Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Update, Reminder and Winnings:

Hi Blog Friends,

ATT00027 This picture says it all! She looks like how I’ve felt for the last week and a half!! Lol…

I went back to the doctor yesterday about this cyst that has been infected for a week.  The doctor had given me an antibiotic to take but it did not do what it was suppose to do and by yesterday the thing was so  sore and swollen that I thought he would send me to the hospital.  He didn't.  He had to put two drain tubes in it and gave me a new antibiotic to take and said once the infection is cleared he wants to send me to a surgeon to have the cyst removed.  You talk about hurt! I would not wish this on my worst enemy! Needless to say I have not gotten any new crafts done. 

Last night I tried to do a few stitchery's and managed to get this far.

winner 001 They are from a pattern by Sami’s Stitchery’s. I won 5 of her patterns on Sunday from a giveaway Samantha’s Accessories was having.

Here’s a picture of the winnings!

winner 002

Thank you Samantha!!!

If you have not visited Samantha go up and click on the link above, she has some beautiful aprons and stitchery’s on her selling site. I bought some of her tarts and boy are they great and long lasting! Give’m a try sometime, I love the Lavender Lemon one myself.

Reminder – If you have not signed up for my Prim Fall Giveaway, TODAY is the last day to do so.  You must sign up for it under that heading. That is the only place I will accept entries.

Thank you to all my followers old and new for all the wonderful comments about my crafts.  I so enjoy sharing with you.

I will post the winner of the Prim Fall Giveaway tomorrow morning and pull a second winner for a 100 follower giveaway prize.

Until then have a Great Day,

Prim Blessings,

Jean

Friday, August 27, 2010

It’s Almost Time:

Hi Blog Friends,

As promised, I have some pics of the craft items I’ve been working on this week. I didn't get as much done as I had hoped though. I went to the doctors about this cyst on my side fully expecting him to remove it but he couldn't because it is infected and man does it hurt! I have to take antibiotics for 10 days then go back. I hate taking antibiotics they always seem to make me feel yuckier!(    Oh, an the spot on my arm, the Doc said is an age spot!! I said AGE SPOT, are you kidding me!! He said that’s what happens as you age, some people are lucky and don’t get them; others get them really bad. He tried to make me feel better by asking how old I am, and complemented me by saying I really did not look that old!( Thanks Doc…..

Well, on to some pic’s of the crafts. Most of the things I am making are for Fall and Halloween. I can’t wait to start making Christmas and Winter items; I love making snowmen the most.

crafts 001 crafts 002

Here are some large witch boots. I used vintage white porcelain buttons on these and filled the top with florals I found at GW.

crafts 004

Look at this little pumpkin girl. She turned out so cute.  She was created from a pattern in the October 2010 issue of Create & Decorate. Gabby Gourd, by Kim Grasso.

crafts 006

Here’s a sweet Witch Annie I created from a pattern by Homespun from the Heart. Very easy to make.

crafts 008

New pattern I purchased from My Primitive saltbox. They are having a pattern sale on their website. All patterns are $2 each!! This is Kat and Jax. Very easy pattern and fun to make.

crafts 009  crafts 010

This is a prim black cat and plump pumpkin duo.  I used vintage pearl buttons for the eyes. I just love how this one turned out!

crafts 011

Meet Louie & Pete! This was a free pattern from Olde Rustic Prims.  A cute little black cat named Louie playing with his friend Pete the mouse.

crafts 012 crafts 013

This scarecrow turned out much cuter than I thought he would. It was a free pattern from Crafty Ole Crow.  I have a ton of these old spindle spools I purchased a few years back at a yard sale. I could never figure out what to do with them, but seeing how you all here on the net create things as make-do’s I now know what to do with them.

crafts 014

Very cute bowl fillers – Frost on the Pumpkin pattern by Pineing for you prim collectibles. I got this at Prim Mart in the free pattern section. click here to go to that page. Some great free patterns!!

crafts 007

And look at these adorable little Annie's! I loved making these, they are simple and quick to make. It was another free pattern I found on the net. It is by Countin’ Crows and the pattern is called Annie 4 Sale. Sorry I can’t find the link for this one.

I could spend all day surfing the web for free patterns. There are so many generous designers out there and I truly appreciate there generosity. Try surfing sometime, you to can find all kinds of neat things.

