Homespun Handcrafts

PAFA Winter Wonderland Giveaway

2011-11-14T18:54:00.000-05:00

Run, run, run and get yourself entered for a big giveaway! Don't miss this one!

I won!!

2011-11-02T15:41:00.002-04:00

I am tickled pink to be the winner of KKL Primitives giveaway which is a wonderfully prim "give thanks" pumpkin! Thank you Denise :)

Hungry Hook Primitives Giveaway!

2011-10-24T19:38:00.000-04:00

Run and get yourself entered to win this mat either finished or as a kit to hook yourself from Hungry Hook Primitives . Ends 10/31/2011.

Cat Haven Crafts Giveaway!

2011-10-20T18:29:00.000-04:00

Cat Haven Crafts is having a super lovely giveaway ! Run on over and get yourself entered before Oct 31.

Snowman runner on Etsy!

2011-09-24T11:23:00.000-04:00

A new listing on Etsy!

Snowman Runner ~ Newly Listed!

2011-09-17T20:19:00.000-04:00

FINALLY! I finally listed something new, and on eBay no less. I have not listed on eBay for quite some time but missed the auction atmosphere. So for your viewing pleasure, here is a rag quilt snowman runner! You can find it HERE!

Remembering

2011-09-11T11:16:00.000-04:00

On the 10th anniversary of 9/11/01 I am still feeling the shock, the sadness, and the feeling of insecurity. My husband turned on the TV to the movie "Flight 93". We both watched transfixed and the feelings that came over me were almost overwhelming but I had to keep watching.

I shall never forget the lives that were lost so violently. May God bless them all.

Cracking the whip.........

2011-09-06T18:06:00.000-04:00

On myself that is! I have taken a long break from sewing and crafting this summer. But now that the summer weather is fading away, I will get out that virtual whip and crack it to get me started again. Not sure where to begin, but begin I will. By putting this in writing here I have a reference to guilt me into action LOL

Hope you all have had a great summer and are all ready to head into Autumn :)

* Fall Giveaway Thyme* at Old Road Primitives...

2011-08-15T20:21:00.000-04:00

Oh my! What a darling giveaway over at Old Road Primitives. You simply must fly over and get yourself entered!

What a giveaway!!!!

2011-05-20T20:43:00.000-04:00

Run on over and get yourself entered!

Soft in the Head Giveaway!!

2011-05-04T19:21:00.000-04:00

Run over quick and get yourself entered in a fantastic giveaway from Soft in the Head! Drawing will happen on May 8th.

Handcrafted Teddy Bears by Michelle

2011-05-02T20:06:00.000-04:00

My dear friend Michelle over at Handcrafted Teddy Bears by Michelle is having a spring giveaway. Look on my side bar to find your way to her blog to get yourself entered. Hurry, the drawing will be held on May 20th. Don't miss this one :)

Tennessee Ridge Primitives, Sale!!!!

2011-04-20T20:40:00.000-04:00

OMG, I love Tennessee Ridge Primitives patterns! She is having a sale on her CD containing all 215 of her patterns, on SALE for the crazy low price of $40!! RUN RUN RUN!!! It won't last long.....

Hooked Rug Giveaway!!

2011-04-06T20:18:00.000-04:00

Run on over and get yourself entered for this beautiful hand hooked rug by Hungry Hook Primitives. She is trying to reach 100 followers and is almost there. Tell her that Chris from Homespun Handcrafts sent you!

Cookies!!!

2011-04-03T20:03:00.002-04:00

Found an excellent cookie recipe and thought I must share, enjoy :)

Jumbo Kitchen Sink Cookies
Makes: about 24 cookies
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 25 minutes at 350 degree F

Jumbo Kitchen Sink Cookies

Ingredients

    * 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
    * 1 cup granulated sugar
    * 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
    * 2    large eggs
    * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    * 2 cups all-purpose flour
    * 2 teaspoons baking powder
    * 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    * 1/2 teaspoon salt
    * 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
    * 1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate morsels
    * 2 cups shredded coconut
    * 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
    * 1 1/2 cups mixed jumbo raisins

1. Heat oven to 350 Degrees F.

2. In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium speed. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Beat in vanilla. On low speed, beat in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg.

3. Stir in chocolate morsels, coconut, oats and raisins. Drop batter by 1/4-cupfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets, about 2 inches apart. Press to flatten. Bake at 350 Degrees F. for 25 minutes or until light brown around edges. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Worth thinking about!

2011-01-25T19:49:00.001-05:00

I received this in an email and found it inspiring. Thought I would pass it along to you.....

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

Primitive Flower Bouquets Newly Listed

2011-01-23T19:44:00.000-05:00

Just listed on Etsy! In time to save you from the long winter weather, a breath of spring to cheer your home. Go to My Etsy Shop to get a better look!

