Calico Rabbit

Good News, Bad News and a Giveaway!

2012-02-26T06:33:00.008-05:00

Hi Friends!

I have LOADS of info to share today.

First...Dream Home Update...

Well we have hit a snag on this. :(

Turns out we were too slow in putting in our offer and the house is again contingent on another offer.

Now this is a blow, but I believe there is always room for hope and faith. I still have a strong feeling that we will prevail. I just keep seeing us there.

A couple of weeks ago, we had a guest pastor at our church who gave a sermon about the trials God gives us. Pastor Jonathan Wilson from Newport Church in California He spoke about how in order for us to grow in anything, there has to be a trial. He referred to this as a contraction that leads to an expansion. It was a very powerful message that came right at the beginning of all this for us. It has stuck with me the whole way during this journey. Basically, it illustrated that when we are tried, when things are rough, that is when we should rejoice in God, as he has not forgotten us, and in order for us to grow and learn we must go through this period of contraction. It REALLY was a powerful message and I have made a link HERE so if you like you can go and check it out. I know it bless you to hear it.

I told my husband that the process of this would be our contraction but what would come of it would be an expansion.

I can understand how it seems, how could a house mean this much? Well as I told my husband, my house is my "thing". I am one of those homebody types who places a high emphasis on my surrounding. Not in a vain way, I am not wanting to be envied, but it is my canvas, the way I express myself.

This home we are trying to buy, I have such powerful dreams for it, it will give me such an outlet to express my creativity and give me the space to do what I love which is create and inspire others in the process. My husband too, this house has what he has always needed, a space apart from the main house where he can set up his office to do what he does without the interruptions that can deter him from doing his best.

We have great plans on how to help and inspire others to go for their dreams. We were discussing doing a podcast/blog about the trials of how we turn this not so dreamy house into our dream home by our own hands.

Now, I have tried to listen to God and do what he has compelled me to do, I did call the listing agent and she has agreed to take our offer as a back up. So we sent it in last night. So those of you who are praying for us - Please remember us for just a bit longer as I am holding out for hope.

Ok, now that that update is out of the way, that was the "bad" news.

Now, on to the GOOD NEWS!

I was contacted a wile back by Tiffany (Twigs) from Mercantile Gatherings Magazine and she had asked me if she could feature me in the spring edition! Well I was totally flattered! and thought WOW! So....guess what just came out? Yep the Spring edition and there I am on pg 22! She did a super nice article about me and my world and there are some nice pics of my house and my work. BIG thanks to Tiff! It really did come out nice!

Ok so if you don't get Mercantile Gatherings you really do need to get a copy, and by chance I have a few here!

So...First... I want to have a GIVEAWAY! I have designed a little free pattern to go along with my article. I really like him, I call him Bunny Cameo Egg.

I also wanted to point out here that he does look a little different from the magazine pic. Should we play that game "whats different"? Na...I will tell ya! I added whiskers.

Sorry, he just needed some. Didn't realize before until I was making more that he was missing something and it turned out to be whiskers. So for those of you who are making him, here is what I did. I have this great Natural cotton thread that I get a Walmart of all places! Comes on a cardboard "tube" like a little paper towel tube and is over in the regular thread area. I cut three strands, put them all through a large eyed needle and thread them through just above the nose. Tie a knot on one side of the nose, then tie a knot on the other so they don't pull back through and voila! Whiskers! Just right!

So what is the GIVEAWAY already???

Well I will give away one copy of the magazine, as well as a kit to make the Bunny egg.

Rules - Not really.

Just be a follower of my blog and leave a comment here to sign up. If you want to share on your blog I am always grateful and appreciative about sharing with others so I will give you another chance for your generosity.

I will end the giveaway in one week on March 3rd and will draw and report the winner on March 4th.

I also have two completed cameo bunny eggs to sell, they are $12 each plus travel faire. Just e-mail me if you are interested.

And lastly, I said I had a few copies of Mercantile Gatherings. The spring issue is FULL of great stuff! Lots of great recipes and 4 yep count em, FOUR prim bunny patterns!

They are $12 including US shipping and if you like, I will sign your copy, lol, I am seriously blushing, but thought I would offer ;)

WOA! Lots to tell ya today. Sign up for that giveaway! and Have a blessed day!

Hugs!

Don't you love Spring?!?

2012-02-21T16:29:00.003-05:00

Hello Friends!

Well, I know it is not technically spring but here in central North Carolina, the signs are starting to appear! At least you can't fool my sinuses! They know spring is coming! Not to mention this crazy weather! Yesterday some area schools were closed due to snow and Thursday it is supposed to be in the 70's! Do we love Drama in the south our what!

There is just something about spring that is inspiring - and if you are crafty, or artistically inclined this is the time of year we love and hate at the same time (at least I do!)

Spring is always the time when my head starts going in 50 directions at once. Inspiration strikes for new designs. I want to start every craft project I have ever wanted to make. Throw into the mix one crazy house scheme and you have utter chaos!

UPDATE

For those of you following along with my "dream home" drama, here is where we are now. Hubbie and I have decided to go for it! It is a little scary and we are taking a leap of faith, but I truly believe when the dust settles we will be the better for it.

We will be making a offer on the house this week! We are still aligning our ducks so to speak but things seem to be falling right into place. We have decided to rent our current house until the market comes around so we don't have to sell at a loss.

I can only imagine what this looks like from a sane persons point of view: Why we would want to move from our NEW construction home to buy a house that has no heating/air condition system, has been empty for at least the last 2 years and has loads of other littler things to fix up It must seem CRAZY! But, you know what they say, one man's crazy is another woman's...eh whatever.

I am so excited though I could burst! I am really trying to keep myself in check, we still have a long way to go before this can happen, but I can't help but think about what I am going to do with that place! I am just ITCHING to get my hands on it. It really is going to be perfect! Country Sampler here I come!!!

And if this fiasco is not enough, I was innocently browsing my local Craig's List { ;) }and came across my perfect dining room table.

I really like this table! I went out to take a look at it today and I think it will look PERFECT with my comb back chairs. It is made of solid wood and the top is three long planks. It also has lots of little details that say this was made by hand.

It is funny but the man who has this for sale is the brother-in-law of another guy I have bought things from before!

Girls, I tell ya, when I got out to his barn you had to hold me back, he had so many great goodies in there! Had to keep my eye on the prize. Anyway, he was super nice and even offered to let me pay him on lay away (as I have NO free money right now) so the table will be home here in just a little while! His wife offered me to take it today so I wouldn't have to make the trip back out there but I couldn't do it. I didn't feel right about it. I am just so thankful he worked out payment arrangements for me!

And to that end, I wanted to let you all know I am CLEANING house both in anticipation of our (hopeful) move and to pay for my "new" table. I will be listing things on Etsy and Ebay all week so please come by and see if there is anything you would like. Links to both can be found on my sidebar.

I also see that I have hit 300 followers! WOA! I would have never guessed that 300 people would care about what I have to say! So I think a giveaway is in order. I will get something together and be back soon to post about it!

Well, looks like I have a lot to do so I had better get started!

I hope you all have a great week!

Hugs!

Dream Home Update

2012-02-03T15:25:00.004-05:00

Well Ladies I need to thank you as well as God and St. Jude to whom I have been praying!

It seems our dream house will be going back on the market! Turns out the seller did not want to take on the repairs and the buyers don't want to do them either.

And now the hard stuff begins! I am waiting on a whole slew of phone calls to see if this is even possible for us to do. In this market, I don't know if we will be able to leave our current house.

I have unyielding faith in God, I believe he brought me there, he made this possible and he will bring us a buyer and bring us through!

So for those of you who were so kind to send me prayers and well wishes please keep it up as we enter step 2 - Operation - Make Offer!

Big Hugs!

Kerri

Dream Home

2012-02-01T13:30:00.009-05:00

Ok.

So, you know when you read stories of how folks got their dream homes in magazines? They were driving down a country lane and spotted a farm that was just what they always wanted or something to that effect.

Well here is my (would-be) story.

I live in a very nice home in a very nice development. I am truly blessed. However, my husband and I do still have a dream. We would like to one day find a home that is large enough for both of our hobbies, and our family all on a few acres of land where we can spread out maybe keep some chickens etc.

Every once in a while I give in to a dangerous weakness of looking at the local real estate listings to see how our property is doing in the market (not good by the way)

I saw this house a couple of months back and I did send the listing to my husband noting that it was a pretty place. We both kinda said "if only" and moved on from there.

Now, Last Thursday, I was driving my son home from preschool, I like it when he falls asleep while I am driving, It ensures him a good nap ;)

He was just starting to nod off as we got closer to our house, so, the idea came to me to turn down a side road I have never been down before. So I did.

As I was driving he nodded off and I thought I had better turn around as I had no idea where this road went to. I decided to turn at the next drive. (the homes were VERY spread out) Well when I got to the next drive I saw a for sale sign and got intrigued. I was totally excited when I recognized that same house! I pulled in and as it is empty, got out of the car and walked around the property and looked in the windows. I instantly felt like I was home and realized this is where I wanted to live out our life.

So I got home and called my realtor. She gave me some heartbreaking news, the sellers had accepted an offer just two days before! BUT it is contingent.

It also has a ways to go to being a "Dream Home" the HVAC units were pirated for coper as were some of the pipes and some of the electrical was vandalized. I understand the work involved but also realize that we would not be able to afford this place in any other condition. I was also fortunate enough to meet the general contractor who is was there to give a quote to the realtor how much it would cost to bring it to "livable" condition. (as there are several decor tragedies to over come too - but I can handle those ;) it's an 80's house - 'nuff said)

Even with the work needed, it is still in our affordable price range and well worth investing in.

So, over the last few months I have been putting more trust in God, realizing that he has done everything in my life because he has a plan. I truly feel that God brought me to that place to show me our dream.

So now I am hoping, and praying that the offer that is currently there does not continue to close. I am praying that God brought me there to put me in line to be there when it does. I have spoke with my agent and the listing agent and both promise to call me if something does change.

So this is where I could use your help.

I believe in the power of prayer and ask all of my praying friends to send a prayer that God brings us home. I hope that doesn't seem too selfish, and I truly appreciate all of you that will think of me during my craziness! I know I can put this here as many of you gals feel the same way about your home.

Heres hoping our new address will be 320 Lee Road!

Hugs!

Valentine's day offerings on Etsy

2012-01-26T11:39:00.004-05:00

Hello friends!

I wanted to mention I have added some new hand mades to my Etsy site!

I just finished one of my dolls, She is a sweet tribute to Valentine's Day! I gave her a little stitched heart that works well for the season but also every day. Most of her was stitched by hand and is signed and dated by me.

There are also 3 sets of Vintage Valentine tucks.

There is a link on my sidebar for my Etsy offerings, just scroll down to see them.

I have loads of other great projects in the works and a few spring patterns I am working on getting up soon.

Have a great day!

Hugs!

Freebie Friday - Cross stitched Valentines Heart

2012-01-20T09:01:00.003-05:00

Hi Friends!

As I was looking around for some new projects I came across a blogger who has some great cross stitch patterns, and she is kind enough to offer a few for free! The Primitive Hare blog has some beautifully prim charts for all your stitching needs!

I was inspired by this chart, I am going to dye some Osnaburg a deep red and stitch this in hand dyed white floss to make a cupboard tuck! I think I will cut it in the shape of a heart too. I LOVE little projects like this that you can take anywhere to keep your hands busy. I will be going to Myrtle Beach this weekend and this is what I will work on.

Click HERE to go to her freebie page and download the chart.

Have a great weekend and Happy Stitching!

Is it a real antique?

2012-01-17T10:44:00.003-05:00

Hello Friends!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I am hoping this will be a great year for both you and me! I have so many goals for this year! So many projects I am just itching to start and share. I am glad to have so many friends with me on my journey!

So today I wanted to share with you a "new" find. but first a question, if an item is made from old wood does it count as an antique? I think so! after all, it is made form period materials, and I have such great respect for people who value the materials enough to not just toss them out.

point: this awesome bowl rack!

I bought this rack from a local artisan who crafts primitive/colonial style furnishings from old dismantled period homes. He told me the wood to make this beautiful whale tale bowl rack came from a home that dates to the 1700's! So in my book that makes this rack an instant antique! And how grateful am I, that these two guys had the good sense to cherish this old wood an not to just write it off as firewood!

I love to make primitive wooden pieces and I would LOVE the opportunity to have access to old wood. No amount of distressing can compare to the real thing.

All these great old marks. They add so much character to the piece.

Check out their flicker HERE page to see other great pieces they make. If you would like to be put in contact with these wonderful artists, please don't hesitate to contact me. I would be so happy to forward their information on to you. Their work is superb and their prices are VERY reasonable.

On another note, I wanted to share a new freebie! I had someone contact me about the wool egg pin cushion I had made asking for the pattern. I realized I DID promise to post that. Well I kind of did, it is made from the fabric egg pattern already on my Freebie page. I just used felted wool to make the pin cushion and I embellished it with wool pennies and free hand stitching. I also filled it with crushed walnut shells instead of polly fill. The walnut shells can be purchased from any pet retailer, it is sold as "walnut litter" for birds. I had read the the shells help keep the pins sharp. I liked it because it is a natural filler that would have been available in the old days!

The new freebie is the image of the vintage JP Coats thread card that I printed and pinned on to the pin cushion. I just love old advertising! I hope you enjoy it!

Hope you all have a great day!

Hugs!

Partridge Pillow pattern now available

2011-12-05T12:50:00.003-05:00

Hi Friends!

I hope you are all getting in the holiday mood!

I wanted to let you all know that my Partridge Pillow pattern that was featured in the Holiday 2010 issue of Create and Decorate is now available as a pattern!

You can purchase the pattern in either traditional or PDF format by clicking on my "Patterns" page.

Also, if you would like to purchase a kit of this project, my good friend Lisa from Lone Star Mercantile has made up kits.

Her blog can be found HERE and you can contact her for pricing and ordering details.

Looking forward to an AWESOME holiday season!

Hugs!

Getting to know me A-Z

2011-10-24T17:35:00.004-04:00

I saw this on Misi's blog

I like this...fun to get know folks better so here goes:

A~ Age: 38 - I think, born in 1974 - I don't waste memory cells with trivial things like my actual age. I know I am old enough to drive, vote, drink and appreciate peace and quiet.

B~ Bed: King - Prim style four poster - I LOVE IT! One of my most favorite things

C~ Chore you hate: Uh...all of them!?! but most of all Dishes! and I have a dishwasher, so how lazy is that! There are always just more of them, whats up with that!

D~ Dog: Yep! one Rat Terrier (for those of you who are saying "What is a Rat Terrier!?! and don't worry you are not alone, I have to explain it to almost everyone) it is a dog that looks a lot like a Jack Russell Terrier but is not a Jack Russell Terrier (LOL) a bit smaller, and the ears are supposed to stand up, Rocco's undecided tho, one of his stands up and the other is flopped, he fits in good with our family! (there are pics of him on here somewhere)

E~ Essential start to my day: Contact lens solution, I have the kind you can sleep in so I have to hydrate first thing.

F~ Favorite color: Orange, it is so happy, in all shades!

G~ Gold or silver: Gold, but I wear very little jewlery

H~ Height: around 5 foot 2

I~ Instruments I play: I played the clarinet, bass clarinet and Contra-bass Clarinet from 4th grade through College

J~ Job Title: Mom, Prim crafter/pattern designer, Tupperware Party Diva

K~ Kids: 2 (so far) - Daughter age 9 and Son age 3

L~ Live in: Central North Carolina - Clayton NC to be exact

M~ Make of car: Dodge Grand Caravan (yep...I am a mini van girl, a MUST for garage sales/craigs list-ing)

N~ Nicknames: Not really, there was one guy in high school who called me "giggles" don't know why, never really thought I was much of a giggler. Oh well - oh and sometimes close friends call me Ker-Bear.

O~ Overnight hospital stay.: Yep - twice March 2002 and August 2008 - both times left with a baby. Oh and two more times when each kid had an "asthma" attack - Daughter has since outgrown hers, waiting for the little man to outgrow his.

P~ Pet Peeve: when the kids leave dirty dishes wherever they want to, that makes me nuts!

Q~ Quote from a movie: "I'm a woman, we don't say what we want! But we reserve the right to get ticked off if we don't get it. That's what makes us so fascinating! And not a little bit scary." - Lydia ( Jeanne Tripplehorn) to her lover from the movie Sliding Doors - Great flick - Check it out.
R~ Right or left handed: Right
S~ Siblings: One brother
T ~ T.V. Shows: I don't watch anything live, I am ALWAYS late and that includes turning on the tv on time, but I download shows and I am currently watching Boardwalk Empire, American Horror Story, Walking Dead, and Breaking Bad - LOVE HBO and AMC
U~ Underwear: Uh, yea...if you want to know what kind - Cotton - usually Hanes (that may be a little too much info if ya know what I mean)
V~ Vegetable you hate: hmmm...I am experimenting with some new veggies and so far the only one I really can't stand are lima beans! I mean really, who eats those, they are terrible!
W~ What makes you late? Uh...you mean I can blame something! WOO HOO! I am going to start making a list!
X~ X-rays: yea, mostly dental, but I broke my leg when I was 5 and I imagine there were x-rays associated with that.
Y- Yummy food that I make: Ohhhh! I love to cook and the family usually loves most of what I cook, but I can't keep my pumpkin ginger bread in the house more than a day or two. (see older post for recipe - it's AWESOME!)
Z~ Zoo Animals: Bears, I love em, they don't do much tho.
Well, there you have it! The A to Z of me!!
Misi's bonus question: What Scares you? Well, I am always looking out my bathroom window for Zombies when I get up to use the powder room in the middle of the night, also why I don't turn on the light, don't want to set them off! Irrational...but I look out that window every darn time. Gotta find help...Oh, and stop watching "The Walking Dead"
Thanks!

Freebie Friday - Double Free

2011-10-21T09:24:00.005-04:00

Hi Friends,

It has been a LONG time since I have done this feature but I am bringing it back with a double freebie!

