item locations without going on a treasure hunt!!!!!

2010-08-12T15:27:00.001-04:00

More ACOFG Shining Stars!

This black sheep is F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! MotherlodeToad strikes again!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/33202883/mice-mouse-lamb-sheep-pumpkin-fall

From the Rocky Mountains we have this fun crow tied on to a pumpkin! Keep up the good work, KittredgeMercantile!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/27965065/handmade-cloth-pumpkin-harvest-thyme

Gobble, gobble, gobble! What a great gobbler for a table centerpiece this fall! Love this, Rabbithollowprims!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52827220/primitive-small-turkey

Fall Ornies!!!

2010-08-11T16:16:00.001-04:00

I just added a set of two ornaments for sale on Etsy. Pick your combo --- one of each, or two crows, or two scarecrows!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53611805/set-of-2-you-pick-from-crow-and

Great Item, Great Price!

2010-08-11T10:54:00.000-04:00

Don't miss out on your chance to purchase this wonderful shelf my hubby made at a great price, free shipping, too!!!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44078567/sale-price-primitive-five-drawer-pegged

OFG Shines for the Fall

2010-08-11T10:50:00.000-04:00

More super fall items from the gals at OFG!

This sunflower penny wool rug table mat is gorgeous! Nice job, HappyValleyPrimitive!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52839443/sunflower-penny-rug-or-table-mat-acofg

AppleTreeCottage does some wonderful tole painting! This is just one example.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53080444/prim-olde-crow-vintage-bromwell-sifter

Now this guy really should do the job of scaring away those old crows! What do you think? :) Lov'n it, CaveCreekStudio!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52856599/handmade-primitive-folk-art-scarecrow

Monday Marketplace - OFG Style

2010-08-09T11:36:00.000-04:00

Some more great fall decorating items from the gals at OFG in their Autumn Celebration!

WVluckygirl made this fun pillow that would be perfect on a bench!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52748243/primitive-stitchery-long-bench-pumpkin

Love these primitive acorn bowl fillers from primgal62.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52891902/fall-gathering-prim-acorns

How about a pumpkin shelf sitter from tinsandtreasures?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52828788/pumpkin-wooden-shelf-sitter-primitive

I have listed these star ornaments for the fall. More coming soon.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53411757/hand-painted-primitive-pumpkin-star

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53415556/hand-painted-primitive-sunflower-star

SCARING IT UP with OFG!

2010-08-04T07:52:00.000-04:00

Here's just three SUPER SCARECROWS from the gals at OFG featured in their Autumn Celebration.

CatsDesigns is another very talented tole painter! This guy would make a great sign by the front door!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52820976/handpainted-scarecrow-harvest-thyme-sign

What a fun scarecrow in a clay pot from YorkiesPrimitives!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52792289/fall-thyme-scarecrow-flower-pot

Shelf sitters are great items to put here and there, just about anywhere! This adorable set from primitivehodgepodge is no exception.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52765597/scarecrow-wood-blocks

TUESDAY & TERRIFIC

2010-08-03T14:24:00.002-04:00

Here's some more great stuff from the OFG Team for the fall!

Primgal's superb quality painting makes this piece a "must have" for the entire fall seasonl! This can would look great by your entry for decoration and then filled with goodies for the kids coming for treats and then for guests for Thanksgiving.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52804608/primitive-fall-paint-bucket-acofg

Motherlode Toad has done it again!!! This industrious mouse promises to bring you smiles and leave no mess in your house.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52447301/mouse-pumpkin-wheelbarrow-fall-mice

Miss Candy Corn from KeepsakeKorner has a great painted face! She would surely brighten your home this fall given the chance.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/31652733/primitive-harvest-miss-candy-corn-doll

OFG Team Opens "AUTUMN CELEBRATION"

2010-08-01T23:59:00.000-04:00

There are quite a few of us gals on the OFG Team that have committed to keeping several items stocked in our stores for the next couple weeks for fall decorating. Be sure to check out all the great goodies we have to offer! I'll be showing you my items and a few from the other gals over the next few days. So, keep coming back & enjoy!