KKL Primitives Selling Blog Giveaway!

2011-01-05T19:59:00.000-05:00

Run over to KKL and get yourself entered to win this wonderful prairie doll, Hannah!

Sweet Meadows Farms Happenings Giveaway!

2010-12-20T17:50:00.000-05:00

Run fast, and get entered into Sweet Meadows Farms Happenings giveaway! She is generously giving away a pattern a month for the next year to the lucky winner :)

Hurry over to Thimbleprims Studio for a stunning giveaway!

2010-12-03T21:54:00.000-05:00

Hurry over to get entered in Thimbleprims Studio's giveaway. Quite a big assortment of treasures she has for one lucky winner! Be sure to get signed up before the deadline of December 6th.

Primitive Poinsettia Ornies!

2010-11-26T18:49:00.000-05:00

I just finished some primitive Poinsettia ornies, made from a pattern by Kim's Whims. I just love how they turned out and I must say I am in love with working with wool! Jump over to my Etsy shop to get a better look at these :)

Wee Folk Art Giveaway!

2010-11-10T20:39:00.002-05:00

Wee Folk Art and Prairie Point Junction have teamed up to give away TWO poinsettia garland kits. Run on over and get yourself entered!

Snow Flurries!

2010-11-05T20:20:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it! Here in Indiana we are having snow flurries this evening. I am so not ready for winter, it gets worse for me every year. I remember as a kid I would go out with my sisters and play in the snow for hours. The cold didn't bother me, but now, I can't stand it. My friends keep telling me that soon I'll be having hot flashes and will love the cold. I can't imagine that ever happening but stranger things have happened.

I noticed the stores are filling their shelves with Christmas decor. Another thing I am never ready for. I am thinking heavily of doing a lot of handmades for gifts this year.

A Fabulous Giveaway!

2010-11-02T20:26:00.000-04:00

Run on over and get yourself entered! Who wouldn't want this sweet bear and vintage sewing goodies? Michelle will love to have you enter at http://michelles-bears.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-time-its-finally-time.html

The night before Halloween

2010-10-30T20:48:00.000-04:00

I am blown away realizing how late in the year it is already! Halloween is a favorite holiday of mine, and also who can resist all that candy marked down on November 1st? My husband, big child that he is, can't wait and I think is counting down the minutes to run to Wal Mart and buy up enough candy to last through Christmas!

Happy Halloween!

Giveaway at Crows Roost Prims!

2010-09-25T15:35:00.000-04:00

Hurry on over to Crows Roost Prims by September 29th for chances to win her e patterns. Her patterns are terrific to make and follow, you won't be sorry!

Crows Creek Primitives Giveaway!

2010-08-03T21:28:00.000-04:00

Run on over to Crows Creek Primitives Gathering Forum blog and enter to win some fabulous prims from some very talented artisans!

Sew Many Raggedies Giveaway

2010-07-23T22:03:00.000-04:00

Run on over to Sew Many Raggedies and enter her great giveaway. Let's help her get 100 followers so she can pick the winner of this fabulous doll!

E Pattern giveaway at Crows Roost Prims!

2010-07-16T21:28:00.000-04:00

You simply must run on over and visit Renee and enter her generous giveaway! She has fantastic patterns that you really should try. Thank you Renee :)

Crows Roost Prims

Teddy Bear Giveaway from Handcrafted Teddy Bears by Michelle

2010-06-29T17:17:00.000-04:00

You must run as quick as you can over to Handcrafted Teddy Bears by Michelle! Enter her delightful bear giveaway. She is a real sweetheart!

You can find her at:

http://michelles-bears.blogspot.com/

http://teddybearsandmorebymichelle.weebly.com/index.html

Raggedy Pants Designs Free Pattern!!

2010-06-23T19:00:00.000-04:00

Hurry and run over to get a free pattern offered by Raggedy Pants Designs. You won't be sorry, they are fantastic!

Something new, FINALLY!!

2010-05-19T19:39:00.000-04:00

Meet Bella Angel! I finally got something started and finished. This spring has found me lacking motivation and the energy to get everything done in a day's time. I am so pleased with how she turned out and I very much enjoyed creating her. She is from a pattern by Crooked River Mercantile.

Bella is currently listed on eBay so run on over if you have taken a fancy to her!

Win this wonderful bear!

2010-04-29T19:51:00.000-04:00

Run on over to http://desertmountainbear.blogspot.com/ for a chance to win Ruth, pictured below! Isn't she adorable??

Another new e pattern released!

2010-03-16T20:41:00.000-04:00

My newest e pattern finished and listed in my Etsy shop today.

Come on over and visit :)

Another new pattern released!