The first one is for this "All Hallows Eve" Cross stitch! This is from Nan from Threadwork Primitives

I know some of you follow Nan but for those of you who don't know Nan, you MUST go check out her blog! Her work is just beautiful as you can see! She always has new prim things happening!

Click HERE for the link to the chart.

This next one I was going to save for next Friday, I saw these and just fell in love, and I know you will want to make some for Halloween.

I figured we need AT LEAST one week to make them (LOL) To illustrate my point, I found this pattern last Saturday and here it still sits! LOL

So, here we have a SUPER PRIM which sitter/ bowl filler! I need to get to the craft room cause you can bet I will have a cross stitched pillow and a which sitting in the bowl on my foyer table for THS Halloween!

This free pattern is from Victoria Lynn from Kentucky Primitives

I just love her designs!

Most of them are E-Patterns which us procrastinating types LOVE as it is perfect for the "OH NO! I HAVE A SWAP DUE IN TWO DAYS AND I TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT IT" moments.

Click HERE for the for this pattern.

So there are our get ready for Halloween free links. Now we have NO excuse to get out there and craft your Halloween Heart out!

Big Thanks to Nan and Victoria Lynn for sharing their awesome patterns with us!

Please visit these sites and remember to comment/e-mail these talented ladies to thank them for free patterns. It is because of them that the Prim community can continue their love of crafting no matter the economy!

Have a great and productive Friday!

Hugs!

misi's Tuesday Display Chain - Week 4 - Autumn at the table

2011-10-18T20:44:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends!

Boy! my family is happy today!

Misi's Tuesday Display chain this week is "Autumn at the table - A recipe prepared and shared with a fall place setting"

For the display this week I chose to share our ABSOLUTE favorite fall treat - Pumpkin Gingerbread

I like to serve this with homemade honey butter (with fresh "churned" butter, from my food processor!) and I have it here with a new favorite fall drink of ours, BUTTER BEER!

Yes, I am a muggle who loves Harry Potter and Butter Beer! It is a very simple recipe and it is so good! It can also be "jazzed" up with a little rum/whiskey for grown ups!

Bonus recipe!

Be sure to check out the other links in the chain for more great fall recipes and displays!

Enjoy the tastes of fall!

Hugs!

Some goodies I have been wanting to share and Can someone help me find a Magazine?

2011-10-15T13:13:00.006-04:00

Hi Friends!

I have some new goodies around the homestead that I have been wanting to share with all of you.

My AWESOME hubbie bought me a spoon/peg rack from our friend Carol from Firecracker Kid for my birthday and I have FINALLY got it hung!

I wanted it for my kitchen, and even thought I don't have enough wooden spoons for it, I still LOVE it! And now I have an excuse to prowl the flea markets for great early looking wood spoons!

Next, my Dad bought me this for my birthday! I have been wanting game boards of a while and I got this beauty from a seller on E-bay who lives outside of Syracuse NY (my old hometown!)

Click HERE to see their e-bay shop.

It really is beautiful! My mom brought it down when she came in August and I finally got it up! The craftsman ship is great, they make these out of re-claimed wood, so no two are exactly alike and are usually piece together so they have a great antique look to them. My mom was concerned when she brought it down, she said "you know this looks rough, and it has gaps and things" I replied YES! That is PERFECT! LOL! I know she thinks I am nuts!

I also have a backgammon board coming from the same artist. (Christmas present from my Mom, THANKS MOM!) It will go right above this one.

So those are my newbies! LOVE THEM! Thanks to all my family for helping to perpetuate my love of all things that look old and rusty!

And speaking of old, I am so distressed! I missed my opportunity to get the fall 2011 issue of "A Primitive Place"! YIKES! and there are none on e-bay. I know I can get to searching and will find one but I thought I would ask any of you prim shop ladies if you have any copies available? I REALLY need one!

E-mail me if you have one for me to buy!

Hugs for now!

Are you in the Raleigh area this weekend?

2011-10-13T21:15:00.003-04:00

If you are... Make a stop at the Little Herb House for their Fall Festival and Craft sale!

LOADS of primitive artists and other gifts. Great to get a head start on that holiday shopping!

Stop by and tell em' "Kerri sent ya!"

Hope to see you there!

Misi's Tuesday Display Chain - Week 3 - Nature in Display

2011-10-11T23:09:00.006-04:00

Hi Friends,

Another late night but I think I squeaked in!

This week in Misi's Tuesday display chain we were asked to show Leaves of plenty - Autumn Foilage, Nature in Display or Nature on Display. One thing I cannot get used to here in the south is the late foliage.

Here we are in the second week of October and there is NO fall foliage to speak of yet. Oh, don't get me wrong, North Carolina has some beautiful fall foliage, it just comes later than I am used to. So I was not able to take any pictures of our Fall foliage.

But, I did go to the pumpkin patch yesterday! I always LOVE to do that and will usually make a few pumpkin gettin' trips. This first one was with a mom's group that I joined, me and Nolan went to the patch. I was a bit surprised when I got there, the pumpkin patch that I went to last year didn't plant regular Halloween' pumpkins this year for picking, there were a few other varieties and some gourds.

I got these two beauties and placed them on my pie safe with my pheasant feathers and rosemary.

The variety is called Long Island Cheese. An Heirloom variety, that was prominently used throughout the 1800's and renowned for it's pies by people from the New York/New Jersey area. It's coloring (a mild peachy orange) and it's shape suggest a wheel of cheese - hence the name. It has a deep orange moderately sweet flesh, and a storage life of up to a year out of direct sun. So they will grace the top of my pie safe for a while, then I will process and can the pumpkin for use during the Holidays.

I really love to decorate with leaves and other natural elements this time of year, both real and quality artificial or dried goods. Here is one more of my "natural" displays on top of the cabinet in my dining room.

Some wheat in my favorite china - My Pfaltzgraff Heritage - LOVE it! Also up there, a great leaf garland, and a basket filled with beautiful red apples. I also have a pumpkin up there, but it didn't make it into the picture.

I hope you all enjoy my bits of "Nature in Display"

Thanks for stopping by and talk to you again soon.

Hugs!

Misi's Tuesday Display Chain - Week 2 - Orange & Black

2011-10-04T23:07:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends!

Here is my display for week 2 of Misi'sTuesday Display Chain October series.

This week was to choose a color combo, Black & Whie, Orange & White or Green & Black and to take a pic of one display.

Well I LOVE orange, and I LOVE black! So most of my fall (especially Halloween) decor is Orange & Black! I do like to keep it simple tho, so here is my contribution:

This is a picture of my mantle. It is kind of a bummer but our TV nook is above the mantle piece which leaves NO room for decorating, (Hubbie does not see the problem with this!!!) So I have to keep it simple and low. Black creep cloth, a putka pod garland, and my black trencher with orange cinderella pumpkin. I also have these sprigs of Orange berries that I LOVE! Just picked them up at Michaels. Go grab em while they last ladies, they are half off!!! I was looking at this today and thought it needs some crows or a candle or something...any thoughts?

So that is my contribution, not too exciting but there it is. Oh, but when I turned around I had realized that my clock re-do was all done up in black and orange too, so I threw in a bonus pic. (Hope you don't mind Misi ;) )

So until Next week!

Hugs!

Tuesday Display Chain - "Framed - In"

2011-09-27T21:29:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Boy it is amazing how fast time goes by! I have been needing to get back here and do some blogging. I have decided to help "boot" me into posting to join Misi's month long Tuesday display chain for her blog 1890 Gable House Musings

This weeks theme is "Framed In" So I got to thinking, frame....frame... Window frame? Door frame? Quilting frame? But the only things I could come up with pictures of were these: (and I am sorry about the terrible pics, I will replace them tomorrow with the same pics in better lighting)

This is my hallway, It really is a wonderful life!

Fall decor around my door frame.

My Charles Wyscoki calendar in my prim calendar frame.

One of my favorite framed prim prints. This hangs in the corner of the dining room, her brother hangs on the adjacent corner.

Probably the only "prim" souvenir one can buy at Disney World! Got them done in Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom. We are BIG Disney lovers, but I don't buy many souvenirs, to me it is just more junk, but I really like these, they remind us of our trips but still go with the decor. They even come with the frames! and you get two silhouettes with each one, one looking in either direction so you can arrange them how you like.

So I hope you like my submissions for "Framed In"

Thanks so much Misi for hosting the chain!

Big Hugs!

Kerri

Giveaway Winners!

2011-09-04T21:52:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone!

I am SERIOUSLY late in announcing the winners of my giveaway.

I really can't apologize enough for the neglect of this blog. I really have no excuse for it. Just life getting in the way.

I have SO many great things to blog about also, so I had better get busy.

So without further ado, I want to thank every one for your AWESOME comments and and all your nice words of congratulations and encouragement! I love the prim blogging community, all so friendly! (Which is why I am feeling especially bad about neglecting my blogging duties :(

Anyway, I used random number generator to choose the two winners of my giveaway and the winners are....

Jean from Prim Crafts

and

Sheri from Stitching by the White River

Congratulations Jean and Sheri! I know you will LOVE this great magazine!

Thank you again everyone! I am looking forward to a great Prim Fall 2011!

Hugs!

New Pattern Published and A GIVEAWAY!

2011-08-05T11:21:00.007-04:00

Ok,

so it has been WAY too long since I have posted, So sorry about that. I have been a busy gal.

There has been a "death" in the family. My beloved laptop has gone to that big technology box store in the sky. (so sad!) You never realize how much you depend on your computer till it's gone, needless to say I have not had access to much on my old computer as it's contents are now stored on a 4"X4" box that is not very helpful!

So, I have been making do with a loner computer but it is not the same. I will be getting a shiny new mac book soon and hope to be up to full speed again within the next couple of weeks.

But!!! I can share some exciting news!

My Starred pumpkin pattern has come out in the new Fall 2011 issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects Magazine! And, it is the first project in this issue! I am so excited! The pattern can be made up two ways, as a mat or as a pillow, finishing instructions are given for both.

There are also kits available for either one from my good friend Lisa over at Lone Star Mercantile just click this link to go to her blog and get her contact info!

Also a big thank you to the ladies over at Primitive Quilts and Projects who sent me a bunch of lovely copies of the mag!

So...can you guess what??? YES! I will be giving away TWO, yep 2 copies of the Fall 2011 issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects!

If you have not yet seen this magazine, you will love it! there are 15 NEW projects featured in this issue from designers including, me (of course), Paula Barnes, Maggie Bonanomi, Lisa Bongean, Lynne Hagmeier, Linda Hall and others!

You won't want to miss this issue! So many great Fall themed projects! Absolutely beautiful!

So here are the rules for the giveaway:

This is a giveaway for my followers, old and new, so if you want a chance, follow my blog (I promise things will get more exciting!)

Leave a comment here saying you would like to be entered.

Share this giveaway on your blog or Facebook for another chance to win, make sure you let me know you did so.

Thats it! Two winners will be drawn from all entries on August 19th.

Thanks so much and have a great day!

A Makeover

2011-07-20T21:31:00.005-04:00

Hi Friends,

WOW! What a summer!

It has been crazy around here. My computer has been sitting in parts for over a month now, I am using one of my hubbies' old ones, it works for browsing and posting but ALL my stuff is on my old computer! I got him to put all my stuff on an external drive so I can at least access my images! (Thanks hon!)

My dad came to visit me for my birthday and stayed for the week, that was fun! Kids had a great time with their papa.

My newest drama is I have been blacklisted by my neighbors for putting a blow up 3' pool in my fenced back yard for my kids. Our HOA says "no above ground pools" and apparently that includes wadding pools and temporary pools, so if you can't afford an in-ground pool, you are stuck. Needless to say we are feeling just a tad ticked off that we can't do what we want in our own yard. Frustrating. Plus now my kids are super sad that we have to take their pool away. Guess it's back to sittin' inside watching tv.

One more exciting change in my life, I am now a Tupperware consultant! I am very excited about this! I had been invited to a couple of my neighbors parties, I have NEVER been to one, I of course grew up with Tupperware and a bunch of the things they have bring back such great memories, but it is the NEW stuff that really got me going! WIth my change towards trying to eat healthier and avoiding processed foods, finding products that are AWESOME and help to prepare fresh food quickly and keep my ingredients fresh was a dream come true! But the reason I became a consultant is because it will give me the chance to help others with what I have learned about food and healthy living with STYLE! If you love Tupperware or want to learn more about their AWESOME product line feel free to check out my new other blog Healthy Living with Tupperware You can subscribe by e-mail to get up dates on my giveaways, sales and recipes!

Ok, so now on to my makeover:

I bought this clock off of Craig's List. I paid $50 for it, more than I wanted to spend, but for some reason, clocks are super expensive no matter what you are buying. But anyway, it is a nice BIG clock. it is almost 4' long! and it is also a great cupboard. I wasn't keen on the finish so.,.. MAKEOVER! It needed some minor repairs, and some of the hardware was "incorrect". But after a little sanding, wood filler, paint and distressing...here is my "new" clock!

I added this great hand made iron hook to the front so I could hang things on it, Here it is all done up with my summer patriotic stuff.

And here it is just simple. I really like how it came out, and $50 may have been a bit high for a used clock, but I LOVE it! So worth it in the end I think.

I have another makeover to share but I have to figure out how to upload pics to this foreign computer! i hope to get it up tomorrow! I am really thinking on a giveaway so stay tuned for that. I have two swaps to make things for, so I have to get those done, then giveaway time.

Hope you are all doing well! I have been trying to get around to all the blogs again, I feel so out of the loop!

Anyway, Hugs for now!

Anyone have any tallow berries?

2011-07-05T10:42:00.002-04:00

Hi Friends!
I hope you are all having a wonderful summer and had a nice Independence day!

So, I all of a sudden decided to get workin'

I have been in a creative slump, and needed to kick my butt into doing something, so I finally got around to doing some things I have been wanting to do.

I bought a clock on Craig's list that I am re-doing and will share tomorrow. I also did an interesting recycling project that I will also share tomorrow.

So, I have been wanting to make some tallow wreaths for around my house. I had actually considered planting a tree...however after researching it on the internet, I just can't do it. Guess it causes big problems and I live in an HOA neighborhood (don't get me started on that!)

I would love to get a crop of tallow branches from someone who has some...Maybe we could work out a trade? I can make you something special for a box of tallow branches? I know it is a little early, as they don't "berry" until fall, is that right? but I would love to set something up with someone.

So if you have a tallow tree or know someone who does and would like to do a swap with me, please let me know!

Well I am going back to work gotta finish up my projects to share!

Have a great day!
Hugs!

Some Patriotic prims for sale

2011-06-27T20:11:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends,

Boy what is is about summer where the time just goes by so fast?

I have missed blogging and didn't realize how much I would be away from it during these hurried months, whoever coined the phrase "lazy days of summer" must not have had children!

Anyway,

I have tried to keep up with what is going on in blogland and I want to thank you all for coming by my blog and leaving your kind comments! I have been doing some new things, and I thought I would share some of my latest creations with you.

I have these to offer to anyone who would like to give them a home:

The first is a pillow I made a whle back. It is made of 100% wool and is backed with black cotton muslin.

This is not a great pic but the background wool is a dk heather gray and the sheep has a black face and legs, you CAN actually see them but this pic is a bit dark, I will try to get a better one up here tomorrow when the light is better.

The pillow measures 16.5" X 12.5" SOLD - Thanks and Enjoy!

The next is this great patriotic Uncle Sam stump doll, he is made by me using a pattern from The Wooden Nail

He is made of painted muslin, his hair and beard are 100% wool roving. He sits about 13" tall and about 8.5" wide at the base.
He is available for $18 Shipping included

And lastly, I have two sets of these great Presidential tucks, One is George Washington with the word "Liberty" under his pic the other is Abraham Lincoln with the word "Freedom"

THey are transfered onto tea and walnut stained muslin and lightly stuffed. These have a real nice "old" look to them. Each is approx 4" X 6"

I have sets avaialble for $12 each, shipping included.

Just drop me an e-mail if you would be interested in any of these items!

I will be sharing some other great projects and I have finally got the dying floss video done, now I just have to post it, so be on the watch for that, and I think it may be time to do another giveaway! I just got to come up with something to make to giveaway.

So I will be around!

Happy Summer!

Hugs!

Friday Freebie - Americana Stars

2011-06-17T14:53:00.008-04:00

Hi friends!

BOY! I have been away for a while! I have been super busy with end of school stuff with my daughter, making swap goodies, and general blahs, I have been suffering a serious depletion of inspiration.

I am glad to say I have been feeling better and have really missed posting to you all.

Before I get to today's freebie, I wanted to share with you some great swap items I have gotten and give some BIG shout outs to the ladies who sent them.

The first was a swap I signed up hosted by Misi from 1890 Gable House Musings.

This was a secret swap, and you didn't have the same person who sent to you. I received my gifts from Madalynne her blog is Pineapple Primitives

This swaps theme was Patriotic, Garden Time and Hammock Time:

She sent me the most beautiful basket, an awesome table quilt and a GREAT BIG citronella candle for picnics and outdoor get togethers! LOVE it all!!! Thank you Madalynne! I got Misi as my "secret" partner, and she has posted the goodies I had sent her on her blog!

The next swap was another secret swap, this one was hosted by Tammy from A Primitive Place.

I received these great gifts from Tricia of Hillcrest Home Primitives.

This was an "Friendship Envelope Swap" Everything had to fit in a padded envelope. I simply LOVE all these great goodies!!! Just look at that great penny mat!!! I am a NUT for penny rugs! Also love the bonnet, have it hanging on a cupboard in my master bath, the flag is too primtastic and the little sign is so awesome! All hand painted.

THANK YOU to Tricia! Also, If you check out my sidebar, Tricia is having a surprise giveaway! She has reached 400 followers (WOO HOO!) and is doing a giveaway to celebrate! Click on her highlighted blog name to go to her blog and sign up or click on the sidebar button.