Gotta get back to work, and my side is killing me:(

Don’t forget to watch for the drawing of my prim fall giveaway on September 1st!!

Prim Blessings, and have a great weekend.

Jean

Monday, August 23, 2010

Wow!!

OMG, I have done it! I have over 100 followers!!

Well as I stated if I get to 100 follower before I drew for the Fall Prim Giveaway I would draw a second name for a Prim Goodie and that is what I will do on Sept. 1st. So be sure to check in an see if you are the lucky winner.


If you have not yet signed up for the Prim Fall Giveaway just click here and sign up. Be sure to follow the directions for the giveaway.

It was a beautiful weekend here in the Valley, and I have been working on lots of new things.  I will post some picks of them later this week.

I have to go to the doctors tuesday to have a cyst removed from my side. Its been there awhile and the doctor told me it was nothing to worry about, but it has tripled in size and hits right where my bra line is and has become very sore.  I hate to go to doctors so I am a little stressed about it.  I also found a small spot on my arm that is concerning me.  I hope it's nothing, but it looks like it could be skin cancer.  I have always been really bad about protecting myself from the sun. Especially as a teenager we always wanted that golden tan. And yes as an adult I loved going to the tanning bed. Have not done that for a few years but I'm sure the damage has already been done.  If only we could turn back the clock, or atleast have listened to my mom.
I was and still am such a hardheaded person.lol.

Well got to get back to my crafts, they've been outside drying and it looks like rain is coming tonight.

Until next time, Prim Blessings,
Jean

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Does anyone know what these are called?

yard sale find 001

Hi blog friends,

I found these at a yard sale (a whole crate of them) and had to get them cause they were very old and very cheap!! I know people paint on them, but I can not for the life of me figure out what they are called, or what they were used for. They look like old roof shingles or something like that?? Even my puppers, Snoopy can’t figure them out!! lol.

And what are these??

I found them in the bottom of the box.

yard sale find 002

They are rusty metal, The one on the left has a hook atop a socket thingy and the one on the right has an old hand forged metal pin, holding on a metal slide plate. Kinda like a plow thingy. They have me stumped.

I would appreciate it if anyone could tell me anything about them.

Prim Blessings,

Jean

Friday, August 20, 2010

Giveaway update and promoting a new Prim Friend

Good morning blog friends,

The humidity has subsided for now and it's gonna be a gorgeous day here in the Valley.

Been spinning the wheels to come up with a few new items for my Prim Fall Giveaway and have come up with a couple little things to add, but I'm gonna keep them a surprise for the lucky winner!! heehee.

If I get to 100 followers before the cutoff of my giveaway on August 31st, I may just have to pull a second name and send them a little something to!!  It would be just one item, but surely someone out there would love to get a little gift.

A new Prim Loving Friend found me and became a follower of my blog and guess what??? She is having a 25 follower giveaway.
Teresa of Mammys Treasures is having a giveaway on her blog, but needs some prim loving friends to join her blog. Go on over an make a new prim friend today. She makes beautiful Prairie Bonnets and will be selling them along with her pantry cakes and candles.

Hope everyone has a beautiful weekend.
Prim Blessings,
Jean

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Freebie for you. Prim Sunflower Pattern

Prim Sunflower Pattern















Designed by Jean Barker of
Prim Crafts.
What you will need:


¼ yd of dark brown brushed velour
¼ yd of golden yellow fabric makes approx. 5 sunflowers. (Depending on how many sunflowers you want to make, as to how much fabric you will need.)

You will also need hand sewing needle and thread. (I use white thread because you will be coffee staining the flower.) Polyfil Stuffing, scissors, coffee stain mixture.

Pattern directions: Please read through directions prior to beginning.

Cut out two (2) Petal pieces from your favorite golden yellow fabric. (I use either golden homespun or broadcloth.)

Cut one (1) center from brushed velour in dark brown. (That is what I used to make the one pictured, but you can use whatever fabric you like.)