2010-03-12T17:16:00.000-05:00

I just added my newest pattern release for my primitive flowers to my etsy shop and in my new artfire shop.

My First Blog Award!

2010-03-12T17:11:00.000-05:00

My dearest online friend, Sooz, of poplarstreetprims, has nominated me for a Sunshine Award. Thank you Sooz, it means so much to me :)

Be sure to visit her blog, at poplarstreetprims.blogspot.com

Rag Bunny Ornie E Pattern

2010-03-09T17:49:00.000-05:00

Another new e pattern release for my rag bunny ornies. These are so fast and fun to make. Run over to my etsy shop to get the pattern :)

My new pattern release!

2010-03-08T20:07:00.000-05:00

I was finally able to get my rag bunny runner pattern made. It is available in both paper and e pattern form. Please see my etsy store to get it :)

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

I am in the process of creating more patterns at this time so be sure to check my store from time to time!

Felt Snowman Pillow

2010-02-19T22:07:00.000-05:00

I thought he was cute as can be!

Felt Snowman Pillow

Visions Of Spring Giveaway at Irish Rose Creations!

2010-02-16T19:40:00.001-05:00

Run on over to Irish Rose Creations to get yourself entered in her Visions Of Spring giveaway of her beautiful crocheted doilies. They are simply fantastic!

The Primitive Peddler

2010-01-29T18:33:00.003-05:00

I have been invited to join a group of superbly talented crafter's called The Primitive Peddler. I accepted and joined just this week. I am so happy to be there, it is quite an honor for me!

Please see The Primitive Peddler Blog for the Friday Freebie! You won't be disappointed :)

You'll also get to "meet" Homespun Annie, a divine primitive artist!

Giveaway at Irish Rose Creations!

2010-01-29T18:29:00.002-05:00

You must simply go as fast as you can and check out the fabulous giveaway at Irish Rose Creations! She makes the most wonderful crocheted items. I have crocheted a little bit in my time but she must be the master of all crocheters. Her work is the most incredible I have ever seen.

Gathering Goodies Giveaway!

2010-01-28T20:56:00.001-05:00

Run on over before February 10th to Gathering Goodies and enter her fabulous Valentine heart giveaway!

What a wonderful giveaway!

2010-01-12T17:32:00.002-05:00

Harvest Moon Primitives is having a fabulous giveaway! Run on over and get yourself entered :)

BBBBBRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!

2010-01-05T16:26:00.003-05:00

WOW! It is cold here in Indiana. I do not like being cold so I am staying indoors as much as possible. I work early in the mornings and it is so hard crawling out of my nice warm bed to go to work in the dark and brutal cold. Snow is coming too, the weather people keep bumping the total up. The last I heard is 3-6". No where near as bad as other areas, thank heavens!

I am rushing spring by making my flower bouquets! I have just listed these on Etsy so come on over.......

Ringing in the New Year

2009-12-31T19:28:00.003-05:00

Another year has come and gone again. It also seems unreal that Christmas is over and done. I baked dozens upon dozens of cookies this year. I had two people who paid me to make cookies for them, which I was more than happy to do, but let me tell you it was a lot of work. I am not as young and energetic as I used to be.

I will be starting to craft again in earnest and will be listing some new things on Etsy in the next week or so. Please be sure to come on over and visit all of the talented crafters over there. I will be listing some of my patterns for sale in the coming weeks too!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-11T14:40:00.000-05:00

Hurry and run on over to a fabulous giveaway!

Another cookie recipe!

2009-12-07T20:35:00.001-05:00

In the spirit of baking I am posting another cookie recipe handed down from my grandmother. I have no idea how old this recipe is but it is a keeper for sure :) Enjoy!

Grandma’s Coconut Cookies

½ C Butter
½ C Shortening
1 C brown sugar
1 C white sugar
2 eggs
1 ½ C coconut
1 ½ C oatmeal
1 ¾ C flour
1 t. baking powder
1 t. soda
1 t. vanilla

Mix shortening and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla and beat well. Add coconut, oatmeal, and flour, mix well. Add baking powder and soda. Mix well and drop by spoonfuls onto un-greased (preferably parchment paper lined) baking pans.

Bake at 350 degrees until cookies just barely begin to brown. Let cookies rest about 3-5 minutes before removing.

Note: This is a cherished family recipe of my grandmother’s. These cookies can be tricky to make, they are supposed to be a chewy cookie, but sometimes they don’t turn out that way, every time I make them they are different, but are delicious. If the dough seems to be too sticky, add a little more oatmeal rather than flour!

December is in full swing.......

2009-12-06T19:45:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the length of passing time since my last post. I am keeping myself very busy trying to get all the crafting done that I can before I stop and begin my Christmas baking. I am an absolute nut for baking cookies and making treats for family and friends at this time of year. I have created a monster of sorts because I now have 2 friends who want to pay me to bake cookies for them. I am flattered but know I've got my work cut out for me.