I had received Tammy as my "secret" partner, and I mailed her package out yesterday so she should get that soon!

And, I have been doing a year long swap with Char from The Pickled Pepper Patch. Our May theme was "Picnic Time" and she sent me these awesome goodies!

Kool-Aid, cause what picnic is complete with out Kool-Aid? A super cute plate with a watermelon slice and crow, a patriotic jar oil lamp, and that PRIMTASTIC plaque with the pledge of allegiance on it.

here is a closeup of the plaque, I LOVE it!!!

Thank you Char! It is such fun giving and receiving ever month! She has posted my items on her blog.

So thank you so much ladies! I have such a great time doing swaps!

And now, on to our freebie for today. I was looking for patriotic items as 4th of July is just around the corner. I found this great E-pattern download from Tennessee Ridge Primitives

An awesome patriotic make do that you can make and customize as you like it! I love the 3 star design!
You can access the free pattern HERE. This pattern is offered on her site for a short time then it will change. Don't forget to tell them how much we LOVE and appreciate free patterns!

So that is it for today, I would just like to leave you with some things I had been working on recently.

for those of you who are new to my blog, the liberty star is one of my free patterns and can be found on my "Free Stuff" page.
(so bonus Friday Freebie!)

Have a great weekend!
Hugs

Freebie Friday - American Flag Spindle Post - & "New" items for sale

2011-05-27T11:39:00.009-04:00

Happy Friday Friends!
Boy I have missed you all!

I have been away from my computer for several reasons. Last weekend I had to make a quickie trip up to NY, my baby niece and nephew got baptized!

It was a rough trip as we left Friday night, arrived early Sat morning and then left at 4pm Sunday to come home! That is 20 hours of driving in a 36 hour period!

NUTS! but worth it, it was so nice to be with the family.

I also have been battling a CRAZY cold that I am just now getting over! It had been with me for like 2 weeks! I think I had a re-flair Sunday night, may have been moving form NC allergies to NY allergies!

Anyway here I am back, and full of new inspiration! I have so many things I want to do, I am bursting!

I found this great new blog that is not necessarily prim, but it has a LOAD of great tutorials that can easily be adapted to a primitive look. Especially this great project that comes just in time for our patriotic holidays...

Check this out...

Can't you see this all primed up and bursting with tea dyed flags!!! And the best part, she said she paid a total of $12!!! INCLUDING FLAGS!!! Now you can't beat that and only an hour to make! You could have this up before dinner! Depending on how quick you can get to the home improvement store! Just drive carefully :)

Perfect for inside or outside in the garden or on the porch. I will be making me one of these, hopefully this weekend! I am out to Lowes today to see how much fence posts are!!! Click HERE to go to the tutorial page.

This great project comes from Under the table and dreaming Blog. Like I said, not a prim blog, but the projects on there are so great and so adaptable, I found loads of inspiration and have a bucket list of projects to make (in primitive style though, of course!)

Definately go check out the blog and see all the great projects.

Some others that would be great prim:

How perfectly prim is this, just needs a good distressin'

I am thinking rusty cans...and a prim colored handle... :)

Use brown paper bags or tea dyed paper to make these prim perfect, old books or sheet music would be great too! Just print sheet music off the internet and tea dye and there you go!

A perfect swap item! Who wouldn't love that in a prim jar!?!

There are recipes and other tutorials too, definitely a great blog to have on your read list!

Also, I am thinning out some of my prims and antiques, I have had the honor of owning these items long enough time to pass them on. You can see all I have for sale by clicking on my "Items for Sale" page. These items will be on my for sale page for only about a week or two, then I will be listing them on Craig's List or E-bay. If you are interested in any items just contact me by clicking on my mailbox on the sidebar.

I also have a bunch of Prim/vintage items for sale in my Etsy store, you can get there by clicking on the link on my sidebar.

That is all for today,

I hope you all have a great holiday weekend! I will be eatin' barbecue and will be wishing all of you the same bliss!

LET THE SUMMER BEGIN!

Big Hugs,

an AWESOME giveaway you need to see!

2011-05-19T08:35:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends,

Here is a great giveaway from Crow's Creek Primitives

and yep that is one of the big ones, and she is SO CLOSE to her goal of 500 followers, and once she gets there, she will be giving this baby away!

If you have not seen her blog, hop on over and see what prim loveliness she is offering up!

You can click on the direct link to the giveaway post by clicking the image on my sidebar.

Good luck, (you will need it, I will be saying some heavy prayers for this one!! LOL!!)

Big Hugs

FINALLY! I'm southern!

2011-05-18T12:04:00.006-04:00

Hi Friends!
I hope you are all well
Me....not so much, I have been battling a cold and it is kick'n my butt!

But anyway, I wanted to share some pics of my newest additions.

I moved to North Carolina from New York in the spring of 2004. So yes, I am a displaced yankee, but I must say, my family and I really enjoy living in Dixie!

Things are slower here, and there is no shortage of GREAT FOOD!!!! Com'on somebody!

Another thing revered here in the south is the front porch. We have lived in 3 different houses and 1 apt here in the 7 years we have been here and our current house has been the only one with a front porch. I truly love my home. It is very welcoming!

Here is a picture of the outside of our home. Please disregard the landscaping, I am still working on the garden and for those of you who have been following me for a while, you understand just what a challenge that is for me!

Can you see them...

a little closer...

there...now, if you look closely over the railing of the porch you will see....

YES! for 3 years I have been wanting rocking chairs for my front porch, but not just any rocking chairs, COUNTRY rocking chairs! Aren't these too awesome!

I found this set last week on Craigs list and I was SO excited to get them!!! They are a Mother's day gift from my hubby and two wonderful kids! I just LOVE them and have already spent some time sit'n and rock'n on my front porch! I just need a pitcher of lemonade (or SWEET TEA!, the house wine of the south) and I am in business. I think I am going to make a prim table and paint it with a checker board to put between the two chairs.

So now a quick question, do any of you have pillows in an "outdoor" area? I had tried to make some my first year in this house for the screen porch. I mad them out of canvas and they had grown mold spots in about 3 weeks, YUK!

Well these chairs are screaming for some pillows, but I am not sure what to do. I also want to try again on the screen porch.

So...you gotta share ladies, what fabrics do you use for your "outdoor" rooms?

One last thing, I wanted to mention that if any of you are into vintage textiles, I have listed a BUNCH from my collection on my Etsy site. You can get there by clicking my shop name under my Etsy gadget on the sidebar.

There are also some great primitive/country style items there nice and cheap! Check em out!

Hope you all have a great week!

Hugs (Achoo!)

Freebie Friday - Drying Pineapples Tutorial

2011-05-13T22:01:00.004-04:00

Hello Prim Friends!
Today's tutorial comes from fellow blogger from across the pond Lynne of A Simpler Time.

Her blog is SO GREAT! There are LOADS of great info and tutorials. She has graciously let me post about her tutorial.

Those of you who saw my previous post about my painted dresser in my dining room saw that I had decorated it with fresh pears and a pineapple. Great simple prim/colonial styling, but...fresh fruit does not last long, as we all know.

I had found Lynne's blog post just jumpin around one day and though "I HAVE TO TRY THAT!"

So since I had to buy a pineapple for a recipe I decided to give it a try.

I had tried to video my proceedure but I found out later that my video camera was acting up and didn't record much of the process.

I will share with you what I did and tips I discovered along the way

Click HERE to go directly to Lynne's tutorial.

I followed her tutorial exactly, here are some tips I discovered:

1. I set my oven at 170 degrees

2. I cut the bottom of my pineapple and used a a knife to cut the bulk of the flesh out, I then used an ice cream scoop to get the rest out. I also rinsed my pineapple when I had removed the pulp. I did leave a little bit of flesh on the pineapple, as she recommended, I did not clean it all the way to the rind.

3. When stuffing with paper towels, make sure you start by packing it well from the top down, this is going to hold the shape of your pineapple as it dries

4. I put mine in the oven rack, I didn't use a pan. I also made a little "log" out of tin foil to hold the neck of the pineapple off of the rack and give additional support to the neck (where the crown meets the pineapple)

5. I made tin foil "snakes" and worked them into the tiers of the crown to keep them from closing up as it dried

6. I changed the paper towels only once at about 3 hours, mine didn't get that moist so that worked for me.

7. Total bake time was about 10 hours, I put in in at about 12:30 and took it out for about an hour at 6-7 (had to cook dinner) and then put it back in for about 3.5 more hours. Took it out and removed paper towels, (use tongs, the towels get HOT)

8. when I removed it from the oven I put it on a cooing rack so air could get all around and inside the pineapple. I left it on the rack all day yesterday and today. It is still a little pliable, but Lynne says it will get rock hard, so I will hope for that.

It is pretty dry and looks great! Pineapples are in season now, so this project cost me a whopping $2.50.

I was skeptical on how well it would work out but am pleased with the results. Give it a try and you too will have a long lasting hospitality pineapple for your prim/colonial decorating. Would be great for Christmas!

Pic of the pineapple on the drying rack

a pic of the inside all done

here it is at home on the dresser, now I just have to order some faux pears, I found some great ones HERE

I hope you all enjoy this tutorial and if you do, go check out Lynne's blog and give her a big thanks for all the tutorials!

Hugs!

Two completed Re-do's (about time!)

2011-05-11T09:29:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends,
So I don't understand the love between a man and his garage, to us ladies, it is just another place to store great items that have not yet inspried a home. But I promised my husband to get rid of some of the treasures that are taking up space in HIS garage.

well, I have had this bread box and dresser for about a year now...I know...just takes me a while to get the courage to "just do it"

I got this bread box for $6. I loved the shape of it, reminded me of some I saw in a magazine.

I got this little colonial style chest for $5. I really wanted to paint it up and put it somewhere.

So, I decided to just start working on them and see what happened. Like many of us, I have a area in my kitchen that collects keys, cell chargers, resturant menus and coupons and loose change. Hard to make that area prim friendly, but I got the idea to do up the bread box and put all that stuff in there. Used a little wood filler to fill in the carved "Bread" words, and then just painted and primed in my usual style and here is the after pic:

It works great! And does a great job of hiding all the clutter on my counter, now if I could only come up with an idea to hid the counter top shredder!!!

Now for the dresser, I got it just cause it was so cheap and I really liked the old style of it. I had NO idea where I would put it or what I would use it for.

After I got the hutch in the dining room, I realized that I have all my table linens all over the place, Napkins stuffed in a bowl in the hutch, table cloths hanging in the coat closet. So I got the idea that I would finish this up and put it in the dining room and use it for linens and other misc. dining stuff.

I really wanted to hand paint a design on it like as seen HERE you MUST check out this mans work! It is truly wonderful!

It was funny, I was admiring a chest in the May 2007 issue of Country Sampler, there is a GORGEOUS home in there starting on page 10. The article and photos is called "Spirit of Simplicity" on page 14 there is a photo of an awesome chest that inspired me to want to get a dresser to paint in the first place and I was so surprised to find that chest on Adam's web page! It is one of his pieces!

I filled some of the old hardware holes with wood filler, the original brass hardware was missing some pulls and was a little too 70's for me, but I only filled in one hole of the old 2 hole hardware mounts in case I ever decide to invest in some nice reproduction brass hardware, I didn't want extra holes, easy to open the filled holes from the inside of the drawer. Sanded the whole thing down, painted it flat black then I tried to paint the dresser, using Adam's style, but It didn't work out, so I cleaned it off and decided to try stenciling it for now. So, that is what I did! I cut some colonial style stencils on my cricut and stenciled it with Americana acrylic paint in "Yellow Ochre" After stenciling, I distressed in my usual way, stained it and added a coat of hand rub polly.

Maybe someday I will have someone paint it all primitive for me, but for now, here it is in my dining room:

Not exactly what I wanted initially, but I think it works well for now and it is awesome to have more storage. I love the pineapple on top too, I am going to try drying it and if it works well I think I will share the technique this Friday for Freebie Friday!

Hope you all have an inspired prim day!

Hugs!

Newest pattern in this month's Create and Decorate

2011-05-10T09:16:00.003-04:00

Hello Friends!

I hope you all had a great weekend and hope all you moms had a great Mother's Day!

I wanted to share my newest pattern:

It is called "Waiting for Spring" it is a cotton pieced mini quilt accented with wool applique, and can be whipped up in just a day or two!

You will find this pattern on page 88 of the June 2011 Create and Decorate Magazine available on newsstands now. Please let me know if you make it, I would LOVE to see your version!

Hope you all have a great day!

Hugs!
Kerri

2nd Make over hutch done! and THANK YOU CHAR!

2011-05-03T18:11:00.003-04:00

Happy Tuesday Friends!

So, last night I was able to move the black hutch into the dining room and it looks great!

It took allot of work, and man am I tired but I think it was well worth it.

Here are the before pics again

Yea, it doesn't look that bad in the pic, that is what I thought too when I went to buy it. But in person, you could see that it had been spray painted (badly) over a red over black finish. Not too bad but I am not fond of red over black, or black over red for that matter. So I just stripped it completely down to the original wood.

Then I painted it flat black (reg latex paint from good ol' Walmart) two coats. Then sanded and distressed and coated with the Minwax "English Chestnut" stain. Once all dry, I gave it a rub down with Minwax Hand Rub polyurethane finish (great product!)

Here she is all done and dressed with my collection of Pfaltzgraff Heritage china

I really love it! it fits the area perfectly, just big enough to hold all my china. It will look PERFECT when the dining room is finished some day, I will use the same paint to paint the windsor chairs black and will have a great prim table stained the same tone as the interior and top of the hutch. OHHH I get goosebumps thinking how great it will look!

I also got my April Sister Swap package from Char of The Pickled Pepper Patch Blog.

She made this supper cute flower arrangement in a prim drawer, sent me a bunch of her AWESOME Black raspberry/vanilla soy melts, which by the way are TOO delicious to describe! These are the second scent Char has sent me and if you love melting tarts you need to check hers out! They are the best ones I have ever used! Very potent without being overpowering.

She also included a nifty pair of garden gloves and two solar garden lights.

I forgot to take a pic of the whole package I sent her, but here is the prim I made for her:

It took the whole month for me to get the inspiration to make this, but I am real happy with the way it turned out. I may have to make a few more of them! I also sent her a candle and some chocolates.

This swap has been so much fun! Little presents every month, what could be better than that!

On another note, I was debating selling the mustard hutch, but I think I have decided to keep it and re-paint it with exterior paint to keep on the porch (more refinishing, sigh) I think I will paint it a nice primitive teal. I like the mustard, but am not LOVING it. I think I like surrounding myself with cool colors, at least that is where I have been headed lately.

Anyway, I hope you all have a great week! I will be back with more stuff later!

Hugs!

One re-do down, and I need some advice about porches

2011-05-02T09:14:00.005-04:00

Hi Friends!

I hope you all had a great weekend!

I am stalking my front door today, my package from Char for the Secret Sister Swap is coming today!!!

Can't wait!

This weekend I spent time finishing up some projects, I got the blue hutch all redone and in place. The black one I will be finishing up today and will place later tonight.

So here is the blue hutch before:

Under that THICK coat of blue texture paint was the "original" distressed green over black finish, not a fan of green so I stripped it down to bare wood, or mostly bare, I left a little of the black - even where I was going to stain it. I had never tried this before but thought the little bits of black under the stain would give a nice aging effect, and it did!

So here is the hutch stripped (along with another dresser I am working on, more on that later)

Once all stripped, I painted the outside a nice gray/blue shade, two coats, then sanded it, then coated the whole thing with stain, tried a new color - Minwax "English Chestnut" not quite as dark as "Dark Walnut" but still real nice.

Now, I did replace the backs, as I didn't want to try to strip bead board and I really wanted to keep the inside stained, so figured it best to start fresh there. I replaced the hinges as they were VERY gummed up with paint, chose outside mount colonial style hinges, also replaced the shiny metal knobs with wood knobs and.....

Here she is! All comfy in my kitchen eat in area, it is smaller than I had expected so it will mainly just serve as a decorative piece. which is fine, just wanted something here and everything else I put there was a little too big and took up too much room from the table area. I really like it!

Now, I need some help.

My mustard hutch has been displaced, I tried it in the kitchen, too big. I then tried it in the dining room, too small.

So that is why I got these other two I am re-doing, but I really like the mustard hutch and the only place I have to put it is here...

Yes...this is my screen porch off the back of my house. I love this area, but it is not decorated AT ALL! And I have been trying to find things to put out here. Once the mustard hutch didn't work inside, I began to dream of putting it here.

BUT

I don't know how good an idea this is. I have seen dozens of Country Sampler porches with loads of wood furniture on them. both open and closed porches. I know in "magazine land" it never rains and UV rays don't exist. But for the rest of us in the real world, I don't know what to make of it.

So here is my question, This hutch has been painted with plan ol' latex paint and then was sanded and coated with stain.

As you can see from the photo, it is placed in the corner of the porch, against the house. the other "walls" are screen as you can see.

So do any of you awesome ladies have any furniture on your porches? and if so, what do you do to it? Should I just coat it with some outdoor polly? I REALLY would love to keep this here, it is a great place to store marshmallow forks and citronella candles and gives some more space for putting food for entertaining. Help me out girls! How do you decorate your porch with wood furniture?

Looking forward to hearing anything you have to offer - Help me ObiWan!

Hugs!

Freebie Friday - Prim Rabbits

2011-04-29T21:00:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends,

First off,
Again... I am so sorry I have not been here in a week and have not gotten to the things promised :(

Unfortunately our home has been attacked by a stomach virus that is SLOWLY working through all of us and has caused some setbacks (yuck!)

Anyway, things are turning back to normal now and I have been getting back to work.

I did get my April swap package out to Char for our "Secret Sister Swap" that for her and I are not too secret ;), so she should be getting that soon. I had trouble with this months package as it was "garden" theme and I was stumped as to what to make, but inspiration struck at the last moment and I just made it under the deadline! I will share the package later once I am sure she gets it!

and between sickness and TERRIBLE weather, I have not gotten the hutches done yet, however I am hoping to have them finished and in place by the end of the weekend so, look for those soon!