I like how my black kitty ornie looks peeking out from this cute little basket full of real dried florals. Would fit just about anywhere, too, since it's a small basket!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52854704/autumn-fall-small-basket-with-cat-and

Awww, look at this "Keeper of the Patch" from HarvestMoonPrims! Just loving it!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52856426/scarecrow-petekeeper-of-the-patch?ref=v1_other_1

Hahahahaha! This guy, "Tofu Turkey" is wonderful! I love whimsy, and this guy fits that to a T! Great job, Rabbithollowprims!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52827382/primitive-tofu-turkey?ref=v1_other_1

Last, but certainly not least, item feature for today, is this practical item for the fall. It's a Primitive Wool Appliqued Camera IPod Cellphone Sleeve Case (just try to say that three times fast!).

Nice work there, TeresasPrimTreasures!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/52832691/primitive-wool-appliqued-camera-ipod?ref=v1_other_1

WEEKEND WONDERS - Cucumbers

2010-07-31T22:38:00.001-04:00

I just learned a lot of uses for cucumbers! If you have some of your own, please add them to the comments! :)

1. Feeling tired in the afternoon? Put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

2. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

3. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

4. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

5. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

6. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

7. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

8. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

9. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

10. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

11. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

MAKE MINE VINTAGE!

2010-07-22T11:21:00.001-04:00

I'm having fun shopping with the OFG Team gals, looking at their vintage items! Here's just a few of the treasures I've found.

I love this old watering can offered by primcountrycreations!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51343237/antique-watering-can

SweetLibertyPrims has added the perfect touch to make these old egg beaters a super addition to the primitive home!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45991703/antique-handmixer-with-primitive-tag

Just have to show off the vintage linens I have listed in my RagBagTreasures store, perfect for the shabby chic home!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50835823/two-chic-shabby-pink-roses-vintage

Wow, this sure brings back memories!

This old gym basket is brought to us by SugarMtnMercantile.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50683586/vintage-wire-gym-locker-basket

Great old street sign from KittredgeMercantile!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/38397578/vintage-metal-street-sign

WOW! The OFG Team gals have about 5,000 items for sale on Etsy! Take some time and visit when you can, you'll be glad you did!!!

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

FROM THE LOFT

2010-07-20T15:30:00.000-04:00

Here's some photos from here at the "Loft" to enjoy.

The birds really like my garage sale find birdfeeder I just hung on the bell recently. The hummingbirds have been enjoying the red flowers, too!

I love coneflowers!

The tigerlilies are in full bloom & looking gorgeous!

WEEKEND WONDERS (a/k/a Helpful Hints)

2010-07-17T00:05:00.002-04:00

It's just turned Saturday morning, and I'm right on schedule getting my helpful hint posted early this weekend!

TALCUM POWDER - This is my personal favorite in the summer to use all over to help get dressed (dry the skin so garments don't stick) & feel good after a shower! :) But here's another use.

Talcum power is a good aid in stain removal. Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting with a clean cloth. Apply talcum powder and let it sit until the powder becomes discolored by absorbing the stain (about 10 minutes). Wipe off with a clean cloth. Repeat if necessary.

VEGETABLE OIL - While this has been my standard for sticker removal on glass for years (but don't forget that peanut butter works, too), I found that you can also use it with very fine grade steel wool. Dip the steel wool into the oil, gently rub off the rust adhering to old cutlery and metal hardware.

Of course, it does make some good fried chicken, too! Here's a link to a recipe, just in case you need one, from Wesson Oil. It's easy to make & yummy, too! Of course, one must not worry about calories in order to enjoy!!!

http://www.wessonoil.com/recipe_vegetable.jsp

I'm sure you gals must have more ideas for practical uses for these items, so please share them with us! Looking forward to seeing what you are going to share.