So in the spirit of baking here's one of my favorite cookie recipes......

Frosted Date Creams

Cookies
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 1/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 package (8 ounces) chopped dates
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Vanilla Frosting
1/2 cup butter or margarine
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 to 4 tablespoons hot water

1. Heat oven to 400ºF. Lightly grease cookie sheet. In large bowl, beat 1/4 cup butter, the brown sugar, sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and the egg with spoon. Stir in flour, baking soda and baking powder. Stir in dates and nuts.
2. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
3. Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over low heat. Stir in powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until blended. Stir in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until frosting is smooth and spreadable. Spread cooled cookies with frosting.

Holy Cow!

2009-11-16T20:06:00.003-05:00

I received a very nice note from Bastille Bleu on Etsy. She has picked my snowman face stocking and Etsy shop to feature on her blog article "A Prim and Proper Christmas", along with other primitive artists. Thank you so much! I am tickled pink :)

Please be sure to run over and see her great blog!

Bastille Bleu

Newly listed on eBay and Etsy

2009-11-14T17:35:00.002-05:00

My newest creation, some snowman ornies!

Happy news for me!

2009-11-08T19:35:00.003-05:00

I have joined a new group on etsy.com called Old Farmhouse Gathering, or OFG for short. I hope to make some new friends and learn from some very talented artists. Please be sure to search Ofg team over on Etsy. We appreciate a peek or two from you all :)

Busy, busy, busy!

2009-11-05T20:49:00.001-05:00

I am kicking into high gear making items for Christmas. Look for new items in my etsy shop!

Sad day!

2009-10-26T18:51:00.002-04:00

A dear friend lost her beloved kitty, Mac, this weekend. I gave my kitties lots of extra love when I heard the news. It is heartbreaking losing a pet and especially so when you must make the decision to put them down. We cannot prolong their suffering for our own selfish reasons but it is the most difficult thing to do.

God Bless Mac!

Giveaway at Cinnamon Berry Lane Primitives!

2009-10-18T20:44:00.000-04:00

Run, run, run as fast as you can and enter to win a wonderful primitive Santa! He is prim perfect!

Caramel Corn Recipe

2009-10-13T20:46:00.002-04:00

I see so many bloggers listing recipes and since I am crazy over recipes, I thought I'd share a few of my tried and true favorites from time to time. This caramel corn is to die for and so very easy to make. Nothing says Fall to me like caramel corn! I do hope you enjoy this!

12		cups popped popcorn, (do not use microwave popcorn)
1		(9.75-ounce) can (2 cups) whole cashews
1		(5-ounce) bag (1 1/2 cups) pecan halves
1		cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4		cup butter
1/2		cup light corn syrup
1		teaspoon baking soda

1		cup dark chocolate chips
1 1/2 1/2		teaspoons shortening cup white baking chips

Heat oven to 250°F. Place popcorn, cashews and pecans in large roasting pan.

Combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil (7 to 8 minutes). Continue boiling 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in baking soda.

Pour butter mixture over popcorn mixture in pan; stir well. Bake for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven; place onto waxed paper or parchment paper. Cool completely. (DO NOT BREAK INTO PIECES.)

Place chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon shortening into resealable plastic food bag. Microwave on HIGH (100% power) for 30 to 45 seconds; knead bag. Continue microwaving at 15 second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut tiny corner from bag; drizzle melted chocolate over popcorn mixture. Repeat with white baking chips and remaining 1/2 teaspoon shortening, microwaving on MEDIUM-HIGH (70% power). Drizzle over popcorn mixture. Let stand until chocolate is set (3 to 4 hours). Break popcorn mixture into pieces.

Store in container with tight-fitting lid or resealable plastic food bag.

Recipe Tip
Chocolate and white baking chips can be melted separately with shortening in a small bowl in microwave or in small saucepan over low heat until melted. Drizzle chocolate mixtures with fork or spoon.

Christmas listing has begun!

2009-10-13T20:40:00.002-04:00

I just listed some rag quilt Christmas stockings in my Etsy store. Sadly Halloween crafting is over and now it is time to start a new holiday. We crafters are always ahead of our time LOL

Have a blessed day!

Find me on Etsy and eBay!

2009-10-08T21:21:00.002-04:00

Won't you be so kind as to take a look at my items at Etsy and eBay? Just click the links to the right and they'll take you there! Thank you :)

Fantastic Giveaway!

2009-10-08T21:06:00.002-04:00

Run straight over and enter to win a fabulous goodie package from oodlekadoodleprimitives. You don't want to miss out on this one!

Free epattern from Olde Homestead Barn!