Now take your needle and thread and do a running gather stitch around the outside edge of the flower center piece. Pull gather up slightly and put some polyfil stuffing in. Not too much, just enough to make it kinda plump. Pull up gather a little more but not too tight and knot off thread. Now get your two petal pieces. I like to offset the two pieces a little so the petals look like they are full when finished. Put the gathered flower center piece in the middle of the petals. Take your needle and thread and stitch the center to the petals using a running stitch around the outside of the petals. It will be on the back side of the flower so it will not matter how it looks and besides, they are supposed to look Prim!! Make sure you catch the center piece with each stitch.

At this point you should have a flower that looks like the picture. Time for that Prim Grungy look!!

Mix ½ cup of instant coffee, 1 cup of hot water and 1 tsp. of cinnamon together in a bowl. Let cool, so you don’t burn your hands. Once cooled, dip your flower completely saturating it in the coffee mixture. Ring out slightly and place on an old cookie sheet lined with foil with flower face down on sheet. That will give the petals a little extra darkening when dried. I like to air dry my flowers by putting in a sunny place either inside or outside if the weather is nice. You can also dry them in the oven at 180 degrees, but watch them very carefully as they will burn or even catch on fire!!!

You’re done!! They can be displayed in a bowl, added to a wreath, or use as an accent to any prim arrangement!!



For the pattern to print out actual size, just click on the picture and click on your printer button.

Have fun creating as many of them as you want and you don't even have to give me credit for the design!! My gift to you.   All I ask is that you not sell the pattern for your own profit!!

Prim Blessings,
Jean

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Yard Sale Finds,what I've been up to and Wally World....

Hi blog buddies,

Golly, Gee, Willikers.... I have some new prim follower friends. Welcome all, I am so blessed and would like to extend a warm Prim Welcome to you all.

I had said I would post pictures of  my latest yard sale finds so without further a-do:

Found these side tables for $5.00 for both. I think I will sand them down and paint. Not sure what color yet. They are solid wood constructed from pine wood with a cherry stain.. Once I get them done I will show pics.










Got this little bench for $5.00 to put in my selling booth to display my Annie dolls on. Just the perfect size for dollies!!!









 Found a whole box of candle lamps for $2.00!!! Some are plug in and some are battery.  Can't wait to grungy them with coffee, cinnamon and glue....
Gonna use them in my Christmas boxes!! Have to wait to see that!!!







Found a couple of small wood crates/ cheese boxes at a yard sale all for $2.00. I love to collect these and hang on a wall as a shadow box. They make great little cubbies on a wall or shelf!


Just a reminder, I am having a Prim Filled Fall Giveaway and you can sign up for that on my previous post. That is the only place I will except entries for the giveaway. So please go on down and leave your entry.

I am working on a bunch of new items for the fall and have already decided on some things to add to the fall giveaway, but I am going to keep them a surprise!!! heehee...

Gotta get some supplies from Wally World on Wednesday, what's up with them??? Everything is changing. They do not carry the 10lb boxes of stuffing anymore and the fabrics are getting slimmer in pickings!!!  You know times are changing when they go down hill!!!!!!!! The closest Jo Anne fabrics to me is over an hour away. What's a crafter to do if Wally world goes out of business or worse, stops selling craft supplies. I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.

That's all I have for now, have a great week!!!
Until next time, Prim Blessings to you
Jean

Monday, August 16, 2010

Anyone up for a Prim Fall Giveaway?

Good Monday Everyone:
Hope you all had a nice weekend.
It's been quite hot and humid here in Virginia, and looks like this week is going to be no different. 
We did some yard saling on Friday and found a few good deals. I will get some pictures together of them an post tomorrow. 
I have been making all kinds of fall crafts for my selling booth at the antique mall an boy are they going over well!! It's been keeping me quite busy. I'm so thankful that I am gaining such a wonderful customer base.
I've met some really great people both at the mall and here on the blog.

I'm so grateful to have such wonderful Prim Friends that I want to give back. I wish I could give to all of you, but I can only afford to ship to one lucky person.
So, I'm having a Fall Giveaway.

The rules are quite simple all you need to do is the following:
  1. You must be a follower of my blog. New followers are welcome. If you are a facebook follower, please click the follower link on my sidebar under Networked blogs and you will then be an official follower.
  2. You must leave me a comment that you would like to be entered in my Prim Fall Giveaway.
  3. You must live in the United States or Canada, sorry shipping costs are very high. (I do have one follower in the UK and will allow Karen from Primitive Life in an English Cottage -if she so chooses to enter.)
  4. If you would like a second chance to win, just post my giveaway with a link back to me on your blogs sidebar. You must let me know if you did this so you get credit :)
That's it, pretty simple right!!!