Also, I want to take a moment to express to the families affected by the terrible weather that has hit our country the last few weeks, I can't imagine the hardships that are with you now. I pray for all the victims and their families for a quick resolution to all this and for their lives to find some normalcy soon.

We were very fortunate to have avoided any danger, although I was in downtown Raleigh when the tornadoes hit there, in a movie theater with my family. Luckily we missed danger by a few blocks, but I got to see first hand what mother nature is capable of as we tried to make our way out of Raleigh back home. I got to talk to a few folks standing in the streets and everyone I spoke to was well and had all their family members accounted for. I know that there are others who were not as lucky.

May God watch over all of you and help you as you rebuild your lives.

and so now on to this weeks freebie. A little late for Easter, but rabbits are always great to have around, so here is the link

Click HERE to go to the link page. You will have to scroll down to find the pattern and click on the word "download".

This awesome freebie was designed by Susan Dean of Threadbare Primitives

As always make sure you tell these sites how much we appreciate their freebies and please remember to respect the artists at all time and follow all copyright info!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Hugs!

Freebie Friday - Spring Fever Bird Nodders

2011-04-22T15:33:00.002-04:00

Afternoon Friends,

I hope all of you are having a good start to your Easter weekend.

Ours is a bit wet here, which is kind of a bummer, we were supposed to go to a baseball game tonight to see my DH launch his first fireworks display as an assistant, but it got rained out :(

Oh well... More crafting to do!

and on that note, here is this weeks Friday Freebie

LOVE these birds!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO PATTERN PAGE

And this is brought to you by Denise at Sassafras Hill

Please go to her website and see all that she has to offer, she has other freebies on her site for your use. If you get a chance, drop her a note telling her how much we LOVE freebies!

Have a great weekend!

Hugs!

I won this beautiful punch needle from Rugs and Pugs

2011-04-22T10:51:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends,
I wanted to give a BIG THANKS to Lauren Fuqua from Rugs and Pugs Blog

It is just too beautiful! I absolutely love it, the workmanship is so fine and she finished it so nicely! Definitely stop by her blog to see all awesome hand made prims.

Thanks Lauren for the great giveaway!

Hugs

Spring Giveaway Winner!

2011-04-18T09:47:00.003-04:00

Hello my friends!

I hope you all had a great weekend!

I am so sorry I didn't post this yesterday! I felt a little "off" if you know what I mean, after the birthday party we went out to a chinese buffet and I think I had something that didn't agree.

Anyway... I did draw the winner of my spring rabbit giveaway and the winner is...

Maureen! Who's kind comment was:

"Congrats on one year. Yes the time sure does fly. I am a happy folower of your blog. I live in the U.S. And I would love your darling Basil to come live with me at my house. I promise to spoil him rotten!!!!!! LOL So please enter me in this awesome giveaway. Thank you for sharing......
HUGS
Maureen"

So Congrats to Maureen!!!

And thank you to everyone who entered! I am so blessed to have so many blog friends to share my prim adventures with!

I will be busy finishing re-do's this week so stop in and check out some of the progress!

Also...I will be doing the video tutorial for the floss dying technique THIS WEEK so look for that and I will be back on Friday with a new freebie!

Big Hugs!

Hi my name is Kerri & I am an addict!

2011-04-17T10:51:00.003-04:00

OF CRAIGS LIST!!!

Hi Friends,

Well...I did it again, I went on Craig's list, "just browsing" and look at what I found!

I got both of these babies from the same seller for a total of $250!

I actually don't consider them a "purchase", more of a "rescue"

The big black one I thought looked great as it, until I found out she had SPRAY PAINTED it (and not very well, or completely, one whole side is still red with black painted "graffiti" streaks on it! obviously ran out of paint and just left it) so I am having to do a little work on it, not TOO BAD though as she did paint it black, so I can work with it.

The little blue one has a real heavy coat of some kind of textured paint on it and METAL KNOBS!!! so it will need a little more TLC, and a whole lot of ELBO GREESE as I will have to strip it and add wood knobs.

But... The black one will be PERFECT in my dining room, I will be keeping it black but will do a better finishing job on it and the little one I think will still be blue, only I will have to strip off the coat of whatever is on it and re-paint it, but it will be so perfect for my small eat in area, in the kitchen.

I have to give a shout out to my AWESOME husband for allowing me to purchase these rescues, he is starting to understand my "disease" and is so supportive of my crazy endeavors!

You are the best babe, THANK YOU!

So, stay tuned to see the exciting transformation! I am hoping to have both hutches done by the end of this week.

And I have not forgot about the giveaway!

I am off to a birthday party and when I get home, I will draw and post the name of the winner!

BIg Hugs!

Scavenger Hunt - Week four - the end

2011-04-14T15:58:00.002-04:00

Hello Firends!

This week is the last week of participating inMisi's scavenger hunt.

This last list included just two things: Flowers and Fur babies.

So without further adieu, here are my offerings:

This little flower is the only one growing in my garden right now. There is a little story behind this guy. He likes me ;)

I am a TERRIBLE gardner, I LOVE flowers and the idea of gardens but I am terrible at it. In fact I have acutally seen plants scoot to the back of the pallet when I walk through the garden dept looking for new victims, eerr... I mean plants.

So, 2 years ago, I purchased 4 of these guys, two purple and two orange.

They were so beautiful, I LOVED them, and they looked great...for about a month then they died (no one here was supprised). So I just wrote them off and said better luck next time (as plants everywhere shuddered)

Anyway, last spring this guy peeked up, I thought he was a weed at first and since I am so prompt at removing weeds (LOL)
I was super suprised to see that it was my flower that had come back!

Well I watered it and took care of it and, again, it died off before summer. :(

So, again, this year, here he is. Determined little guy, hu? and again I thought he was a weed, and agin, I didn't pull it promptly so he is back, and (for the moment) thriving. We shall see how long he holds out this year. ;)

AND>>>

This is my fur baby, Rocco. He is a 6 year old rat terrier. We love him to bits! GREAT dog!

So...I hope these will do, as you can see, they are not taken from my regular place, I couldn't get the dog to sit on the dresser (just kidding) And, the only flowers I have in the house are fake, so... there you go!

I want to send a big THANK YOU out to Misi thanking her for hosting this super fun adventure! It really was a lot of fun collecting the items and displaying them.

Another big THANK YOU to all the ladies that participated, I did go and look at all of your displays and I tried to comment at least once, I wish you all GOOD LUCK in the giveaway drawing!

Until next time!

Prim Blessin's

New goodies and a Thank You!

2011-04-11T10:51:00.006-04:00

Good Morning Friends,

First I would like to say thank you to all of you who have entered my giveaway!

I want you know that I read EVERY comment that comes in and I REALLY appreciate what you all have to say. Everyone has been so sweet wishing me well! And I am so honored that so many of you have found my blog helpful and fun!

I truly do love blogging and have such a great time visiting all of your blogs too! I don't always comment, but I try to stop by and see what is going on.

So...now on to some fun stuff. I took a little trip over to the Raleigh Flea Market this weekend. I think our Flea Market is one of my favorite parts about living here! It is such a cool place to go. It is like one huge garage sale/antique market every weekend! This weekend was particularly great, there were so many great vendors out and SO MUCH STUFF!!! I saw so many things I wanted but I was only able to buy a little :(

I found LOADS of yellow ware bowls, and I have been really wanting some but I didn't buy any. I don't know why but I really like to get lots of inexpensive things rather than a few more pricey things. Makes me happy to leave with a "load" LOL!

Anyway...here is the "load" I got this weekend:

I did splurge on a new crock. I absolutely loved it! but the rest was rather reasonable.

There is a booth there that sells Park Designs textiles SUPER CHEAP! Always love stopping there and it must have been my lucky day cause they had both the Lovers knot fabric basket AND a SUPER AWESOME Ticking runner!!! Both only $3 each!

Also got some zinc lid jars, wire egg basket, little rusted pail with lid, a bobbin, a real neat basket, pantry cake/pudding mold (actually got this at our Girl Scout garage sale)

I also picked me up a copy of the new Primitive Quilts and Projects Magazine, and some wools and fabrics from my friend Lisa's booth, she always has the greatest stuff. Her blog can be found HERE.

Overall, a real fun day at the flea market! Even with the two kids in tow (literally, I brought them around with me in our wagon!)

If you live in the Raleigh area or ever come here to visit, other than letting me know you are here ;) you should check it out! Always good stuff to be found! Someday I will have to bring my camera and get some pics of what is over there to share.

I will be working on some new patterns this week for upcoming magazines so I will be busy.

I will also be posting my final part of Misi's scavenger hunt - this last challenge was "Flowers and Fur Babies" (fheww, got both!)

Hugs!

Look what I won!

2011-04-09T17:09:00.004-04:00

Hello Friends!
I hope you are all having a great weekend!

We had some storms come through here in central NC and with it came a chilly snap (not that I can complain, I know a few of you are still FREEZING!) It was nice here last week, gettin up to 80 at one point, but today was crummy, cloudy and chilly!

But....looking forward to tomorrow! Sunny and high of 80 again! So WOO HOO!

Anyway, I entered the To Dwell in Primitive Times (TDIPT) giveaway a couple of weeks back and I WON SOMETHING!

I want to give a BIG shout out to Nancy of Moon Pie Primitives for donating her BEAUTIFUL pin keep that I won!

I gotta tell ya, this pin-keep was the main reason I entered this giveaway, I mean, all the prizes were AWESOME, but I REALLY LOVED this pin-keep (com'on it has a RABBIT on it!!!) So... I was SUPER EXCITED to find out that I had won it!

It is TOO beautiful! It is a double decker pin-keep with an awesome velveteen strawberry on the side. It also has a bit of sweet annie with it which makes it totally perfect! It totally makes me smile!

If you have never been to Nancy's blog, you MUST go take a peek! She is so very talented and makes such beautiful handmade goodies! Just click on her blog name above to be linked over there.

and Nancy...if you see this...THANK YOU SO MUCH! I treasure this pin-keep and always will!

Also, how do you like my spiffy Craig's List lamp? I saw it and thought it was just too cool! I love the pewter look to it, but something has to be done about the shade...it is...um...not good, real old and kinda gross, but I left it there for now until I decide what to do with it. I may just take it off and leave the glass globe, but the one on there is kinda "modern" looking so I will have to wait to replace it with a more traditional one. Anyway, I like it and I think it will fit in nicely once gussied up a bit.

Hugs!

Freebie Friday - Fabric Egg Pattern

2011-04-08T14:45:00.001-04:00

Hi Friends...

I had gotten a request to post the pattern for my fabric egg, So that is this weeks freebie!

Here are some things you can make with this pattern:

Straight fabric eggs, two different fabrics sewn alternately with decorative feather stitching on seams. But...why stop there, try using all different fabrics or all the same fabrics...whatever you like!

Wool Pincushion made with brown and blue wools, decorative wool applique pennies, feather stitching on seams, embroidery and an old thread tag, filled with crushed walnut shells and topped off with buttons.

By the way, you get crushed walnut shells from your local PetsMart or other pet shop, it is sold as bird bedding/litter. Makes great weighted pin cushions, and I read somewhere (though I couldn't tell you where) that the walnut shells are great for keeping your pins and needles rust free and sharp.

And here is my most recent project with this pattern:

For this project I used a freebie from Primitive Betty's Blog to make the cross stitched design on Onsaburg, then, I made a copy of the egg pattern out of clear template plastic so I could center the egg portion over my stitched design before cutting, and then just sewed and finished it as directed on the pattern.

So, I hope you have fun with this egg pattern, you can find it on my "Free Stuff" page.

I hope you all have an inspired weekend

ENJOY!

1890 Gable House Scavenger Hunt - Week 4

2011-04-06T11:13:00.008-04:00

Hi Friends,

For those of you following along, I have been participating in Misi's - 1890 Gable House Blog Spring Scavenger Hunt.

This weeks hunt was real interesting! There was a shopping list OR a prim list.

Well, as it would have it, I had stuff from both list, and as I haven't had many of the other items I am placing both lists qualifying items if not only to make myself feel good that I had some of both! ;)

Here are the lists:
Shopping list was (had to have two of these)

Bath & Body Work's - Gentle Foaming Hand Soap ~ "Warm Vanilla Sugar
Bath & Body Work's - Midnight Pomegranate Lotion
Bath & Body Work's - Orange Sapphire Lotion
Ulta Beauty's - 3 in 1 Shower Smoothies ~ Pink Champagne-or-Key Lime-or-Tangerine Dreams
Sephora's- Body Butter
Bed Head's - Hair Spray
John Frieda's - Shampoo
One Source's - Gummi Bear Multi Vitamins or any vitamins
Sally Hansen's - Diamond strength Nail Polish
Any CST,Big Bar Moisturizing Soap- Eucalyptus & Aloe, or Bergamot & Mint, or Tea Tree & Lavender, or Clay & Ginseng

I was bummed! I have the Orange Sapphire SOAP and the Warm Vanilla Sugar LOTION! Doh!

and then: (had to have one of these)

A Half Eaten Pizza
The movie ~ Chevy Chase*Christmas Vacation
Polo Blue Cologne
A Bottle of True Blood --(ok that's mine...missing my Mr Bill Compton :0)

and the prim list: (had to have 4 of these)

Ruby Slippers/shoes
Wooden Shoes
Biscotti
A christening gown
A dried apple gourd
A heart Pantry cake

So now here are my offerings:

So, lets see, got the gummy bear vitamins, the Sally Hansen Diamond Nail Polish (in "Forever Lilac", Love that!), and the DVD of Christmas Vacation a total FAVORITE of ours!!! WE LOVE THAT MOVIE, I thought my husband had a bottle of True Blood, but I think he had it at work and they drank it to see what it tasted like, YUK! Anyway, LOVE that show, and shame on you HBO for making us wait SO LONG!

So Misi, Looks like we have the same awesome taste in movies/shows! Half eaten Pizza... I read your list just a few hours short of having that pic ;)

And the primitive items, Ruby shoes!?! CHECK! One pair is mine, from my SENIOR PROM!!! LOVED those shoes! (and by the way, no, they don't fit anymore ;( ... but I will NEVER get rid of them! They were the most expensive shoes I ever bought especially considering how long I would have worn them, but I HAD to have them, in fact, I picked them out BEFORE I picked out my dress AND they cost more!!!

The other pair were my daughters, she LOVED hers too, and wore them with the Dorothy costume I made for her a few years back. (sigh...memories)

The christening gown was mine, still in great shape.

Biscotti, I have this packaged one from Be-bop Biscotti, from a Christmas gift basket. English Toffee flavor (Yum! Think I will be makin' me some coffee!)

Heart pantry cake, I still have a few of those left (in case anyone is interested ;) )

So thats it! Here are a few pretty pics to end my post. Thanks Misi! Looking forward to the last few items!

Hugs!

My 1st Blog-aversary! & MY GIVEAWAY!

2011-04-04T10:51:00.006-04:00

Hello friends,
Well, today, The Calico Rabbit blog turns one!

I was looking over all my old posts and I am amazed how different things are in just one year!

Blogger is such a blessing to me, I am having a great time blogging, and have met so many great, kind and talented people!

I would like to thank all of you for following me, it means SO much to me to know there are folks who are actually interested in what I have to say! LOL!

I have been super busy lately, trying to get things done around my house, spring cleaning, "Big Boy" bedroom makeover, Tween (girl, eyes rolling) bedroom hoe out, and other such things.

I have not had a whole lot of time for "prim-ing", But I have been wanting to do a giveaway for Spring and my blog-aversary.

So......First....thank you so much for being patient with me, as I have been promising a giveaway for some time now, and now...my Spring/Blog-aversary giveaway...

This giveaway will contain, my interpretaion of Basil the Bunny, pattern by Wendy of Ravenwood Whimzies, and a bunch of 3 primitive carrots tied with a nice old piece of string.

Ok, so now, what do you need to do for a chance to win...

This giveaway is for my US followers only, both current or new, so just follow my blog.

Make a comment on this post telling me you want a chance to win, and if you do not have a blog of your own, remember to include your e-mail address so I can reach you!

If you like, you can share this on your blog and I will sign you up for another chance for being such a good friend!

So thats it! Real simple, I just wanted to thank all my followers!

This giveaway starts today and ends April 16th.

I will draw and post the winner on April 17th and will mail the gift out Monday the 18th via priority mail, so the winner should have the package by Easter.

Thank you again for following my blog and GOOD LUCK!

Scavenger Hunt - Week three

2011-03-30T12:16:00.007-04:00

Hi friends!

Boy! It has been a crazy few days here! So I apologize for not posting over the last few days. Hubbie injured his neck and has been having a time of it. He has not been able to move! My 2 year old has a cold and he is CRANKY when he is sick. I also have been consumed trying to find a bed for my son, so I can get him out of my bed! Well I found him one and am going to go get it today! WOO HOO!

But...I digress...

I actually had 4 of the items on the list this week! I really hate doing bare minimum, so I am going to try real hard to find the other things too! I have a friend I am going to call, I think she has the maple syrup sign.

But here was this weeks list:
An old tin funnel
A stool with a hooked/rug cover
A cigar mold
A silhouette box
A crow on a stick
A Putz (or style) sheep
An old Pure maple syrup sign or tin

And here are my offerings so far:

Cigar mold, I have two. :)

I also have a wooly sheep, not Putz :( but still real cute.

I have a crow on an old spindle, Misi is having fun having me dive into my seasonal boxes.

and My silhouette box, I got this from E-bay a while back. It holds our chess pieces.

And here is a pretty pic of my lamb

So that is what I have so far...I hope to find more things before the week is over.

If you get a chance hop on over to Misi's Blog to see what everyone else has posted and to check out her cool blog.

She has just posted the most awesome tutorial! Go check it out!

Well I am off to pick up my son's bed! It is POURING rain here today, so this should be fun...sigh.