2009-10-02T21:08:00.002-04:00

Run and hurry to get a great free Pumpkin Harvest Centerpiece e pattern from Olde Homestead Barn :)

Giveaway at A Primitive Gathering!

2009-10-02T21:06:00.002-04:00

Run on over to A Primitive Gathering and enter to win some wonderful goodies!

Wow, this long, really?

2009-10-01T21:15:00.001-04:00

I cannot believe it has been so long since I posted anything here! Time flies when you are having fun or so they say!

Winter Weather!

2009-01-12T21:44:00.002-05:00

Well, not much going on here at the moment. A winter weather advisory in effect for tomorrow. A small amount of snow BUT high winds will create white out conditions. I sure wish I could stay warm in cozy in bed tomorrow morning, but I'll be up and at work at 7 AM. Then it is predicted very cold temps for the rest of the week. Subzero by the end of the week for lows.

I don't know about all of you but I am truly tired of winter. Dry skin, bundled up so much you can't move just to stay warm and not enough sunshine! BLAH.......when is the first day of spring again?

2009

2009-01-06T20:02:00.003-05:00

We are now into the 6th of January already. It seems this year is going to fly by as fast as the past year did. I am trying my hardest to live up to my resolutions of getting organized and finding ways to be more productive. If only I had a maid, cook and a million dollar bank account. My dreams would be much easier to reach. Instead I work full time, do all the cooking and cleaning, and handle all the financial responsibilities. And my husband thinks I am nuts when I say I'd much rather be a man. Now I am not saying all men are alike, but from talking to my friends, it seems most of them are! Enough of that rant, I surely don't want to make anyone upset. I just get so frustrated that I cannot find enough time in a day and there is always something around the house that needs doing.

I am slowly working on some Valentine projects, here is one that is currently listed at eBay.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T19:33:00.004-05:00

Another Christmas has come to pass! I pray you had a great one this year. I am looking forward to a new year, almost as if it is time to wipe the slate clean and begin anew. I am striving to get more organized in all aspects of my life. I especially want to focus more on my crafting and communicating with all the friends I have made online over the past couple of years.

I am looking into some Valentine patterns and will be making and listing them at Ebay very soon. I'd be delighted if you would be so inclined to take a look in a week or so.

2009! Doesn't it just blow your mind? It seems just like yesterday that everyone was concerned over the year 2000. 9 years later already, where did it go to?

Happy End of Summer!

2008-09-21T18:16:00.004-04:00

I am floored that summer is over, since tomorrow is the first day of Autumn. It has been a good summer and I am ready for Fall. It is my favorite time of the year!

Did you all notice that Tennessee Ridge Primitives has a new free e pattern? It is a witch owl and moon hanger. I did buy this pattern a while back and it was fun and easy to make.

I was surfing the web the other day and for some reason I missed Beneath The Willow Tree's last newsletter. There are so many free patterns there. Run on over and take a look!

I am making leaves and pumpkin head ornies right now. Here are a couple of pics......

Moonchild's Primitives has a new free e pattern!

2008-09-06T16:16:00.004-04:00

Hey click the link above to go to Moonchild's Primitives. Scroll down to about the middle of the page and find the new free epattern. Scroll down a little further and find some free e classes for primitive techniques. How cool is that? Happy primmin' and have a happy weekend :)

Chris

A fantastic primitive giveaway at Aunt Manny's Blog!

2008-09-04T21:20:00.002-04:00

Run on over to Aunt Manny's Creations and get yourself entered for her giveaway which is some super witch potion bottles. Super prim and perfect for the upcoming Halloween season!

Is summer really almost over???

2008-09-04T20:47:00.003-04:00

Can you believe Labor Day has come and gone already? I am constantly amazed at how fast time flies by. Fall is my favorite time of the year though! All the pretty leaves, pumpkins, apples and fall festivals! There is a wonderful annual Fall Festival at Hope, Indiana every late September. If you are in the area be sure to stop by, you will be glad you did!

I found another great freebie to pass along to you all! Go over to HP.COM and check out all the free online classes they offer. Everything from computer, business, and lots more. I took a class through them a couple of years ago, it was "How to build your first website" and I learned a lot about HTML. Enough in fact to learn how to work with auction templates and feel comfortable. I promise you will love learning at your own time and pace and this is a very reputable company :)

Until next time,

Chris

Monday, Monday!

2008-08-25T18:59:00.002-04:00

Can you believe it is Monday again?? These weekends are going way to fast for me lately! I did run across a website this weekend, it is FactoryDirectCraft.com Lots of craft supplies at great prices and be sure to check out the closeouts too, there are some good deals!

Sweet Annie and Watermelon pics!