The deadline to enter is August 31st and I will use random picker to draw the winner on September 1st!!!

Here's what I am offering in my Fall Giveaway:

A Prim Filled Fall Bowl of Fillers!
That's right! Everything here for one lucky person.

  This orange over black prim painted oval bowl, I re-did from a yard sale.             

One of my handmade Prim Scarecrow tucks. My own pattern/design.








Two of my prim candy corn bowl fillers. My own design.







Two of my Lil' Jack pumpkins, my own design.

 One of my grungy stained sunflowers, designed by me.








One grungy crow, made from a pattern by Threadbare Primitives.








And one of my newly created grungy wax tea light candles.

I may even come up with some other items to add to this prim grouping. You just never know!!

Good luck to everyone!

Until next time, Prim Blessings,
Jean





Friday, August 6, 2010

New items i've been working on this week:

Hi Everyone,
It's Friday!!! Hope everyone is staying cool. It's been another week of sweltering heat here in the valley.
What a hot Summer it's been!!!
Today I need to do some yard work,  hope to get it done early this morning, but wanted to post some things I've worked on this week.

Witch Boots!!
I had seen several styles of witch boots on the net and thought I would try my hand at making some. I used pumpkin pods, cinnamon sticks, branches, fake static and a grungy tea light to decorate.


Cute little Witch Mouse!
She is sitting on a piece of candy corn.


Pumpkin Dolls!
I got this pattern from Threadbare Primitives. They are so cute and easy to make!!
They are only 11" tall from feet to tip of her stem.


Different size fat pumpkins!
I am loving these too.
A great seller for me!!


I tried my hand at a Witch doll.
Not liking her hair to much. I used sisal twine, unraveled. It's to white for this prim doll. I'll have to try something different next time.
I like how the doll itself turned out. I did individual fingers and a long pointed nose with a black mole on the tip. ( You can't see it to well in pic) I love how her little black cat turned out!

That's all I have for now, but many other things in the works.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!
Thank you for stopping by,
Prim Blessings,
Jean

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Sami's First Giveaway!!!


Samantha's Accessories is having her first giveaway.
Just look at this beautiful apron bag holder!
Go on over and check Sami's new blog out and sign up for this generous giveaway.

Monday, August 2, 2010

I won a beautiful giveaway and sharing pics of a make over:

Hi Everybody,

I had the nicest surprise this morning. I won the giveaway from Andy, at Andys Primitive Farmhouse.

I am so excited!! Thank you Andy for such a beautiful gift.

Andy makes these signs herself , as well as the stitchery. She is so talented!! If you have not checked her blog out, click on the link above and see for yourself how talented she is.
















I have been busy working on getting my booths ready for the fall season and wanted something to display my tucks, ornies and fillers in.

I have an old wood ironing board that I had been contemplating making a high back bench out of and never got around to it.  After looking at it I thought, I bet that would make a great backing for a wall bin!! So with saw in hand I cut the smaller end of the board off to even it up, then used some pine scraps and designed this great bin.

What do you think?? Rather Prim looking. yeah!!!

Within the next few weeks the leaves here in the Shenandoah Valley will be turning and all the tourists will be coming down, so I have been trying to stock up on fall and making Christmas goodies to keep my booth stocked. 
I have also met a lady who is opening a florist shop not far from me and asked if I would be interested in putting some of my handmades in her boutique. She will be opening in a few weeks, so I am looking forward to getting with her to work out the details.  I have always dreamed of having my own shop doing floral arrangements and selling crafts.God is sending me signs. It may not be my own shop, but this is a great way to see if that is what I really want to do. I'll update you on this venture as it happens.

Got to get back to my sewing. Thank you for visiting.

Don't forget to stop by Andy's and say hey to her.

Oh,  I am almost at 100 followers. I want to do a 100 follower giveaway and will be thinking up some great goodies to giveaway, so keep watching, cause this is only going to be for my followers. Once I choose the time to do my giveaway, only the current followers will be invited to enter. If you know of anyone that would like my blog and are not following me at this point, send them over.

Prim Blessings,
Jean