Blessings everyone!

A primitive place magazine - New Blog & A Giveaway

2011-03-27T23:52:00.003-04:00

A Primitive Place magazine is a new publication dedicated to primitive country decorating and crafts.

To celebrate their new blog, A Primitive Place Magazine is having a giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive this beautiful reproduction tobacco basket!

Click HERE to go to the link for the giveaway.

You have until March 30th to enter, so hop on over to their new blog and check out the doings! Also, if you are unfamiliar with their magazine, do yourself a favor and pick one up from you favorite purveyor of primitive goods...you won't be disappointed.

Good luck!

Freebie Friday - one day late

2011-03-26T10:22:00.005-04:00

Happy Saturday Friends!

Well as you can see from my title, I want to start a new themed post, Called "Freebie Friday" I would like to make it a weekly post, but I will not promise that cause as we all know, sometimes promises are REAL hard to keep ;)

But I do promise to try to do it frequently!

I would have posted this yesterday but it came to me at about 12:30 AM this morning as I was trekking around the internet, just chain surfing... you know, you go to one site which inspires thought to check something else out, which leads to clicking on this link.... you get the idea. And I came across all sorts of great free tutorials and free patterns and stuff.

There are a TON of talented crafts folks on the internet who want to share their crafts and talents with US!!!

Well...I love to pass on great info, and spread the word on great and generous designers, so in that spirit here is a link to a great freebie for this time of year!

It is called "Star filled night" and is designed by Kristy Campion

The free pattern is being offered by our friends of Homespun magazine, you can click HERE to go directly to the project instructions.

I think this little punchneedle will lend itself nicely to a primitive pallet, the flosses used for the directions are for DMC standard floss, so this may be a great chance to try the over-dying technique I had posted to get some really great custom dyed flosses!

Which reminds me...I will be doing a video tutorial for that either today or tomorrow and will get it up here ASAP

I hope you all have a great weekend and I look forward to sharing more great free crafts in the future!

Hugs!

Tutorial you have to try - how to over dye cotton floss

2011-03-23T17:39:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends!
hmmmm.... where to start this story....

Well, I am kind of a craft snob. I like certain things and I usually don't deviate. Usually premium things...like...hand dyed floss.

I LOVE hand dyed floss and am just not happy if I use regular old floss. I do have some regular DMC in my box, but I ALWAYS pass on it for the more interesting hand dyed flosses.

So...now...the other day, while blog hopping, I came across this great tutorial by Primitives by the light of the moon"How I over dye cotton floss"

Go ahead...check it out...I will wait (cue elevator music)

Ok, so now that you saw that...I too was intrigued.

I have been collecting colors of RIT dye in a variety of colors, as I like to have some on hand to over-dye wool or cottons or trims. So I thought what the heck, I am not going to use those flosses, and have nothing to loose, why not give it a try?

Well I had a heck of a good time, and here is what I started with (this is only a small sample, obviously you can see form my finished supply, I used way more skeins than this, but there were several duplicates so this represents most of the colors I had when I started)

Generally, not bad colors, prim and all that, but just plain and not very interesting.

But...this is what I ended up with...

OOOOH AHHHHHH! So Awesome! (you can click on the image to get in close and see all the great variation in the colors)

Ok, so now before you scoff and think I am some kind of dying genius... this is THE FIRST time I have tried this. THATS RIGHT! and I KNOW you could do this to! There is no special technique and there are only a few things to know, (most of which I discovered during this experiment)

Here are my steps with a few photos.

What you need:
RIT dyes in whatever colors you want (if you want to start a stash like me, just take your Joann's, Michaels, and AC Moore coupons with you, and a check list to make sure you don't double buy colors ;) and when you are around those stores, run in and grab a color, before long you will have a stash of dyes!) and if you are curious, the colors I used are
Dark Brown, Black, Tan, Dark Green, Golden Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Tangerine, Sunshine Orange, Scarlet, Wine, Navy Blue, Denim Blue

Some floss (any floss will do, color dosen't matter, you are going to change it anyway!)

Salt (any table salt will do)

Water

Some dye proof containers, or containers you don't care about, mugs work great!

Little plastic droppers are helpful (You can get these at the craft store, just ask someone to point you in the right direction)

Paper towels

Please remember to protect your work surface and your clothes!

so before we start, here are the tips for success:

1. Dark floss will yield a subtle color variance. Light colors, the variance will be entirely up to you!

2. This does take some time, but it is a HECK of allot of fun!

3. There are no mistakes, if you don't like your result, go ahead and put it aside to re-dye, yep, you can do that!

4. Before you decide you don't like it, let it dry. Your floss will look VERY different once it is dry.

5. If you are starting with floss colors you totally hate and don't want to mess with, try soaking it in some bleach/water solution to remove most of the color, then just treat it like one of the lighter shade colors. Bleach will work, but it will take a little time, so keep an eye on soaking floss.

6. When mixing dyes to get desired colors, start with the lighter color first then add the darker color a little at a time until desired color is reached (the dropper comes in VERY HANDY for this)

7. Keep your "dye pots" hot. Turn your pot of water back on from time to time to keep the water hot, and I just microwaved the "staple" pots to keep them hot.

So now that we got through that, here are my steps for making hand dyed floss:

Here is my work station:

I have all my dyes available, paper towels down to work on, little plastic droppers ready and a small glass measuring cup I will use to mix my current color. What you don't see is the pot of water boiling on the stove. I brought a pot of reg tap water to a boil, added some salt and it is ready. (one thing about me, I don't measure, sorry, there are about 10 cups of water in the pot and I added probably about a half cup of salt (morton's coarse Kosher salt, it's what I got) That seemed to work fine.

You will notice these three mugs in the background:

These three mugs hold my "staples" one has Tan, one has Brown and the other has black. These do not change, I keep them constant. The mugs have about a cup of water and about a teaspoon of salt each, microwaved until hot then added about a tablespoon of dye to each one.

This is what I do for my colors, I put about a half cup of the hot water from the pot on the stove into the glass measuring cup, and then mix the dye color anyway I like.

RIT has a great color chart with recipes on their website, to use as a guideline (Please note this is just a GUIDELINE, I believe the colors achieved were on Nylon, but it gives a good idea of what colors to mix to get similar shades.)

Click HERE to go directly to that color guide.

Now I get my flosses, I take all the paper rings off, then I decide if I want the whole thing to change or just part of it. If you want to keep some of the remaining color, simply tie the floss in a knot (It does not have to be real tight) this will act as a resist for the dye, kind of like tie dying.

I did this for some, especially the dark colors, as I hit most of them with just the tan, brown and black to make deeper shades.

Some of the lighter ones, I would dye a light color first then over dye with darker colors later.

Here are some more pics of my process:

This pic is showing how I knotted the flosses, just take the pater tags off and tie a knot.

This pic shows how the dropper can be very handy, I just "draw" the dye on the floss

You only need to let the dye stay on your floss for a little bit, usually less than a minute, depending on what you are trying to achieve. When it is dyed to your liking just take it to your sink and run it under cold water ring it out, then rinse in hot, then cold again, then ring one final time and put it out to dry.

Here are my flosses drying on the rack.

After they have dried, I unraveled them (please don't try this wet! it is much harder!) Then I used the distance from my hand, down around my elbow to wrap them back up.

And here is the pic again of my finished products:

I know there is not allot of direction here, but the idea is just take your single color flosses and add additional colors to get a varied look.

Some combinations I used were:

Ecru floss, dip in green then over dye with blues (start with a week blue solution then add more blue dye to make a deeper shade0

Lt. Tan floss, tie in a knot, just before the knot on each side, use brown, then over dye the two ends with black.

Dk. Cranberry floss, same process as above. (actually this process with the brown and black works well with ANY dark color)

Ecru floss dyed lt yellow, then tie in a knot, dip in tan for a few seconds, then over dye with deep orange on the ends.

You get the idea, just use your dies like paints!

having the pot of water on the stove makes changing colors quick, just dump the one you currently have and make a new one.

Your dies will go a long way, I used about 1/2 tsp of the colors per 1/2 cup water, like I said, I don't really measure, I just poured a little in the water then just stir.

I ended up with 41 hand dyed flosses with just these 12 colors (they are about $4 reg price without coupon and I only got them with coupons so at 40% off that comes to about $28 in dye. I don't know how much I paid for the floss cause I have had it for so long, but it is more than likely left over from 4/$100 sales. The Valdani floss I get is $2.50 each so I think the math comes out in my favor. (No offense to Valdani floss! I still love you and will still buy some!!!)

I had SO MUCH FUN doing this, and I LOVE my results, I don't think this will replace me buying hand dyed flosses from shops, but this is sure a great way to build my stash. And now, I WILL use those flosses that I wouldn't before. I also will be on the lookout for super cheap floss, like at garage sales or thrift stores.

I will just have to choose my threads wisely, to make sure I have enough to finish a project. Or I will have to start measuring and keeping a journal to repeat results ;)

I hope you find this helpful. Big thanks to Ginger of Primitives by the light of the Moon for the inspiration!

She also has a great suggestion on how to separate a whole skien of floss at one time for 3 strand punch needle. You can access that link HERE

I may have to do a video tutorial on this, so if you are interested in that, let me know, I will need motivation to break out the video camera ;)

Have fun creating!

Hugs,

Tuesday Display Chain - Recently Acquired

2011-03-22T10:45:00.008-04:00

Hi all!

Another Tuesday, another display chain hosted by Misi from 1890 Gable House

This weeks theme: Recently Acquired

Well, I have not really acquired anything of note, but I have picked up a few small things:

I got to place an order from Factory Direct Craft. I have had stuff in my "cart" for like a year and finally got enough of an order together to get the free shipping (thanks mom!)

So here are some of the things I got from there:

LOVE these bunny cutters! I am so glad they still had them when I got around to ordering! I got some for some special swap friends too, you may have seen them around ;)

Two new spring colored country dishtowels. Love the colors of them, prim but springy, one is "terracotta check" the other is "buttercream stripe", perfect!

This cool "primitive chocolate egg" pip berry candle ring, looks great in my new-ish BIG candle pan.

We spent this past weekend visiting my In-laws in Myrtle Beach SC, they stay there for the winter, and there was a huge tag sale or "White Elephant Sale" (I have no idea what that is, may be a southern thing...anyone?) and things there were MAD CHEAP!

I got this great BIG basket for .50

I also got a whole bunch of small picture frames for .25 each, figured I would use them for some cross stitch or punch-needle finishes.

I also got this pan...it was free... I don't know why, but it just spoke to me, I love the old patina on it. Any suggestions on what to do with a prim looking pan?

my immediate thought was something to do with plants, but I will put it in my "had to have it, but I don't know why" pile until something strikes me.

I have really loved all the displays with folks using found birds nests. I know I am at the wrong time of year for it but I have been looking around for some. I did manage to find a couple still ok enough to use, I will have to go out this fall to find "better kept" ones, but for now, these will do. One is pictured above in the basket with some moss.

This little one I found in a short tree at my Dr's office, good for me too, as I am short, so I have to stick to the short trees. ;)

and my last offering is not really "acquired" it is recently finished. I got a great bird pattern from Rock River Stitches (HEY! I guess the pattern is recently acquired...nice!) and I made three of these blue bird make do pincushions. again, two were for swaps, and one was for me.

And so...those are my offerings for this weeks display chain! I am off to Misi's blog to check out the other displays, you can click on the highlighted blog title at the top of this post to go over to her blog too!

Thanks for stopping by and Prim Blessin's

Scavenger hunt week 2

2011-03-21T18:13:00.005-04:00

Ok -
So here is week two on Misi's Blog

This week was a toughie and I am not sure if my offerings will pass this week ;)

This weeks list was:
A child's chair
A piece of blue transferware
A wooden toy boat
A metal tree
A Plow yoke
A corn dryer
A colonial print containing a boy and a girl

I did shop around for the things I didn't have, I found lots of blue transferware, I actually found a whole set of actual blue willow for $99 at a thrift store but I just wasn't attracted to it enough to want to start a collection. I would LOVE a corn dryer, but I could only find them on E-bay and it wouldn't be here in time, but I have a renewed fervor to get one. Plow yoke, oddly enough, someone actually has one for sale real near me but, again, I didn't know what I would do with it once I bought it so I passed on it.

So...here is what I DO have:

Child's chair, check. Wooden toy boat, I had to raid my 4th of July decorations for my little americana boat. Colonial print (with boy and girl) check, pretty sure that at least one of these kids is a boy, they dressed boys and girls in "dresses" then, the child on the far left is in much plainer dress, so I am thinking it is a boy. Metal tree (hmmm...this is up for a judges ruling) I was not able to find ANYTHING remotely like Misi's tree, however I do have a tin Willow tree shade for my lamp, I also have this nifty thing...

When I bought this thing the dealer told me it was an "egg tree" for cooking eggs I guess. I just thought it was neat. So those are my "metal trees"

Hey...If I try, I may not make it but if I didn't try I KNOW I wouldn't so....there you go.

And now some pretty shots.

So, Misi, if I made it COOL, if not, it was fun and good luck to the others in the hunt!

Hugs for now,
Kerri

Good Sunday Morning! A new Freebie and Take some time to enter a giveaway

2011-03-20T11:12:00.005-04:00

Good morning friends!

Thank you all so much for all the nice comments on the new blog look.

I am especially proud of it as I did it by myself!

In fact one of my new favorite hobbies is going to be making some more of these nifty prim graphic collages!

I am having such fun with it, that I want to share my newest little contribution to prim posting, my easter greetings collage that is on my sidebar. You can find it for your use on my "free stuff" page.

Please, this image is for your use only, if you would like to share, please direct folks to my blog to get it.

Also, take a moment to check out all the generous giveaways up right now! These talented ladies are GENEROUSLY sharing their talents with US so take a moment to hop on over to their blogs and check them out!

BIG THANKS TO:

Lori from Five Acre Primitives

All the AWESOME ladies of The Primitive Pantry

Valerie from Yorkies Primitives

Brenda from The Rusty Thimble

Ronda from Simple Thyme Prims

Lisa from The Moonlit Stitch

Jenn from Bittersweet Prims

Please see their giveaways on my sidebar and click on their pictures to be taken directly to the giveaway links on their blogs. Let them know how grateful we are for their generosity!

And to all you past and future giveaway artists, THANK YOU TOO!

Also, as promised, be on the lookout this coming week for my very own Spring/Blogaversary giveaway!

I hope everyone has a beautiful Sunday!

Prim Blessin's

Happy St. Patrick's Day! + New look and an Awesome link!

2011-03-17T08:30:00.006-04:00

Good Morning Friends!

I hope you all have a great St. Patrick's Day! It is going to be just lovely here today! Spring is definitely on it's way. I hope you are getting signs of spring where you are.

So..how do you like our new look? Spiffy, hu?

Much leaner and cleaner I think. I am pretty proud of it. I have been having fun with photoshop learning how to make image collages and stuff.

Also, I was messin' around last night and came across the BEST site! If you LOVE vintage images and you especially love FREE vintage images, you have to go check out this site vintageholidaycrafts.com

They have LOADS of vintage images ALL FOR FREE!!! and YES! you can use them for your crafts, both for yourself and to sell.

PLEASE however, make sure you read their terms of use. We want to keep it on the up and up and not abuse such a wonderful gift!

Have fun today! Be inspired and keep busy!

Prim Blessin's
Kerri

Coming soon - A new look

2011-03-16T21:22:00.004-04:00

Hello friends,
I just wanted to let you all know I am working on a new look for my blog. Something I hope will be less busy and easier to load.

Don't worry, all the great old stuff will still be here, just spiffed up!

So, please bear with me as I do a little spring cleaning.

Also, I have been consumed with the re-design, so if you have not heard back from me regarding e-mails, comments or questions, I WILL NOT FORGET YOU! I am slowly answering those.

In the meantime, stop by a new blog Five Acre Primitives

She is new to blogger and is having a giveaway to kick off her new blog. you can click on the name above or click on the image of her super awesome bunny under my giveaways tab.

Oh, and I haven't updated my weight loss in a while, I hit another milestone this week -15 lbs!!!

Hugs!

Tuesday display Chain - Baskets/Easter baskets

2011-03-15T12:03:00.006-04:00

Another Tuesday, another display chain hosted by Misi from 1890 Gable House blog

Here are my basket displays:

This last one is our family Easter basket sittin' on the kitchen table waiting for it's goodies! I get gnarly green dyed spanish moss for "grass" it makes the baskets nice and prim.

Thanks for stopping by, hop on over to Misi's blog to check out the other basket displays, you can click on the name of her blog above to go right to the post. Hope you all have a great Tuesday!

Hugs!

HUGE GIveaway with a LOAD of prim prizes! Sign up today!

2011-03-14T09:27:00.004-04:00

Hello Friends,

If you have not already heard about this great giveaway from the Primitive and Folk Artists team you had better get over there and sign up!

There are 22 prizes and a whole load of gift certificates to sign up for! All from some of the most talented folk artists, many names you will recognize from around the blog neighborhood.

Go check out all the great prizes by clicking HERE

This giveaway ends tomorrow so go and get your name in the hat.

ALSO! If you could mention that you saw it on my blog I would be grateful!

Big hugs
Kerri

Quick project inspired by Misi's scavenger hunt

2011-03-13T18:23:00.005-04:00

Happy Sunday everyone!

I was inspired by Mis's scavenger hunt to make this quick display project.

One of the items for the scavenger hunt was an old jar of garden seeds.

Well, most of my seeds are new, and are in therefore rather "modern" looking packages (although, I must admit, I do purchase antique looking packages if I can find them)

So, for display purposes, my jar of seeds, although a great storage solution, was not very prim and attractive to leave in a display, so I decided to make a spring decorative seed storing jar.

I found some vintage looking packets to print and make HERE

I really liked the herb ones so those are the ones I used. I pasted them into word documents and printed them out on some resume paper I had laying around. I was trying to find a paper thicker than reg copy paper and not quite as thick as card stock, I had some ivory resume paper and I know we won't be using it anytime soon, so, it worked very nicely.