2008-08-24T13:00:00.002-04:00

This is actually 3 Sweet Annie plants, I just took them out of the pot I started them in and planted in the ground as they were. I know they would have been bigger if I would have started them directly in the ground, but not knowing what they looked like I thought pots would be better. They do seem to be growing faster now that they are in the ground.

On another note, I wanted to show a pic of the watermelons hubby is growing. This is the first ones we have ever grown. Jeff always like to do unique things so he found these seeds for North Carolina Giant watermelons. They are getting huge.....this one on the right in the pic is about 18-22 inches long and if I measured just across the top it would be at least 12". The one on the left is smaller but it is catching up fast and they have a long growth time left, yikes! I wonder how they will taste but the package says they are surprisingly sweet.

Oh yeah, from what we can see and count, we have about 12-14 of these monsters LOL

--

TRP has another free e pattern!

2008-08-21T20:57:00.002-04:00

Hey, run to Tennessee Ridge Primitives and get Becky's newest free e pattern! It is a fabulous set of Witch Stockings with Sweet Annie.

Speaking of Sweet Annie, I bought some seeds off of eBay and planted a few of them. If you ever buy the seeds do not be surprised, they are TINY!! I thought for sure I had been ripped off since the packet looked empty. I started them in small flower pots and just got them in the ground a couple of days ago. I know they won't reach their full potential this year since I planted them so late but I still can't wait to see how they turn out. I have been reading up on how to preserve with glycerin so I might give that a try too. To me it would be perfect having my own stash for my crafting pleasure! I am really cheap when it comes to buying craft supplies since the more you pay the less you get back when selling your crafts. Sad but true most times.

Happy Tuesday!

2008-08-19T19:55:00.002-04:00

Another week is off and running right along! I seriously wonder where the time goes to. Just to think that Christmas is right around the corner makes me want to cringe. The idea of winter does not make me real happy either! I prefer the heat much more than the cold. Plus all those long dreary days with little sunshine get me down.

I am finding little time to sew and craft, it seems a million things need my attenion lately. I am still concentrating on Fall/Halloween but am itching to get some Christmas items going. Too much I want to do and never enough time! I'm sure you all can relate.

Anyway, I thought I would pass along a great place to buy some quality fabrics at some great prices....run on over to thousands of bolts and see for yourself!

Free Bucket Bag Tutorial!

2008-08-16T15:54:00.004-04:00

I thought I would pass along this cute Bucket Bag tutorial I ran across last night. I am so in love with the shape of this and hope I can find just the right fabrics to make one for myself soon. Run on over and see for yourself here....
welshquilter

Happy Saturday to all, I am off to get some crafting done!

My new primitive bats!

2008-08-15T21:08:00.002-04:00

These will be listed on eBay on Sunday!

TRP has a new primitive e pattern freebie!

2008-08-15T21:01:00.003-04:00

Hurry and run on over to tennesseeridgeprimitives.com and get Becky's new free pumpkin witch crow e pattern. Click on free epattern to get it! She creates the most wonderful items and her patterns are easy to understand and follow even for a beginner.

Well, TGIF!!!!! It's been a long week and I have barely had any time to craft at all. I am cleaning out flower beds that have overgrown out of control. I believe it is time to downsize them into a more manageable mess. Working full time and trying to craft as well as keeping up the housework chores is getting difficult. I am enjoying summer but with it brings so much more to do. Fall is my favorite time of the year and it is coming fast isn't it? I just don't know where the time goes.

Have a blessed weekend filled with all your heart desires :)

Happy August!

2008-08-11T19:14:00.005-04:00

Well I have neglected this blog again, shame on me again :( I need to have two of me to keep up with everything I want and need to do in a day. Oh well, maybe when I retire, if I will be able to afford to LOL

I will tell you that my group's launch seemed to be a success and we all had such fun creating Halloween items. We want to thank anyone and everyone who looked, bid and/or bought. I am now working on some Autumn Leaves, and this set is now listed on eBay.

I have run across a wonderful blog with some great craft freebies and would like to pass it along to you all! Go HERE!

I am so sorry!

2008-06-28T20:49:00.005-04:00

I have been so busy the past couple of months and have let this blog become old and outdated! So sorry :(

I ran across a nice freebie, go to tennesseeridgeprimitives. com. Becky is a very talented primitive designer and she offers free epatterns every couple of weeks or so. Run over and check it out, you'll be so happy you did!

I am now a ebay group leader!!!! My group is named "American Folk Art and Primitives Mercantile" (AFAPM). We are a small group, and we have some of the nicest ladies around. I am proud to know all of them and call them friends. The scope of their talent is awesome. We are planning our very first grand opening launch with the theme of "Broomsticks and Black Hats". Be sure to check it out starting July 7 on eBay. Just type in AFAPM in the search box to see all of our Halloween creations. We are so excited and hope you will visit our grand opening!
Just click the logo below to go straight there, remember it starts July 7 and runs through the end of July!