Seriously in Destashing Need

2010-07-14T07:22:00.005-04:00

I don't know about you, but I've realized that I've accumulated way too much "STASH" and am working on this problem. It's so easy to let the stash build up, it creeps up on you like a bad dream. You innocently purchase this and that with all the good intentions in the world. As for me, I get on these moments of, "Oh, oh, I've just gotta try making this" and buy all the stuff, then I find another important project to invest money into before I even get the first one accomplished! *Sigh* Then there's the projects I actually DID do, but kept buying and buying and my stash exceeded my enthusiasm. Of course, there's the "bargains" you find at times and cannot resist, so you buy 2 or 3 when you only needed 1, thinking your family or friends may be interested, too. After all, it was such a great deal!!! Yes, the stash grows like weeds sometimes!

What kind of experience do you have with stash? How do you keep it under control? Do you have any hard and fast rules about how long to keep the good stuff before parting company? I'd be interested in hearing ideas on how to better manage this problem that I believe most of us crafters find a struggle. Please feel free to leave a comment here, or contact me with your ideas and I'll pull together some of the ideas for another post one day.

So, for now, I'm starting to list my STASH for sale on Etsy. So, keep checking out my listings almost daily as I'll keep adding!

Here's a few of my current offerings.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51415889/whispers-mini-alphabet-and-numbers-wood

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51441635/destash-25-fancy-buttons-for-clothing?ref=v1_other_1

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51451806/destash-set-of-12-conchos-4-hearts-4

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51507830/garden-and-rock-painting-theme-tole

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50199815/plaid-stencil-decor-anna-griffin

HELPFUL HINT WEEKEND THAT'S GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT

2010-07-10T10:05:00.007-04:00

I've used vegetable oil for sticker removal for years, but I've recently read that peanut butter is also good for this. Makes sense, there is oil in there! It works well on glass, copper & brass. Just rub a little on the area & wipe off!
Sunday Update: Especially for moms, someone just told me that peanut butter gets gum out of hair. Beats the scissors alternative!

Of course, the best hint I can give is to eat it! :)

Now here's a recipe (from the Jif website) unlike any I've ever seen for peanut butter. Sounds yummy!

If you try this recipe, please come back & post on the comments how you like it! My hubby has acid reflux pretty bad right now and I cannot make it until he's better.

PEANUT BUTTER TACO SALAD
Ingredients:
• 1 pound lean ground beef OR 1 poundlean ground turkey
• 1/4 cup Jif® Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1 (1.25 oz.) package taco seasoning mix
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 head iceburg lettuce, chopped (about 8 cups) plus additional for garnish
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped plus 1 medium tomato cut into wedges for garnish
• 6 green onions, sliced
• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup mild salsa
• 1/2 cup French salad dressing
• 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
• 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• Avocado slices (optional)
• Sour cream

Directions:

BROWN ground beef in medium skillet on medium-high heat until cooked through. Drain. Stir in peanut butter, taco seasoning mix and water until blended. Cook and stir 5 minutes.

COMBINE lettuce, chopped tomatoes, onion and beans in large serving bowl. Stir salsa and dressing in small bowl until blended. Pour over lettuce. Toss until evenly coated.

SPRINKLE 1 cup crushed tortilla chips on top of lettuce. Spoon meat mixture on layer of chips, then top with cheese. Sprinkle remaining chips around edge of bowl. Garnish center with additional chopped lettuce, tomato wedges, avocado slices and sour cream. Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

TOUCHING UP Helpful Hints

2010-06-26T11:34:00.008-04:00

I have a three ideas on how to do some touching up. I'm hoping you gals will have more ideas to add to the comments.

Use nail polish on chips on vases & other painted surfaces. It is waterproof when dry, and of course, available in LOTS of colors!

Model airplaine paints can be purchased at hobby shops and many toy stores. They are great to touch up repairs on lamps, ceramic, porcelain, furniture, etc.

When my prim wood items get chipped, I use watered down black or brown paint for getting rid of that fresh wood that has been exposed. Apply the paint on to a soft, clean cloth and gently touch it to the damaged area. Then use another cloth that is dampened with water on one end and dry on the other for wiping and blending. Use paint sparingly and keep wiping, alternating with the damp cloth and a dry cloth, to blend into the rest of the piece. Best to start out easy and repeat as needed rather than coating too much on that you can't get off. (I don't use stain to do this because I usually like how the paint method turns out in the end much better. Just my taste.)