I cut them out and put them together, very easy, just cut, fold and glue the side and bottom flaps.

Then I put a pinch of spanish moss in the bottom of a dirty bale jar (doesn't have to be dirty, but looks more authentic :-) )

then I put my seed packets in the jar and put the lid on.

Here is a pic of my finished jar:

There you have it! Easy and very nice for spring or just to have hanging out near your garden supplies or on your porch.

It was a beautiful day here today and I hope you had a beautiful day too! HERE'S TO SPRING!

Hugs and Prim Blessin's
Kerri

Scavenger Hunt - Week One

2011-03-12T13:21:00.004-05:00

Hello Friends!

Missi over at 1890 Gable House Musings is hosting a scavenger hunt.

Sounded like fun, so I joined in. Each week she will give a list of things to find and display. This weeks list was:

A old jar with garden seeds
A faceless cloth doll
A homespun pillowcase (adult bed size or larger)
A dolls bed
An old piece of Ironstone
An old Pastry roller (one that makes decorative impressions in dough)

Well, I ALMOST didn't even make the first one!!! I have seeds and loads of old bale jars, so I was all set there, doll...yep, made by me. Sorry, no doll bed. I do have a long pillow in my room with a homespun cover, I made the pillowcase out of old Homespun curtains that got faded on the back from the sun, perfect for recycling to a pillow case, no one will see the inside!

Then...pastry roller...Hmmmmm. And Ironstone...yea, maybe someday.

But I didn't want to give up without at least checking my favorite thrift store, so, yesterday, in I went.

Thought I would find a pastry roller... but to my surprise...I found this great Ironstone pitcher! (and yes... it is authentic Wedgewood Ironstone)

The bottom had a couple of small chips, but it didn't have any cracks. So I got it for $20. So with that I had my 4 items to keep me in the running! YEA!

Here is my "collecting" picture, as well as some "decorative" pictures of my goodies in thier "natural habitat"

Thanks Misi!

Looking forward to week 2 (and hopefully beyond!)

Hugs!
Kerri

Spring Swap Received!

2011-03-11T17:20:00.003-05:00

Hello friends!
It is getting "spring-ier and spring-ier" here at my house.

The weather is supposed to be awesome this weekend and I got a brand new shipment of goodies from Lecia of Farmhouse Prims

We were partners for a spring swap hosted by that queen of blogging swaps Char from The Pickled Pepper Patch

I just love participating in her swaps! This one was to send 5 Spring things...

Here is my pack of goodies from Lecia:

WOW right!?!
If you don't know, Lecia makes the most beautiful prairie bonnets! I am so excited that she included one for me in her swap.She also made the super cute stitched mat. There was also this AWESOME rabbit! He is just TOO PRIM PERFECT!!! My favorite bunny, by far! She got him from another crafter for me! WOO HOO!

She also included a very prim coverlet mat from Family Heirloom Weavers in Pennsylvania, I have heard of them but didin't own any pieces...until now ;-)

This was awesome as I LOVE coverlets. I hope someday to get one for my bed, but alas, I own the dreaded King bed and I notice not many coverlets are woven for King size beds :(

the last thing in the package was a super cute candle from Kountry Lights Candles It is so cute in the little tin!

So, yet another great spring goodie box!!! I tell ya, prim blogging friends are the best!!!

I mailed out her swap today, so I can't share what I sent her... But I hope she will be as happy as I am!

THANK YOU LECIA!!!

I have many more exciting posts to share over the next few days, Misi from 1890 Gable House is hosting a scavenger hunt, and I am collecting my things so I will post on that, also I think I will be getting out the rest of my spring decor and taking some pics of the house and putting them up.

One more big thing, my first blogaversary is coming up fast, April 4th, and I want to put together a giveaway to thank everyone for contributing to my blog and for making this past year so much fun!!! So be on the lookout for that!

So for today, have a great evening, a beautiful weekend and talk to you soon!

Big hugs and prim blessin's
Kerri

Secret Sister Swap

2011-03-10T09:17:00.004-05:00

Hello Friends

Don't you just love spring?!?

It may not officially be here but I got an AWESOME package from my "Secret Sister" Char from The Pickled Pepper Patch Blog

Char was not able to keep her sister secret as she organized the ongoing swap so she was sweet enough to ask me to be her swap partner.

Well, the rules are to send out a small something to your sister using the swap theme. So last Saturday, I got this HUGE package.

First thing out of my mouth was...and I quote..."THIS IS NOT A SMALL SOMETHING!!!" My husband brought in the package and didn't know what I was yelling about.

Anyway, Even though I was only hours away from 13 - 9 year old girls decending on my home for a birthday party, I stopped in my tracks to open this awesome pack of goodies!

Just look at all the neat stuff she put in there!!!

She made the most beautiful spring things! A set of spring colored stacking boxes, a super cool blue mason jar with a zinc lid (I LOVE these) filled with easter eggs and moss.

She made a super cute little prim "Happy Easter" sign.

There was also a tart burner with a whole bag of sweet smelling tarts AND a bag of tealights for the burner.

She also stitched this awesome cross stitch that is a freebee from Prim Betty.

There was also a sweet little pewter vase to add to my small but growing collection of pewter.

Last but not least, there was also an awesome 3 pack of SUPER SOFTIE socks. (There are only two pictured as I am wearing a pair right now :) )

So needless to say I was tickled all day. Char is so generous! She has promised me that not all the packages will be this, big,
That will be good...a girl can get used to being spoiled and that could be a bad thing ;)

Here are some more pictures of her beautiful gifts in their displays:

Another BIG THANKS to Char, this is going to be a fun year!!!

Until next time,
Prim Blessin's
Kerri

Moss Wreath Tutorial

2011-03-04T09:43:00.006-05:00

Happy Friday Friends!

So...

I was in the Dollar Store (Dollar Tree) a couple of weeks ago, and I saw these real neat "moss covered rocks" in the crafting dept. I thought they were cool and I really liked them, but I didn't buy any as I couldn't think of any way to use them while I was on the spot. (I am trying to be good about my "I will use it someday" spending ;-)

But then I was checking out the website of one of my favorite magazines Mary Jane's Farm and I came across this AWESOME wreath

Now... you can bet your boots I was kicking myself for not getting those darn rocks! I just had to make one of these wreaths.

So, yesterday I went back to the Dollar Tree and picked up 4 packages, (I will only use 2 for this project ;)...but...gotta be prepared for whatever other great ideas come my way.) They also had Reindeer moss there so I got two packages of that too.

The picture above is of my wreath. You can find Mary Jane's instructions HERE and she confessed she got the ideas from Joann's and their instructions can be found HERE

And in case that is not info overload... here is how I made mine, I was out yesterday and didn't have the directions with me so I just purchased what I THOUGHT I needed, so as you can see these wreaths can turn out beautiful with whatever you may have or can find.

Here is a picture of my supplies:

I have listed them as they are in the picture and they go clockwise.

1 grape vine wreath, Try to find one with a nice big twig wrapped around the outside, if you cannot, don't worry, you can use the smaller twigs with equally nice results.

2 - 5 packages of moss covered "rocks" or one pack of 10. I got mine at the Dollar Tree, I also saw some at Walmart.

Spanish Moss, I used a very little bit (there is a big bunch shown in the picture, just cause I dumped the whole bag)

1 pkg of Floral "sheet" moss (I got mine at Walmart it is in the floral section, it just says "Floral Moss" on the bag and was 90 cu in)

ok, now this one is a little trickier, I got a package of moss from Michael's the brand is "the Moss Collection" and it doesn't have a "type" listed, but it is a fluffy, pillow type of moss. Like I said, any type of moss you like will be fine.

1 pkg of Reindeer moss (mine was 1.75oz and from Dollar Tree, and I didn't use it all)

The last thing you will need is a glue gun and some sticks.

Please note, I made a 14" wreath, as it is what I had on hand and I wanted it for this wreath holder. I had LOTS of moss left over, in fact I could make another one, so this may be a great "Me and My Neighbor" ( or "My Mom" or "My BFF" you get the idea) project.

Also note, real moss will fade if in direct sunlight, so if you are hanging this on a door, you may want to consider if the door is in the sun at any time of day. In fact, I may just recommend this as an indoor decoration, just to protect your beautiful wreath.

One Last thing before I get to the directions: This project is MESSY and I do mean REAL MESSY so you may want to lay down a sheet or do it on the porch or something.\

So here are the steps I used:

1. Grape vine wreaths are usually held together by a last "wrapping" piece of vine, so you will un-wrap this vine and put it aside.
If you want, you can use a little wire to hold your wreath together as you glue, but I found my wreath was not going to unravel so I just went ahead and got started, You will be re-wrapping it when you are done anyway so...

2. Start by gluing on your rocks. Mix up the sizes and place them well spaced out, some on top and the sides too, just kinda put them around.

3. Glue bunches of the different mosses wherever strikes you as a good place. let some hang out, tuck some into the twigs so the twigs come to the front, ya know, keep it "natural". I started with the green mosses, then glued a few "clumps" of spanish moss when I was done.

4. When you have all the moss on you want, go ahead and re-wrap the wreath with the reserved piece of vine.

5. Don't look now, but you probably have moss all over and if you didn't prepare ( like I didn't) you now have a HUGE mess to clean...BUT you have a great looking wreath!

And there you have it! I think it is a great addition to a spring display. Very natural and happy.

Here is my completed wreath

This is a quick and easy project and I hope you enjoyed it!

Have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Kerri

"Basil" the bunny challenge

2011-02-26T16:32:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends!

Wendy at Ravenwood whimzies designed a bunny pattern called "Basil".

She was kind enough to share this pattern FREE on her blog.

She also hosted a challenge to make "Basil" anyway we wanted!

I don't usually make dolls or figures so this was quite literally a challenge for me. I decided to make three of them. So here are my Basil the bunnies

I have listed one of the bunnies on my Etsy. You can find the link on the right.

If you have not had a chance to get in on the challenge, there is still time, head on over to Wendy's blog by clicking on the name above and check it out. She has also set up a special page to view the different interpretations.

Prim Blessin's
Kerri

New Pretties from Sandi - 5 Favorite things swap

2011-02-24T13:37:00.005-05:00

Hey girls!

This post is long over due, but I had to wait until my swap partner received her goodies to post :)

Char over at The Pickled Pepper Patch hosted another great swap...5 Favorite things. (I LOVE her swaps!!!)

We had to share our 5 favorite things with a swap partner.

Sandi from For the Love of Prims was my partner.

This was a tough one as I have SO MANY favorite things (and am finding new ones all the time ;-)
So I made a list of some of my most favorite things and picked 5...

I sent her: (this picture is not so great, she has much better pics of this stuff on her blog, linked above)

One of my favorite candles - Paula Dean (from Walmart) These little candles are so inexpensive, and scent up the whole house when you light it!!! I also LOVE bakery scented candles and this one is pecan pie, which...is awesome!

I also LOVE to work with wood, and so I made her one of my new candle/cake paddles. Painted, of course, in one of my favorite colors "Winter Blue"

Next was a textile, as I LOVE primitive textiles, so I made her this bonnet. I adapted it from a purchased pattern.

Now, most of you know I have this unhealthy obsession with wool...Just go NUTS for wool. and I love penny rugs and wool applique, so I designed this little mat around another of my favorite things...birds. Love decorating with primitive birds.

and of course like most of us...my favorite season is fall and I absolutely LOVE Halloween! So I designed this pumpkin guy to send. It was a little out of season, but I thought heck...supposed to share our favorites, and darnit, I LOVE FALL!

The little cross stitched pin keep is just a little something cause our swap landed on Valentine's Day. But I do love primitive cross stitch. It is from a freebie from Betty over at Primitive Betty's She has a bunch of little freebies to stitch or punch. She is very talented and I love her stuff.

Ok... so now the best part...

LOOK WHAT I GOT!!! (and yes I am yelling this!)

Ok...so I have done a few swaps now, and this one was AWESOME! She sent me this awesome candle board, WITH candles!
A super prim redware plate with ....A BIRD ON IT!!! LOVE IT!!!
Also a beautiful framed wool picture. It is too prim-perfect!

there is also a room spray "Amish friendship bread" I believe she sells these and...ladies...it is SO YUMMY!

There was also a super cute little cinnamon & Spice scented sachet, with ...A BIRD on it... I put it in my car, as we were traveling the day I got it and my car smelled great and still does. I will have to bring it back in tho, so it doesn't fade.

Check out the super prim electric candle, love this, as my kids are infatuated with candles and I never burn them down low, all of mine are hanging somewhere. My two year old thinks it is so great he can "light" this candle.

and finally, check out the cross stitched tuck. I have also showcased this in my previous "bowls" post. Another great free pattern from Betty. She did a great job with it. It looks so perfect tucked in my bowl. Makes me smile every time I pass it :)

So that was my swap. I will have to share some more pictures when I find homes for these beauties. A BIG THANK YOU to Sandi for the great goodies...and another BIG THANK YOU to Char for hosting the swap!!!

If you have never swapped before, you should give it a try, Char hosts them often and it is so much fun sharing and receiving!

Well...back to more work, got loads going on now, and hope to share with all of you soon!

Hugs,
Kerri

P.S. Oh, I do need to take a moment to share that I have been really into my health and have made a few easy changes to my lifestyle. My reward has been a loss of 10 lbs as of yesterday!

So that is 10 down and 20 to go! WOO HOO!

Tuesday Display Chain - Bowls

2011-02-22T10:25:00.005-05:00

Hi friends!

I am finally able to find a moment to join in Missi's Tuesday Display chain!

I have done it in the past and have wanted to do it again for a while, but I either didn't have what they were displaying or I didn't remember until Wednesday ;)

So here are my bowls:

This is my enamel ware pitcher and bowl in my master bath, I didn't buy them together, but after I got the pitcher I had to find a bowl to go with it. In the spring and summer I try to put flowers in here.

This is a little 6" wood bowl I got at a flea market, I have painted the outside colonial blue and it is on my dry sink with this great "graybeard" spanish moss I pick fresh when we visit my in-laws in Myrtle Beach. It is that poetic stuff you see hanging from the oak trees in the south, and it is actually not a "moss" at all but a kind of soil-less "air" plant that is related to the pineapple. Also, despite first thought, it is not a parasite it takes nothing from host trees except support. I love how nice it looks and it is much nicer than bought spanish moss. This great little tuck was just given to me by Sandi durning our 5 favorite things swap. Look for that post later this week!

This cool bowl I got from a quilt shop I used to work at. When she closed she sold off the coolest stuff, this was one piece. It is so wonky and out of round, and it has the coolest handles, I love to have it on my ottoman to hold prim goodies, it also works great for snacks when entertaining.

This big trencher is a Craigs list find. I am pretty sure it is a repro, but I didn't care. It is so nice and easily one of my favorite decorating item. I have it here all done up with some graybeard moss and some calico eggs.

I LOVE yellowware and hope to get some vintage ones at some point, but until then, I have a set of two repro's I got from an At Home America show. I have them on my pie safe in the kitchen.

And lastly, I got this pie keep off of Craigs list. It was silver with scroll tops. I cut the tops off with bolt cutters and added this old wooden handle, I also painted it black. Then I had to find 3 "matching" bowl from E-bay to put in it. It sits on my counter and holds our fruit. I am debating if I want to paint the bowls. Hmmmmm.......

Well those are the bowl around my house. I don't have allot but I collect them as I see them. I am hoping someday to have a nice bowl rack filled with bowls.

Thanks for coming by and takin' a peek!

Hugs for now,
Kerri

GIveaway ends today! Go meet Becky!

2011-02-13T19:41:00.005-05:00

Hey friends!

I have been real busy lately, some with prim things and some with life.

I wanted to give a shout out to a new blogger who is wanting to get her follower list going and to do it she is having a great giveaway.

Becky over at The Crows Nest is giving away all these goodies to one lucky follower:

You can click HERE to access the post to enter.

Today is the last day to enter so, please go over there now! Please don't forget to tell her Kerri @ Calico Rabbit sent ya!

Also...did you notice the cake paddle?!? pretty cool hu?!?!

I will be posting some great stuff soon!

Hugs
Kerri

New candle moulds, Etsy items, and WEIGHT

2011-01-27T12:32:00.004-05:00

Hi Friends!

Well first I have to show what I got at the flea market.

It pays to go in the rain I guess, cause we went, and just before we left we decided to check out the outdoor booths, SO glad I did cause we hadn't taken 5 steps when I spotted these guys...

There was a guy packing up that had these two moulds on a table marked HALF PRICE!!! I was like NO WAY! (had to play it cool though, you know ;) )

Each one was marked $16 (which I probably would have paid) but they were half that price so I offered him $15 for the two

I was so excited, My family thinks I am nuts when I buy these things, but I have been admiring moulds and always wanted one, and now I got TWO!

That super big black candle pan I got from my favorite local quilt shop about two weeks ago, I got it on markdown at their closing sale :(

Super bummed they are closing. It was an awesome primitive shop.

Anyway, I also wanted to share my newest offerings on Etsy. I have been working on getting some little items together for Valentine's day. I don't do too much decorating for this holiday, but like to have just a hint around.

I have super spicy heart shaped pantry cakes and some vintage image Valentine's Day tucks. The images come from my collection of Vintage cards and postcards. I have finished them with vintage inspired trims. They work so well in crocks, cupboards and bowls. I have two sets listed now, I will be finishing up a few more sets today.

You can access my Etsy store by clicking on the link to the right.

I have been working on getting healthy, and have changed a few things about how I buy and eat food. I now eat about 5 times a day, instead of just two or three, and I am eating loads more fruits and veggies. I have also made it my mission not to buy ANY processed foods, this is a bit of a challenge, reading labels can be so frustrating. I am especially on the look out for added sugar and processed soy products. I was so surprised to find sugar added to the least likely places, like meatballs and chicken broth. Now I try to purchase only foods with at most 3-4 ingredients and I have to know what each one is, no more "poly-sorbate 15" or whatever.