Something great!

2008-04-26T21:21:00.003-04:00

Hello again! Don't drop over in a faint over me posting twice in one day!

I had the thought to pass on to you something great that make my life so much easier. I have always known I should back up my files to disc, but never have had the time or patience to do it on a regular basis like I should. So I ran across this site......

http://www.box.net/

This is a great site to store anything like....... pictures, patterns, articles, graphics, you name it...... that you have saved on your computer that you would hate to lose if something went wrong with your computer! Just choose the "FREE" plan and start uploading your files! You can create folders to categorize your items, and I find this site is user friendly. I have found it to be a life saver for all the epatterns and such that I have collected over the years. I would be crushed if I lost them all due to my computer dying, so now, I am protected and really relieved.

I hope this helps someone out there who needs to protect their irreplaceables!

Something new in the works!

2008-04-26T15:15:00.003-04:00

Happy Saturday to you all. I have something up my sleeve and can't wait to get rolling on it. I am going to open my own website as soon as I can get it all arranged!!!! I hope you will come and visit. Don't worry I will be very sure to post all the info here. Ebay just isn't being very friendly to small sellers anymore and it really is a shame. I think they will end up realizing their mistake but would never admit it.

As time goes by!

2008-04-24T20:34:00.003-04:00

I have let too much time pass without getting back here, I do apologize! Life has been crazy busy lately. I am in the middle of a flower making frenzy! I'll post some pictures so you may see what I've been doing with most of my free time. Working full time outside of the home and then trying to keep up the housework AND finding time to craft is a challenge. But I love to create, so I will make it work out somehow.

I would also like to continue telling you about my favorite links on the right side menu. Life in the Craft Lane with Mandie is an incredible blog. She offers the nicest prim graphic freebies. Such talent and generosity all rolled into one fantastic woman. Please stop by and visit her blog, you won't be sorry :)

I did it!

2008-03-30T19:35:00.002-04:00

I now offically have joined The Auction Haus and have listed my very first item there. I hope you'll visit me there. It is a small site, but I really believe that with eBay's changes of late, it will become more popular. Please click on the Auction Haus button on the right to give me a visit :)
Thank you!

What does Grubby mean???

2008-03-30T16:57:00.002-04:00

Here is an article I ran across that explains exactly what grubby or grungy means! I hope you enjoy it and feel great knowing what these terms mean!

The Grubby Doll Look

“Grubby” is the word I kept hearing around the craft circuit. To me grubby meant grimy. So I decided to get to the bottom of this and find out the big deal with grubbing a doll and what it really meant in crafters terms. So I decided to ask a fellow crafter “What Is Grubby? To my surprise I found out that it’s another word for aged or old and that it gives your dolls that dirty look. Now at first I thought to myself “Why would I want to make my dolls look dirty”. Then I did a few of my dolls and realized they are not really dirty looking but a bit more primitive.
So to get “The Grubby Doll Look”, you can use a tea mixture, coffee or Walnut Ink. I decided to go with Walnut Ink, since I seem to drink too much coffee or tea to keep any left over for my dolls.
Where do you purchase Walnut Ink? Try various craft sites and also E-bay sells them. Now this does not mean to go out and make all your dolls look grubby, has you may or may not like the look. Trust me; I was skeptical in the beginning so it’s best to start out with 1-2 dolls at a time.
Once you have grubbed up a few dolls, try selling them at your next craft show. This is a great way to introduce a new doll to your customers and also find out if they are acceptable. It is always good to test your market before going overboard with a new product.
Now of course I don’t listen to my own advice and have done well with making these sort of dolls. I even sold a few on Ebay. So if you decide to jump in and just go nuts with making grubby dolls, remember I warned you.
Also know that each target market area is different and some people may not know what grubby is so be prepared to answer the question “What is Grubby”.
Author: Talena Bacon tdsewcutedoll@gmail.com
Bio: © 2008 –All Rights Reserved~~~Talena Bacon is the owner of Sew Cute Dolls & More and Mulberry Creek Mercantile She is a doll maker, pattern designer and advertising specialist. Talena specializes in Primitive/Country dolls, home décor and low-cost advertising for all businesses. http://www.sewcutedolls.com http://www.mulberrycreekmercantile.com
You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, your e-books or on your web site, free of charge, as long as the author byline above is included. Copy and Paste the article including authors byline to use this article.

Saturday!

2008-03-29T21:11:00.002-04:00

Well another week has flown by again, and I have not crafted a whole lot these past few days. I worked some extra hours at my out of the house job. I did manage to get more items listed on Etsy. Please click the Etsy button on the right to see what I have there. I am also looking into The Auction Haus, hopefully I can get something listed there in the next week.