Office Progress

2010-06-24T14:03:00.000-04:00

My new office is slowly coming along. I've spent a lot of time filling up the cupboards with all the "stuff" that had been "stuffed" in all kinds of places. It's so wonderful to get organized!!!

This room will be cottage style and needs a lot of finishing touches yet. The color was supposed to be a light green, with a touch of blue, but it looks more blue than green. Oh well, it's still pretty & I love the color. I needed it to be light so that the rooms adjoining the porch wouldn't become too dark, and it has worked!

Hopefully I'll have it completed within the next week or so.

WEEKEND HELPFUL HINT - Shoe Polish

2010-06-20T21:01:00.002-04:00

I found one use for shoe polish for which I was unaware. Other than shining up those old shoes, try using black or brown shoe polish to darken over-bright metal hinges on cabinets. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth and rub into grooves. This is not permanent and should not be used near fabric or on places where people will touch, such as drawer pulls or knobs.

Do you have another use?

Please share with us!

GETTING AN OFFICE!

2010-06-10T12:29:00.001-04:00

On top of everything else going on, Praise God, I'm getting a new office!

We never used our front porch because the it's so close to our busy road that you could hardly hold a conversation sitting there. With desperate need of space in our small home, it's now enclosed with lots of insulation and windows, not so noisy any more, and a perfect new place for my office! Long and narrow, but still perfect for me!

I won't have to squeeze into a corner of another room any longer! It's a work in progress ..... but here's how it's coming along.

HAIR SPRAY & LEMONS

2010-06-05T10:54:00.007-04:00

HAIRSPRAY
Don't just keep your hair pretty, use hair spray to remove marking pen, tape & price sticker residue from glass (spray on and wipe off thoroughly) and to pretreat ink on fabric before washing.

But how about drying those pretty roses? Thoroughly spray them with hair spray, then hang them upside down until they have dried completely. Takes at least one week.

LEMONS
Tarnish Removal - A lemon, cut in half and dipped in salt, can be used to remove tarnish from old copper items. You can also rub a lemon juice and baking soda paste onto chrome or copper, rinse and then wipe/buff with a soft cloth or paper towel.

Stain Removal - Rub lemons onto fabric stains like ink, juice or rust as a natural stain remover.
Ant Deterrent - Lemon juice is said to repel ants, so try spraying it around places where they frequent.
Air Freshener - An equal amount of lemon juice and water added to an atomizer freshen your air naturally!
All Purpose Cleaner - An equal amount of lemon juice and water added to a spray bottle is an effective kitchen and bathroom cleaner and can also be used on walls (spot test first). A small amount of lemon juice can also be added to vinegar based cleaning solutions to help neutralize the smell of the vinegar.

Cleaning the microwave can be such a pain, especially when the kids have spilled over and continued cooking then it dries up! To make your job easier, heat a bowl of water and lemon slices in your microwave for 30 seconds to a minute; then wipe out the oven. It will not only make cleaning easier, it will neutralize old food odors!
Toilet Cleaner - Mix 1/2 cup borax and a cup of lemon juice for a powerful toilet cleaner that will leave it smelling extra clean!
Lime Scale Removal - Use a half lemon to clean the lime scale off a sink or taps/faucets; rinse well.
Laundry - For bleaching purposes, add 1/2 cup of lemon juice to the rinse cycle and hang clothes outside to dry. A teaspoon of lemon juice thrown into your wash can also help your clothes to smell fresher.
Dishes - A teaspoon of lemon juice added to your dishwashing detergent can help boost grease cutting power.
Drains - Hot lemon juice and baking soda is a good drain cleaner that is safe to use in septic systems. If you have a garbage disposal unit, throw in some lemon peel from time to time while it's working in order to keep it smelling fresh.
Chopping boards - Rub lemon juice into your wooden chopping board, leave overnight and then rinse. Wood chopping boards appear to have anti-bacterial properties anyway, but the lemon will help kill off any remaining nasties and neutralize odors.
Glass and mirrors - 4 tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with half a gallon of water makes an effective window cleaner.
Degreaser - Straight lemon juice can be used as a general degreaser.
Furniture Polish - 2 parts olive oil or cooking oil mixed with 1 part lemon juice makes for an excellent furniture polish!
Hair - To lighten hair, dampen it with lemon juice and sit out in the sun for an hour. I've read that the juice of a lemon mixed with one cup warm water makes for a great hair conditioner. It should be allowed to stay in your hair for a few minutes then washed off. Exercise caution if you have a sensitive scalp.
Cuts, stings and itches - A small amount of lemon juice pour onto minor wounds can help stop bleeding and disinfect the injury (it will sting a bit). Lemon juice applied to itches, poison ivy rashes and wasp stings is said to relieve discomfort.
Hands - The smell of fish can linger on your hands, even after scrubbing with soap - rubbing your hands with lemon juice will neutralize the smell and leave your hands smelling wonderful.