Well, yesterday was my two week mark and I am down 5 lbs! WOO HOO! I was looking at bating suits today to keep me motivated, now granted I was looking at bathing suits I would NEVER wear, no matter how thin I get, but it does help with the visualization! I am also trying to work in some inexpensive exercise routines. I have been reading allot about kettle bells and decided I would like to try it, so I bought a kettle bell and a jump rope. less than $40 for the two and I am going to see if I can whip my but into shape for less than $40.

Looks like the weather is finally warming up a bit, and I hope it stays that way for a while, I have a bunch of wood projects I want to get to in the garage. Just not going to work out there in 30 degree weather.

Also, while you are here, take a moment to stop by and check out some of the other prim blogs I follow. There are loads of talented ladies out there with great ideas to share, Some are even having generous giveaways right now, so check em out!

Until next time...
Prim Blessin's
Kerri

Free Project - make a Candle/Cake Paddle

2011-01-18T11:11:00.006-05:00

Hi Friends,

HAPPY 2011!!!

Boy it has been a while since I have posted. I am sorry about that. I have spent the last couple of weeks trying to get some things in order. I have so many hopes and ideas for this new year.

Like many, first on the list is getting healthy. I have decided 2011 is my year to loose the 30 lbs I have acquired over the years and to just generally put my health first. So, if you all don't mind, to keep me motivated I will post my progress when I post about other prim things. I have said many new years before I would do this, but THIS IS IT!!! I am doing it this year.

I started my new life last Wednesday at 158lbs my goal is to loose 30 lbs in 15 weeks. So here I go!

That being stated, on to Prim stuff. I have been moving things around my home, trying better layouts, I will get pics posted soon.

And then there is the always growing list of things I want to make... Well I got around to crossing off one of them! I have been wanting a wooden paddle to put my pantry cakes on, so I finally got around to making one.

It was one of those little primitive things that took such little time, I always am amazed it took me so long to get to. I always like to share these little projects with you, in case you, like me, just need that little nudge to do it. You can make this up in less than a day (not including dry time)

Here is the finished paddle -

You will find the PDF pattern under my freebies tag at the top.

Materials needed

3/4" pine board wide enough to fit pattern
6" jute twine
flat black spray paint (optional)
acrylic craft paint in color of choice for top coat
Minwax "Dark Walnut" stain
Minwax Wipe-on poly in Clear Satin (optional)

Tools needed

scroll, band or hand coping saw
3/8" drill bit and drill
sandpaper or palm sander
Nail or Nail set tool (optional for "worm holes")

This project is super easy and is for any skill level.

Cut out paper pattern and trace onto 3/4" pine board, transfer hole marking. Use saw of choice to cut out paddle. Drill hole where marked using 3/8" drill bit and drill. Sand all surfaces and edges. I like to sand edges unevenly and sand the hole down a bit to emphasize where "ware" would have occurred. Once it is all sanded and you are happy with it, go ahead and give it a base coat of flat black spray paint. Once the black coat is dry, give the piece two coats of the acrylic top color.

Now the fun part! Grab your sand paper and distress until you love it! Pay attention to areas that would have been worn down, edges, around the hole, etc. don't be afraid to bring some areas down to the bare wood, remember this has been around for a while...right?! ;) Now, if you want to, use a nail or nail set (I use both) to make a grouping of 'worm holes'. I tap the nail/nail set at a slight angle and tap differing depth of holes.

Once you have "loved" it enough, use a dry rag to wipe the whole thing with the Minwax dark walnut stain. Use enough stain to let it soak into holes, dents and such, after all these areas would collect allot of age. Let it dry overnight

If you want you can hit it with a coat of Minwax wipe-on poly. I LOVE this product. I used to only use paste wax, but this product gives a nice protective coat without adding any luster or "mass produced" look, with practically no effort. You just rub it on with a dry rag and let it dry.

That is pretty much it, tie your jute through the hole and now enjoy your new paddle, I used mine for my pantry cake, but you could easily use it for a candle, hanging on a wall or anything!

Hugs!
Kerri

Welcome 2011! Here is a new project to start off the new year!

2010-12-31T15:21:00.005-05:00

Hey Friends,

I hope you all had a great holiday season. I am sorry I have not posted in a while, I have had a house full of guests and have had to share my time and my computer.

I had a great Christmas, with my family. I love watching the kids open their presents, we did go a little overboard this year but they are worth it.

I haven't really done anything new, just finished up some projects I had wanted to do for Christmas for ME (that doesn't happen often, usually I sell or give away what I make)

So time to wrap up 2010! and here comes a brand new year! Always so exciting!

To start off this year I wanted to share a project with you that is out now in the February 2011 issue of Create and Decorate.

This is my "Be my Valentine hooked heart"

I am also posting the vintage image I used for the tag for this project under my freebies page. Just click on the freebie tag at the top of this page to access it.

I am looking forward to another great year of sharing primitive decorating ideas and crafts. I am working on some great ideas to share with you all for this year!

WELCOME 2011!
Big Hugs,
Kerri

Hanging tree candles tutorial

2010-12-14T19:18:00.018-05:00

Hi Friends,
so, I have had this primitive tree for a couple of years now, I snagged it when the AWESOMELY prim quilt shop I used to work at closed, she was going to throw it away! I was like....NOOOOO! and straight into my car it went!

BUT...

I have never put it out. I tried one year and had no idea what to do with it. Now, I will admit it is a pain in the neck to set up, It requires allot of primping to get it to look great but it is so worth it! I just love it.

I decided this year it was going up. I figured I would just find a way to decorate it once it was up. So up it went...and there it sat... and sat... waiting...

I was going through some drawers of infrequently used furniture and I found some candles I had purchased from a craft show a few years back. They are so cool, but I also didn't know what to do with THEM! They are little nubbie candles with rusty wire hangers. I pulled them out and hung them on the tree. EUREKA! I LOVED THEM THERE! But.....(don't you hate buts?!) I only had two of them. SO NOW WHAT!

Well I sat looking at my naked tree with the two hanging candles. Then I thought I have some rusty wire...now if I only had some of these candles...Wait, I have those tapers I keep moving from drawer to drawer cause I don't know what to do with them. Maybe I could make those into hanging candles. But...they are white, not really fond of white...

WAIT! I have all those bits of old jar candles I just can't get myself to throw away cause they just smell SO GOOD! (Oh come on...you know you do that too!)

Could I melt those down and somehow dip the candles to make them more prim looking?

Why yes, yes I can...

And here is what I did...

Materials: (All found within my house, I purchased nothing for this project)
taper candles (any will do, as you can see mine were already "grubbied" a little, so those work fine too)
old bits of wax (Tip: to remove wax from jars that will no longer burn, stick them in the freezer for a while, when the wax is frozen you can break it with a knife (carefully so as not to break the jar, you can recycle that too!) then it will pop out clean)
a tin can (you will want just a standard can, unless you have A LOT of wax pieces, you want to almost fill your can)
a pan with a little water
a knife
18 gauge rusty wire
wire cutters
ruler

If you don't have these things you can purchase tapers, wax, scent and color at your local craft store.

Step 1
Put your sauce pan of water on your stove, You don't need much water, just enough that it does not evaporate too quickly. You will need to watch it throughout the project and add some as needed. Place your bits of old wax in your can and place the can in the water bath. Turn your stove on med/high to get your water to near boiling, then turn it down to med/low, so it dosen't boil too violently. I kept my burner on until all the wax had melted then I turned it down to real low, just to keep it from cooling too much. While waiting for the wax to melt, go on to the next step.

Step 2
My tapers had a pointy end, I wanted all the candles to look fairly the same, so I cut the pointy top off. I am just using a regular kitchen knife. Be careful not to cut the wick. Kinda turn the candle as you cut just to cut through the wax. Don't worry too much about rough edges, the will pretty much even out when you dip.

Step 3
Cut your tapers, kind-of in half, make the bottom half (the side without the wick) just a tad longer than the top half, this way once you trim some wax away to expose the wick your nubs will be approx the same size.

This next picture shows the bottom half of the taper after I have trimmed some of the wax away to expose the wick.

Step 4
Ok, now here is the fun part, once your wax is melted, it is time to dip. The cool part of this project is that your house smells great as you do it! I tend to buy spicy candle scents, so even though I used wax from different candles, like, Christmas spice, Hazelnut, Cinnamon, and such, it made such a sweet awesome bakery scented wax when mixed, this will be a consideration when you are selecting your wax scraps. To dip, I just held the wicks and dipped. I dipped then held it up for about 10 seconds and dipped again, I dipped 3 times then after the las dip, wait 10 seconds and place it on your counter. After I had dipped them all I started at the beginning of the row again and dipped them all again another 3 times following the same procedure. After this second wave of dips, before I put each one down, I smoothed out the little "drip nip" at the bottom with my finger.

Variation: If you want your candles to be grubbier, try rolling them in a ground cinnamon/clove mixture between dips.

Once they were all dipped and "dry" I tried to wrap them, but my wire just made deep marks in the fresh wax, so, I put them in a bowl and stuck them in my freezer for about a half hour. this makes the candles pretty hard, so you don't mark them up with the wire.

Step 5
After your candles are nice and hard, trim your wicks to about the same size. Now get your wire, cutters and a ruler. You will want to experiment to see what size wire works best for your size candles, I used 12" per candle.

Now, start at the base of your nubs and wrap the wire around the candle in a spiral. Slip the last coil off the bottom and pinch it a little to make it so the candle will sit on it and not fall through the bottom.

slide and pull the coil to make it go up the candle to hold it evenly. Leave a tail at the top.

Bend the tail into a hook and turn it so it is parallel with the candle.

Well that is pretty much it. Now for the disclaimer "These instructions and the finished product are intended for decorative use only and you should never light any candles on or near any Christmas tree live or artificial. Never leave a burning candle unattended"

So here they are hanging on my prim tree. I think it is off to a great start!

Please let me know if you make any of these, I would love to see pics of yours!

Now go and craft an old fashioned prim Christmas!

Hugs and Prim Blessin's
Kerri

GIveaway winner

2010-12-14T18:23:00.005-05:00

Hello friends!

Well, I am late...again... I did DRAW the winner yesterday, just didn't get a chance to post about it. I would first like to say thank you to everyone for the kind comments. I really do read each one, even if I don't have time to respond to them. I know some of you asked me questions, and I have you on a list to respond to you so I will get back REAL soon.

I have such a great time blogging and reading all your blogs. I am so grateful to have so many folks who find me interesting enough to check out what I am up to! So, again thank you!

And now, without further adieu....

Great pick by my daughter (great face too!)

The winner of my Christmas giveaway is.....

ANGIE BERRY!!!

Congrats to you Angie! Your goodies will be on their way to you!

I have another post coming soon, with a neat craft tutorial for your CHristmas decor that you can probably do with things you already have in your house, so I will get that up as soon as I can, probably tomorrow.

but for now,
Stay warm, if you live in the 75% of the country that is under the deep freeze and for those of you out west experiencing warmer than normal temps...we are not talking to you right now!
(just kidding, enjoy the nice weather and go outside and blow some of it our way!)

Hugs and Prim Blessin's
Kerri

So many giveaways, Thanks for all the generosity!

2010-12-09T21:05:00.002-05:00

I have been busy crafting gifts, filling orders and of course decorating, I will be sharing some pics of my holiday home real soon, (almost done!)

but, today, I wanted to take a minute to bring your attention to my giveaways sidebar.

Just look at all the generous bloggers we have this month sharing their blessings!

If you have not yet had a chance to visit these wonderful blogs and enter their giveaways, take a moment to go and show them how much we appreciate their generosity!

It is so nice to share with others. I feel so blessed to be able to have my blog and for the gifts God has bestowed on me.

THANK YOU to all you bloggers who are sharing your gifts with us!

Hugs,
Kerri

GIVEAWAY TIME!

2010-12-03T17:01:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends,
First off, I am sorry I am late in posting the giveaway.

I had meant to do it on the 1st, but I was really inspired to re-decorate. So I ended up moving several large pieces of my furniture around.

With that and repairing the walls from holes ;), and trying to get the christmas decorations up, I ended up neglecting my blog for a few days.

Anyway, I would like to present my December giveaway.

In this giveaway the winner will receive, this "Merry Christmas" red work pillow, designed by me. It measures approx 13" X 8". It has been hand stitched with Valdani hand-dyed floss on onsanburg and has been lightly stained with walnut ink.

Also I am including a 5 pack of my peppermint stick ornies/bowl fillers. They are made of cotton ticking and are coated with mica flakes to give them that candy sparkle. they will come packaged in a cello bag with a vintage looking tag tied with homespun.

There is also a 5' garland that looks super nice draped anywhere you want to add a bit of christmas greenery. I just love these, I use them on my chandeliers they look pretty real and add just the right touch.

and last but not least, a 9' red wooden berry garland and a super cute little redwork felt pillow ornament.

I don't have any fancy rules for this giveaway, I just ask that you are a follower of my blog, and leave a comment on this post asking to be entered.

If you would like to share this on your blog, I would be most grateful and will put your name in for another chance.

This giveaway is open to all in the US only please. I will accept entries until midnight on December 12th, I will pick a winner and mail it out on December 13th.

Thats it! Thank you all for following my blog, I really enjoy reading all the prim blogs and truly value each and every one of you, my blog friends. Your visits and comments mean so much to me.

Also, if you like the Merry Christmas pillow or the peppermint sticks, let me know, We can work out a swap or I can make one for purchase.

Prim Blessin's and Good Luck!
Hugs,
Kerri

Last day to enter Brenda's BIG giveaway!

2010-11-30T08:20:00.000-05:00

Hello friends,

Just a reminder, today is the last day to get in on Brenda's HUGE ornament giveaway!

If you are new to my blog, Brenda from The Rusty Thimble has made 12 ornaments and is giving ALL of them to ONE lucky person. There are also other prizes to be won in her AWESOME giveaway!

If you have not had a chance to sign up, go and do it now!!!

You will love her goodies, as a recent recipient of one of her awesome works let me tell you, you will be so happy you got in on this great opportunity!

Here are the last 3 ornaments in the group, you can see my older posts to see the others or you can just hop on over to her blog and check them out!

You can click on the button on my sidebar under giveaways to enter the giveaway, remember, today is the LAST day to sign up!

Hugs,
Kerri

Results of my Christmas Swap with The Firecracker Kid

2010-11-29T09:32:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,
I just wanted to share my swap photos.

Valerie at Yorkie's Primitives
hosted a Christmas swap a couple of weeks back.

Swap was to include a $15+ Christmas item, something wood and three ornies.

I got paired with Carol from Firecracker Kid

These are the pics of the swap:

First, these are the things I made for Carol,

A "Merrie Christmas" sign, love writing it like this, very Norman Rockwell.

Three Christmas tuck ornies with rusty bell corners, Also, she was the recipient of my candle makeover project, the first one anyway :) (See below for instructions and the tag pattern is under my freebies tab)

I also made her a pillow with yummy hand dyed wools using a Buttermilk Basin pattern called "Trio of Joy Stars".

The pattern is to make 3 star pillows, one with each letter, but, thanks to my friend Lisa from Lone Star Mercantile for the great idea of combining them into one pillow! I just love how it came out!

Lisa also sells the great antique tinsel, in either gold (as used here or in silver) used for the accent around the pillow.

I also threw in one of my little spiced pantry cakes.

Check out Carol's blog to see what she did with her goodies!

And, here is what I got from Carol:

She made a real neat wooden reindeer, there is also a wooden tree with a snowman, two vintage inspired ornies, a handmade salt dough snowman ornie, a neat stitched "Merry Christmas" pillow tuck, a crocheted red cross bookmark, a wooden "Good Friends" magnet. Also a vintage handmade bear.

Thanks so much Carol for swapping with me!

I have just started to bring out my christmas decorations so check back for the transformation.

Prim Blessin's
Kerri

Happy Thanksgiving! and an up-comming giveaway

2010-11-25T22:09:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends,
I wanted to hop on to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving!

I am so thankful for my family and all my friends, and I am so thankful to have all of you, in blog land.

I have been having such fun reading all your blogs and meeting so many great prim artists and collectors.

So, now it is time to put away all the fall decor for this year and break out all the beautifully prim Christmas decor!!! I so love to decorate my home for Christmas and the winter season.

I have decided it is time for another giveaway. I will be making some new Christmas/Winter themed goodies this coming week and will post a giveaway on Wednesday Dec 1st, so be sure to check back to see what I have in store!

Again a big thank you to all my followers and friends, and I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Prim Blessin's
Kerri

New Candles and a quick how to project

2010-11-19T18:13:00.000-05:00

Hello friends,

I want to share a GREAT find, These little candles are available at Walmart and are SO AWESOME!

These little jar candles come in these super cute little mason jars, or in little frosted ginger jars, 4.5oz will give you a nice long burn, I had mine burning for 6 hours and it only is half gone, so it is a nice long burning candle.

The scents are just awesome, Clove Spice, Cinnamon Brulee, Citrus Vanilla, which smells like a cake with lemon frosting, so yummy, Pumpkin pie, Spiced Pear and a Mixed Berry, they pack a lot of punch for a little candle. It scented up my whole downstairs.

Best part....they are only $1.50!!!!!

At this price they make great stock ups, quick gifts, or starters for craft show items.

I was inspired to see how I could take these little beauties to the next level. I though how cute they would look with a rusty lid and a tag.

Something like this...

So, this is how I made it.

I pealed the blue ribbon sticker off the top of the lid, then from the very same Walmart I got the candles, I skipped over to the paint section and picked up a can of Rust-oleum Textured paint in matte brown.

Spray paint the lid, with enough coats to cover. While the paint was drying, I stitched out this little tag using a scrap of wool and wool floss. Then I backed it with wool, and blanket stitched them together using my Valdani #12 pearl cotton.

I tied it around the dry lid using a piece of jute twine. and there you go!

I have added the tag deign to my freebie page with the instructions on making the tag.