Ebay is not being very friendly lately. New policy changes, and a whole host of rules that are going to hurt the crafter. I have always loved eBay but I can't believe what they are doing to the sellers.

I want to again continue on with My Favorite Links. If you have not checked out Life in the Craft Lane with Mandie, you must. She has the nicest blog! And she offers free primitive graphics of all kinds, that is so sweet! So run on over and check it out :)

Happy Easter

2008-03-22T20:49:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter to all! My wish is for you to have the best Easter ever, one that is filled with food, family and love and fond memories. I am preparing for my family to come for Easter dinner tomorrow afternoon. All of my neices and nephews are too old now for hunting eggs, which makes me a little sad. Next thing I know they will be grown and having kids of their own!

I have finished some primitive raggedy Andy's and they are now listed on eBay. Here they are!

Monday Again!

2008-03-17T20:09:00.003-04:00

Well, here it is another Monday and I'm back in full swing with the new work week. I did finish my Primitive Annie dolls tonight and I made them just a little bit different.....each Annie has a prim sunflower on her dress. I am just thrilled with how they came out. I had such a ball making these and plan to make more in the very near future.

Here they are...........

2008-03-16T19:30:00.005-04:00

Wow I just can't believe the last time I updated here was Wednesday! Of course I am always amazed at how fast the days go by. Time flies when you are having fun or so they say. Nothing like working full time outside of the house and then trying to craft between the everyday chores that never ever get done!

I finally got the cat ornies/bowl fillers done and will list them on eBay tomorrow evening. Would you like a sneak peek? Your wish is my command :)

I have also started some annie doll bowl fillers, and so far I think they are going to turn out adorable! I will post a pic as soon as I get them done, which is what I should be doing instead of being here online.

I just want to continue with my discussion of My Favorite Links which are listed to the left. If you have not checked out Horizon Hill Crafts yet, you really need to! Literally thousands of primitive products such as address labels, hang tags, stationary and much, much more. Her work is simply stupendous :) Please stop on over and visit soon!

Wednesday's Whims

2008-03-12T20:06:00.004-04:00

Happy Wednesday! I hope you all are well today.

I am working tonight on some cat ornies/bowl fillers, in fact they are baking in the oven as I type this. I'll get a picture posted as soon as I get them done. I am leaning toward doing some patriotic/americana themed items real soon.

I am toying with the idea of turning more of my items into e patterns. I will continue to give this some serious thought and let you know what I decide.

I'd like to touch upon my newest category which is "My favorite links". These are sites and blogs that I visit often and really truly enjoy. Starting in alphabetical order I will tell you more about each one of these sites.

Fishing For Deals is a forum/message board with lots of different categories. There are threads for great online and brick and mortar store deals, freebies and samples, coupon codes, online sweepstakes and instant win games, coupons and refunds, and more. There are also threads concerning eBay and Paypal which I feel has been the best source I've found for advice and learning the in's and out's of online auctions. Also, recipes, crafts, and so much more! I give this site 5 stars!!!!

You will need to register to see all the forums, but I promise you won't receive any spam mail or anything bad. You don't have to participate in discussions if you don't want to, but I'm sure the great members there would appreciate it.

Another week is flying by!

2008-03-11T19:57:00.003-04:00

Hello! Well, another week is fast flying by. I am trying to get some more crafting done but between working full time and the good old dreaded housework I feel I am losing the battle lately.

I have added a guestbook and if you would kindly sign it I would appreciate it. It is lovely to know where all the visitors are coming from. Thanks!

Here are a couple of items I have just finished and listed on eBay today. These would make lovely Mother's Day gifts.

Happy Friday :)

2008-03-07T15:38:00.003-05:00

Hello all! Well, it is Friday and the weekend off sounds really good to me. I thought spring was coming soon but today we are under a snow advisory again. It will be a good time to stay in and craft while hibernating.

I will be creating some new things for spring and for Mother's Day which will be here before we know it. Be sure to check in next week to see what I have been up to!

Have a wonderful and safe weekend :)

Hello and Welcome!

2008-03-06T18:30:00.008-05:00

Being as this is my very first blog entry I want to first welcome you and thank you for stopping by! I have a variety of interests including primitive crafting, web surfing including searching and finding freebies, researching crafting techniques, and communicating with others!

I am a creator and seller of primitive home decor on eBay, my ID is homespunhandcrafts. I am also currently exploring other options to offer my wares. I also am a member of The Olde Kindred Keeping Room, which is an eBay group of primitive crafters. Please be sure to take a look at all of our group's offerings when you visit eBay. Just type TOKKR into your search box.

I hope you'll stop in often to see and hear more about my newest creations!