Do you have more uses for these items? Please share with us! :)

Most of the uses for lemons was found at: http://www.greenlivingtips.com/ Check them out for all kinds of green living tips!

KEEPIN' DRY

2010-06-04T23:10:00.000-04:00

We sure have had more than our share of storms here in Ohio this week! Looks like it will be another day or two of this before it passes. *sigh* At least the flowers are looking great! :)

On a more cheerful note, I've been reorganizing my shop here on the farm. Got some new sewing machines (used, but new to me) and had to adjust my set-up so that I could fit in and not take up any more floor space from the retail part of the building. Here's just one display in the shop. Will spare you the "machine" photos. Nothing pretty, but very practical and for a great price, too!

RAINBOW

2010-05-31T19:04:00.001-04:00

I walked out of my store to find this view. It was right in the field across the road.

Pretty kewl!

Miss Ebby

2010-05-29T23:13:00.003-04:00

Here's my Brussels Griffon (in desperate need of a haircut) inside my shop door. Isn't she cute?????? Of course, the photographer could have done a better job, and Ebby should have kept her snout away from the loose threads around my sewing machine...guess we won't win a prize for this photo! I rescued Ebby a few years ago. She was found wandering around the countryside and no one claimed her. It was obvious she had lived a hard life in a crate, not in a home, as everything scared her. Afraid of people, afraid of any noise. She's come a long way, but it makes me sad to know that she suffered neglect, and perhaps even abuse, in her younger days. She follows me everywhere and gets very upset when I go outside the door without her. This breed is often called "velcro dog" because they do like to stick close to their favorite person. It is an honor and a pleasure to be Miss Ebby's pet. hehehe!

HELPFUL HINT SATURDAY - BAKING SODA USES

2010-05-29T13:22:00.001-04:00

Here's a bunch of uses for baking soda. I'm sure there's lots more, so feel free to add yours to the comments! Some of these may be new to you, some may not.

Do you have some great old pieces of graniteware/enamelware that is stained? Try cleaning it by soaking for an hour or two in a bath of one tablespoon of baking soda added to a sinkful of HOT soapy water.

To remove pencil, ink or crayon marks from walls or painted surfaces, rub with a damp cloth dipped in dry baking soda.

Coffee or tea stains on china cups? Use the same method as for pencil marks above.

Want to test your carpet or upholstery for color fastness before cleaning? Use baking soda to test a hidden area for color-fastness by mixing 1/2 tablespoon in 1/2 cup of water and apply a small amount to the carpet or upholstery. Let dry, then vacuum and check area.

Baking soda is a safe and effective cleaner for kitchens and bathroom surfaces - countertops and sinks, tub and tile, chrome, steel, enamel or plastic throughout your home. When it is not fully dissolved, like when it is sprinkled dry from a shaker onto a clean damp sponge, baking soda is perfect to use as a gentle scouring powder - it won't scratch your shiny appliance surfaces, but it's abrasive enough to lift dirt and stains for easy removal.