Super cute, Super easy and Super budget friendly, whip up some for your friends, or maybe just yourself!

Prim Blessin's
Kerri

Newest ornaments posted to Rusty Thimble Giveaway

2010-11-17T08:31:00.001-05:00

Brenda has posted her newest ornaments for the giveaway!

Hi Friends,

Also has posted the second place prize.

To sign up for the giveaway, click on the link on the sidebar!

You won't regret it!

Hugs,
Kerri

More Ornaments revealed for Brenda's BIG giveaway - Have you entered?

2010-11-10T15:09:00.000-05:00

Hey prim friends,

Brenda from The Rusty Thimble has revealed more ornaments from her 12 ornament giveaway.

If you have not yet gotten a chance to enter, click on the link on my sidebar and get signed up!

She also has some pictures of the other prizes available in the giveaway.

Big Thanks to Brenda again for being so generous!

Big Hugs,
Kerri

Tuesday Display Chain #7 - Holiday Crafting

2010-11-09T16:44:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends,
This weeks theme for Misi's display chain is Holiday Crafting. What we are working on for the holidays.

Right now, I have not started any new projects, but have been contemplating finishing some UFO's

This is a tree skirt that I started 3 years ago, yep, THREE years ago!
I had this great idea to make a tree skirt and HAND QUILT IT! Well, you can see how well that is working out. I drafted the pattern AND the quilting pattern.

Here is a closeup of the quilting so you all can see how ambitious I am, and how practical. I have quilted all the straight lines, and ONE of the 8 sections that have this lovely and insanely intricate pattern. This will make a lovely wedding gift for my daughter (who will be 9 in March) or maybe my Son (who just turned 2 in Aug) Nah... they would never appreciate all the work!

This second project is a Buttermilk Basin project called "Holiday Branch". I stitched last year, and I need to put it on a backing, make a mat or a pillow or something, just want to get it done for this season.

This week, I will also be making products for a Holiday Swap I am doing, so I will post that stuff when the swap is over.

So that is all I have for now!

If you are interested in the joining the display chain, or would like to see what other blogs have posted hop on over to Misi's blog 1890 Gable House Musings

Prim Blessin's my friends!

Hugs,
Kerri

Thank you to Teri and Brenda, and the next two ornies in Brenda's giveaway

2010-11-07T08:13:00.000-05:00

Hello friends,

Today I finally got around to photographing a couple of giveaways I have won.

The first is from Teri over at White Sheep Farm.
I won her "extra" giveaway for knowing the name of her favorite ewe, Beth!
She sent me these beautiful gifts, a stacked pin keep and a totally awesome prim stitched ditty bag! It is so simple, but the beauty of it just takes me away, I smile every time I look at it.

I love these so much, I have been contemplating where they are going to go. I have currently been looking at my bed room thinking it needed some priming up, so I think they will go in there somewhere.

She is also having a christmas giveaway at her blog, so check out the link on my sidebar, you don't want to miss it!

Big Hugs to Teri! I really love my goodies.

The second goodie I have recently aquired, is this AWESOME guy from Brenda over at The Rusty Thimble

I discovered my love of primitives only 7 years ago, and because decorating funds are the last to emerge, my prim decorating has been real slow, so I don't have allot of little things, having used any money on bit things. So, I treasure little things that I get from giveaways and swaps. This guy takes the cake so far! He is HUGE! and just wonderful. I have him on my little dresser in my dining room, and he will stay out all winter! There are not enough words to thank Brenda for this awesome gift!

And, as generous as she is, Brenda is having another totally huge giveaway. If you have been following my blog you may have seen my previous post of the first ornament of 12 she will be giving away. Here are two other ornaments she has unveiled.

When you get a chance, click on the link on my sidebar to go and sign up for her giveaway. Take it from me, you will be sad if you miss out on a chance to own something made by this super talented lady!

Big Hugs to Brenda, I will cherish my snow guy always!

Kerri

Have you seen Brenda's HUGE new giveaway!?!

2010-11-03T11:31:00.001-04:00

Hello Prim Friends,

Brenda from The Rusty Thimble is having a HUGE giveaway for the month of November.
She will be giving away 12, yes that is TWELVE, of her handmade ornaments to one lucky winner as well as a few other prizes for a some other lucky blog friends, here is a pic of the first ornament:

Hop on over to her blog by clicking on the bold name above to read all about it. This is an awesome opportunity to own one of Brenda's amazing creations, those of you who know her blog know what great work she does!

There are several ways to enter, so go and enter and don't forget to tell her you saw it here!

Big Hugs!
Kerri

Tuesday Display Chain #6 - Peek -a- boo

2010-11-02T18:16:00.000-04:00

This weeks display chain theme is "Peek -a- boo". How we hide our modern life in prim loveliness.

Well here are a few ways I hide my stuff:

This first pic is of my antique drop leaf desk, I love this desk. I won it on E-bay from a woman in Virginia, I made my husband stop and pick it up on one of our trips up form NC to NY. It worked out great and I love it. As you can see, I have it crammed with junk but it looks so nice and prim when closed up. Also, I have that LARGE crock next to it that my mom bought me one year from my birthday. Love it cause it has a lid, I keep all my country decorating magazines and this crock holds a bunch of them.

This dry sink sits between my kitchen and living room, it houses "the junk drawer" all my candles and all the dog's stuff. This was a craigslist find, unfinished, I added the black milk paint.

Here is another magazine hide, I keep these larger crocks under a few tables in my house. Makes for easy stashing of stuff when company is coming.

And my last entry, this is my butter crock, one of those old cheese crocks, I have a couple of these, I keep this one on the table all the time, it does a great job of keeping the butter fresh and it looks great. I really like the farmhouse appeal of these crocks, and lucky for me they are readily at garage sales/flea markets and are usually really cheap.

I love the display chain, always fun to see what folks are doing with their prim decor. If you want to get in on the fun, head on over to Misi's blog.

Big thanks to Robyn at Primlish for coming up with this weeks theme!

Hugs for now!
Kerri

Favorite things...

2010-10-25T12:28:00.000-04:00

Tammy from A Primitive Place is having a giveaway for an awesome hand made doll. As part of the giveaway, she requested that we post pictures of some of our favorite things.

So here they are...

First she wanted to know a favorite doll or teddy bear... sadly I don't have any dolls right now...hoping to win the one she is giving away!

Second thing was something, made by me, that I am most proud of. Well there are two. The first is a prim cabinet I designed and hubbie and I made to hold our tv in our old house. Now that we have moved, the tv sits in a nook above the fireplace...don't really love that, but that is what the nook is for and it is huge!!! So that is where it is.
The cabinet sill houses all the dvd's, games and "modern stuff" and sits next to the tv area.

And, Bonus! I gained all that nice flat real estate to arrange prims on!!!

My other "most proud of" piece is the first "real" penny rug I made. I cut each penny out of 100% wool and then stitched it all by hand. I remember sitting at my garage sale with my basket of circles and stitching my rug. LOTS of folks learned about penny rugs that day! LOL!

Next she wanted to see my favorite antique or reproduction item. My favorite is definitely my pie safe. I bought it from a neighbor in my old neighborhood who was letting it go for just $100! I was so super excited to get it and I just love it.
People always talk about what they would grab in a fire, I would find a way to get this guy out! and I am already half way there, it sits in my foyer!

and the last thing was a favorite non decorative item used only by me. Well that would be this....

yep... that is my bed pillow. I LOVE my pillow. I NEVER leave home without it. Good thing we don't fly anywhere or I would be in trouble. I have to have my pillow to have a good nigh't sleep. It is soft, squishy and just perfect to sleep on. I look forward to my pillow at the end of every day and sometimes for a break in the middle of my day ;) .

So there you go, a few of my favorite items. It was fun, running around with my camera catching my fav's for you. I hope you enjoyed my weird little post. Waiting for the rain here so you may hear from me again today.

Now that you have seen my favorites, hop on over to Tammy's blog and sign up to win her great doll! You can find the link on my sidebar under giveaways!

Hugs for now!
Kerri

Tuesday display chain - Make do

2010-10-19T21:15:00.001-04:00

I have been trying to get in on the display chain but something always comes up.
So I made a firm commitment that I would do the next one...then the theme came in...Make-do.

Yikes!

I had no idea what I was going to post, but then looking around I came across a couple of things that I have that are "Make-do"

This first one is something I traded for on E-bay. I loved it so much, I had to have it! It is a little hooked rug on a fence post. The talented lady who made it added the little wooden ledge and the square nail too!

This was one of my first prims and is still one of my most favorite things.

Another area where I do have some "make-do" items is my country lighting. I have a couple of spool lamps and this one here, which is made from an old salt glazed jug. I wired the top, and purchased the tin shade and voila, instant prim lamp.

If you are interested in joining the Tuesday display chain, or would just like to see more items posted by other bloggers, check out my sidebar or head on over to 1890 Gable House Musings. Misi is the mastermind behind this fun little blog activity.

Hugs to all!
Kerri

NEW Partridge Wool Pillow and Freebie

2010-10-14T16:39:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,
I am proud to announce I have a new design in the December issue of Create and Decorate magazine.
This is my Partridge wool applique pillow.

It can be found on page 30. I have a free cross stitch alphabet chart for it on my site for the monogram. This issue is on newsstands now or you can get information on their website www.createanddecorate.com. you can also see some of the other great projects in this issue there.

I have done the sample here on black prairie cloth, but ya know, I am looking at it thinking it would look just as nice on the ivory/natural color too!

For the free monogram alphabet, click on the "freebies" tag at the top of the page.

Enjoy!

Hugs,
Kerri

Another great swap!

2010-10-13T09:09:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone,
I participated in a Harvest Swap organized by Char over at The Pickled Pepper Patch

I love her blog and her swaps!

My swap partner was Becky from Primitives n Stitchin

I was super excited about this as Becky makes the most beautiful prims! Ok, so on to the swap:

Here is what I sent her...

I got this great new mold with an oak leaf and acorn on it and I made her a pantry cake with it. She also got a collection of the Vintage Halloween tucks I made (for instructions see my previous post). A putka pod garland, Paula Dean Pecan candle, One of my handmade signs, a really nice garland I got from Michaels (50% off this week!), one of my new designs, the wool hanging pocket, and a pumpkin scented sachet. I kinda went nuts sending out her stuff as I was late sending it out (embarrassed). I have never missed a swap deadline before but ya know, life happens so I HAD to make up for it ;)

And here is what she sent me!

A punched candle holder with a battery taper, (I was looking to buy one of these and I LOVE it!) super cool little acorn fillers which I just found yesterday at Wal-mart and bought some more! Super awesome! 3 super cute little wool appliqued pumpkin pillow tucks...

And just look at this box! With the little mouse and pumpkins! Is that not cool!?!

Also, the most beautiful wool appliqued sunflower mat.

I just love everything she sent! It is all so ME!!! When you get the chance hop over to her blog,HERE,and check out all she does. You won't be sorry! Tell her Kerri sent ya!

BIG THANKS AGAIN BECKY!!! And Thanks to Char for organizing it! Looking forward to the next swap!

Hugs!
Kerri

Live Oak Primitive Peddler - Look at these goodies!!!

2010-10-08T18:58:00.000-04:00

Before my vacation I won a giveaway from Lorna over at Live Oak Primitive Peddler
Just look at all these goodies!!!

I absolutely love everything she put in this package. Everything is just so beautifully prim! a awesome prim cat doll, a super prim fabric pumpkin with 3 distressed sunflower heads, 4 fall candles, an AWESOME smelling pantry cake wrapped up with sweet annie, and my favorite, 3 pumpkin guy stick heads!!! SO AWESOME!

Here are some pictures of where I have put them

Lorna does wonderful work and you can check out her blog and get some of her awesome handmades by clicking HERE
I know you will love her blog and her work!

a big THANK YOU to Lorna for all the pretties! I really do love them all!

Prim Blessin's
Kerri

Fall Craft: Vintage Postcard Tucks

2010-10-06T12:43:00.000-04:00

First, I am sorry I have been away for sooooo long!
I have wanted to post so often but have just had too much going on. I will be posting much this month, I have so many great things to share. I want to start off with this short craft tutorial.
I LOVE vintage postcards, I scour the net for images to use for crafts and purchase design cd's on E-bay. For this tutorial I will show you how to print images onto fabric to make these super versatile little fabric tucks.

It is super easy to print images onto your own fabric. I started with 100% cotton un-bleached muslin. Mine is just off the bolt,and has been pre-washed (this is a good idea to remove all finishes on the fabric). If you would like to distress your fabric YOU MUST DO IT NOW!!! you will not be able to get the finished product wet. If you want stained fabric, go ahead and stain/distress your fabrics and dry and press them before you begin. Next thing you will need is freezer paper. Set a dry iron on a medium setting and fuse a piece of freezer paper to the back of your fabric you will be printing on. We will be trimming the fabric to 8.5" X 11" in the next step so make sure your piece you iron to your fabric is at least a little larger than this.

This photo shows the fabric adhered to the freezer paper.

Here it is all trimmed to 8.5" X 11". I use my rotary cutter, mat and ruler to get a precise measurement and a clean cut.

Now, I just paste my images into a word document and size them to the size I want. Also, you will need to leave some space between your images, at least 3/4". Then once I am happy with the designs, I set up my ink jet printer to print on my fabric. On your printer, set your "quality" to "Best" and select to feed your fabric through the manual feed or manual tray. Then just click Print and let it go. The combination of the fabric and the freezer paper is no thicker than cardstock paper, so it works pretty well.

Here are my images all printed on my fabric.

Now, I take my iron and a scrap piece of fabric and placing the fabric over my images, I DRY press the images to set the ink.

I then trimmed each image 1/4" away from the edge of the picture using my rotary cutter, mat and ruler. Then remove the freezer paper.

Choose a backing for each tuck, and trim to fit your image fabric. Next stitch, with right sides together, using a 1/4" seam around the tuck leaving a small turning hole at the bottom of each tuck.

Turn right sides out and stuff, then hand stitch the opening closed and there you go!

Now these are basic, but get crafty and do them up, rusty bells, pins or anything to prim them up. To get you started I am posting three images for you to use.
I hope you enjoy this little craft and I hope it inspires you!

Until next time,
BIg Prim Hugs!
Kerri

Buttermilk Basin - Beautiful Wool Patterns

2010-09-14T11:22:00.000-04:00

I was lucky enough to win a giveaway from an artist I very much admire..

Stacy West of Buttermilk Basin designs such wonderful projects! I love her wool projects.

Her recent blog giveaway was for $50 worth of patterns! These are the patterns I selected

I have some of Stacy's other patterns, here are a few I have finished recently
Theyare just the best! If you get a chance go on over to Stacy's blog Buttermilk Basin and check it out!

Click HERE to go to her beautiful website!

Prim Blessin's
Kerri

Textile Swap hosted by Pickled Pepper Patch blog

2010-08-25T08:53:00.000-04:00

Hello Blog Friends,
So sorry I have been so busy! FIrst day of school is today! so I have some free time!
I wanted to share with you my latest swap,
I participated in the Textile Swap hosted Char over at the The Pickled Pepper Patch

Tammy from VA was my partner,

Here is what I sent her:
I made her a brown calico prairie bonnet, a cross stitched crow tuck, courtesy of a great freebie from Primitive Betty's, a homespun fabric basket, two tea dyed flour sac towels, and wool hooked heart hanger.

And here is my goodies received:

I got a set of 4 cotton place mats, a cute pin cushion, A framed stitchery, a little sheep pillow tuck and a cute rabbit!
Thanks Char for hosting the swap and Thank you Tammy for my package!
Hugs for now!
Kerri

Review of new Magazine - A Primitive Place

2010-08-16T08:37:00.001-04:00

Hello Blogger friends,
Last week I finally was able to get my hands on a copy of the new A Primitive Place Magazine.

I was really excited about the debut of this mag, as I just love the A Primitive place blog!

This is a beautiful magazine, and a must read for any primitive lover! I think they did a wonderful job on this first issue and I look forward to seeing future issues. This fall issue was packed with beautiful home tours. Each home is a true primitive style home. Here is a quick peek inside:

Photos of easy to reproduce primitive everyday and fall groupings,

There is also a whole section dedicated to yummy recipes and primitive craft projects with full directions!

Other articles include a few pages showcasing trash to treasure re-do's, which I always love, as it will help you not overlook something you may find at a thrift store or garage sale just because it is not prim perfect.

Some articles covering top prim collectables and descriptions and histories of prim staples, in this issue, Redware pottery.

I did feel some of the photos were a little dark, but overall this magazine lived up to all my expectations and more! I can't wait to get the next issue!

Well done APP Staff, and Congratulations! What an awesome accomplishment and THANK YOU for promoting primitive decor and living with your absolutely beautiful magazine!

To get your subscription, click on the photo of the magazine on my side bar. You won't be sorry!

Hugs!
Kerri

A great find - after some sprucing up

2010-08-09T15:11:00.000-04:00

Hey prim friends,
I wanted to share my latest addition

My mom was driving home one day when she spotted a woman leaving this out on her curb, My mom, being the awesome lady she is, stopped and asked if she could have it. She said the woman looked at her like she was nuts, but she let her have it.

So I got it when we were up in NY a few weeks ago. Yesterday I cleaned it up, scrapped off all the pealing paint and major rust, then washed it and left it to dry.

BUT... when I went back to start painting it, I noticed some oil (as in motor oil) around the base, I went nuts trying to find out where I had put it in oil, THEN I realized it was coming FROM the milk can!!!

Yep... thats right... the woman my mom had gotten this from must have used it to store old motor oil and there was a little bit left inside.

SO... I had to get the lid off and clean it out REAL good, took a few times around with some simple green, hot water and a scrub brush, but I got it all cleaned up (and out!) got a coat of rust-olium on it and now it is at home on my front porch.

So, todays lesson is, if you get a free milk can, check out what is inside. I am just real glad this one was going to be kept outside, and that I had not brought it in the house!!!

Have a great day!

Kerri