In the laundry baking soda works with your liquid laundry detergent to make it work harder for you (it's a pH thing!). Just add 1/2 cup of to your wash with the usual amount of liquid detergent. It can also help your chlorine bleach work harder for you… add 1/2 cup of baking soda with a 1/2 cup of bleach (instead of the usual 1 cup) to get whites whiter without smelly harsh chemicals that can damage clothes.

Deodorizing Clothes—Freshen any smelly laundry—work shirts, baby bibs, musty towels—by adding 1/2 cup baking soda in the rinse cycle to neutralize and eliminate odors.

Freshen Sink Drains any time with 2 sprinkled tablespoons baking soda while running warm water from the tap for 1-2 minutes. Of course, it's a great odor absorber in the refrigerator, too. You can even purchase special boxes for just this purpose.

Calm that rumbly in your tummy with baking soda. It's is safe and effective as an antacid to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach, and upset stomach due to these symptoms when used as directed.

SUNDAY NEWS

2010-05-16T20:22:00.002-04:00

Boy, have I got NEWS to post today! In our efforts to expand our business here on the farm, we have decided to use the buildings we have rather than "add on". These have more character & will make use of what's already here. Only problem, they need help and lots of it.

Building #1 Project
OLD SMOKEHOUSE
Move & Fix

We just decided today to MOVE this puppy, and got right to it! We'd used to to store our kids' bicycles, flower pots & what not over the years. Now, transformation is happening! What a job, though! It wasn't on blocks, just setting on the ground, so around the bottom the boards were all rotting. We will be doing some restoration work to help keep it lasting a lot more years yet, but at least we got it into place and in one piece.

Per usual, I forgot to take pictures from where it was located before, and while precariously on the trailer moving, etc. Sheesh! You'd think I'd learn. When we got it by my shop, Tim removed the chain and the building just FELL off the trailer and landed like this. It scared me at first as it hit so hard I thought it was going to fall apart into a million pieces, but thank God it held up! Here's how it looked when it landed. Notice the bucket on the front of our tractor is holding the building up!

Tim got busy. The front of the building was very much busted up from the move. After a bit of thought, I decided to remove the front & have it open, at least for now. We can go back later and put a front back on if & when needed.

Here it is now setting straight and on some bricks, etc. to sit as best we could get it until we get the concrete blocks and new foundation boards attached. I set some of my plants that require shade inside for now as they were getting a little bit too much sun. My plans are to use this for dried flowers, dried floral wreaths I make for the fall, and for whatever I need for the flower & garden part of my business. Looks like we may get a few more years of service out of this old fellow after all!

HELPFUL HINT WEEKEND TIP - Removing Beverage Rings

2010-05-15T10:05:00.006-04:00

Finally made it back to my helpful hint weekend post. This is one that so many of us have had to deal with over the years. If you have successfully fixed this problem in another way, please post take a minute to post it to the comments for this blog entry. This weekly feature is all about us helping each other.

Do you have some of those ugly old white old rings left from condensation of a glass or vase that once sat upon your table? There's hope!

Now. I'm not a smoker and have no friends that are, but this remedy would actually get me out to buy one pack and just let some burn into a tray outside. Collect and mix cigarette ash with some beeswax furniture paste. Rub on lightly on your piece of furniture and buff with a dry soft cloth.

Rewax your item if needed.

VINTAGE GOSSIP BENCH

2010-05-04T10:35:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I completely refurbished this old gossip bench! The paint color is so pretty (it was a wrong mix because my hubby gave the store the wrong codes) and I told him this was no mistake! You can see the proof is in the pudding!
Looks great, doesn't it?

It's listed for sale in my
Rag Bag Treasures store.
Sorry, but we will not ship this.
Pick up only.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/46137622/updated-vintage-telephone-gossip-bench

HELPFUL HINT WEEKEND TIP

2010-05-01T11:09:00.004-04:00

HAPPY WEEKEND!!!

Use regular isopropyl alcohol to remove glue residue from glossy porcelain. First, very gently remove what you can of the glue with an emery board, then use a clean, soft cloth dipped in the rubbing alcohol.

Also, great for cleaning the crystals on chandeliers! Simpy wipe the crystals with a cloth moistened with alcohol.

A sink full of warm water (not hot) mixed with 1/4 cup of clear ammonia is an excellent glass cleaner. Soak for a few minutes, rinse & dry. In your bathroom sink, use warm water again and a tablespoon or two of ammonia to soak combs & hair brushes to clean them. Use an old toothbrush for scrubbing as needed.

REMEMBER: Never put old glassware in the dishwasher!

Do you have any other uses for alcohol & ammonia? Please share yours in the comments section!

HELPFUL HINT WEEKENDS

2010-04-24T10:02:00.003-04:00

As an introduction to my first Helpful Hint Weekend post, a few years ago I borrowed decorating and sewing books & magazines from the library. I gleaned a lot of great helpful hints from them, though I did not write down the names of the sources. So, here's apologies for not being able to pass along reference material names, but I'm sure these ideas were not exclusives of the authors and can be passed along.

Please visit my blog every weekend for the latest hint. I will post one or two per blog. Some weeks the entry may be short, some weeks long. :)

If you have a terrific helpful hint you know about that is not commonly known, please send it to me (you should be able to connect to my email through this blog, but if not, post a comment asking where to send your hint with a way for me to contact you). If I particularly like it, I'll be sure to post it some week and give you credit for the hint, and post a link to your blog, website, selling site, whatever you have and provide in the way of web links as a thank you!

Problem:

MUSTY FABRIC

As a seamstress and crafter, I've come across old quilts & fabric at garage sales or auctions that I couldn't live without; however, it smelled musty and just AWFUL! I took a stab at buying some such pieces and washing them per usual methods, but the smell persisted, thus promising myself I will never buy something like that ever again. What a disappointment my bargains became. It was difficult to pass by those "gotta have it" items that shared that musty odor at times.

GOOD NEWS though!

Vinegar. Who would have thought this could have so many uses?

First, wash the fabric in the method appropriate for the fabric type then simply add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This should be enough to cut the odor and not cause your fabric to smell like vinegar when it's done (and if it does, simply rinse again without vinegar added). Remember to always launder your quilts by hand in the bathtub and hang on a drying rack. Never use automatic machines in order to keep your quilt in great condition for many, many years!

Do you have a quilt or vintage fabric you are concerned about washing with vinegar as it may be harsh? Handwash with Orvis quilt soap and hang up to dry. Here again, you will need a drying rack for larger pieces. There is a product called "QUILTFRESH" that claims to remove odors from fabric that you could try, also. Mountain Mist Ensure is designed for textile care & preservation. Remember to "test" a spot on your item with any product you before laundering to verify color fastness and always follow manufacturer's directions exactly.

I also found another possible remedy the natural way! Again, please spot check your piece before treating. Tea tree oil is known to kill fungus, baceria and germs. Dilute two teaspoons with two cups of water. You'll need a place to spread out your piece so that you can spritz it all over with the solution. This oil has a distinct odor of its own that won't be as strong with diluting, but you may not care to use this method for this very reason. I have never tried this and have no idea if you can or how to eliminate that scent. It makes me laugh because it may turn into trading one scent for another. Personally, I would test this on something old and intended to use for a rag afterwards and see how it smells when done. If undesireable, see how easy it is to get rid of that scent. Perhaps washing/rinsing one or two times would eliminate the problem. Of course, who wants to go through that much work if you are handwashing a quilt in your bathtub? (Makes my back hurt just thinking about it! hehehe!)

That's all for this week. Hope you've enjoyed this article & learned something today. Have a great weekend!

HELP ME NAME THIS "LOOK"

2010-04-14T12:26:00.001-04:00

I've been struggling on what to call this kind of "look" for decor. I've been calling them contemporary cottage. Would you folks help me out? Either post your idea or voice your support for the one suggestion you think is just right! I'll enter your name in a drawing for a mini strawberry embroidery pillow I've made just for you taking time to participate! Taking suggestions for the rest of April. Thanks for your help! (Will send the winner's mini pillow to USA or Canada only.)