Oh Holy Night

Here we are at the end of our journey, and the beginning of the true meaning of the Season we celebrate...I have worked hard, but yet, many things I planned will not be.
Some gifts wont get sewn, cards won't get written, and recipes wont get baked.
But in the end, I'm at peace with my efforts because the commercialized deadline is not what matters.
What matters is the TIME and TOGETHERNESS we share as we gather with friends and family over the next several days.
May the Spirit of the True Meaning of the Season be Yours and safe travels to you and all your Loved Ones. Merry Christmas to You All!!!!..xoxo

The Toy Society Christmas Drop

I've been on a mission today for The Toy Society!
Here's a pic of little Timmy and his toy boat!

Here he is at the entrance of the play ground waiting to be noticed and
taken home.

The Toy Society is such a neat idea for a simple random act of kindness.
I don't know if I'll ever find out who takes him home..but it's neat to know he'll be
a unexpected surprise in someone else's day! ;)

WIP Update! ;-)

So sorry for the bad pic...It was snapped in a rush!
I finally finished this set yesterday! Made from thrifted fabrics it was finished just in nick of time, before it was time to go to the family Christmas gathering!! I think they turned out pretty cute, and my MIL loved them! ;-)
I used a pattern from Pat Sloan's Farmer's Market applique quilt pattern, which is so generously available for free!!! You can find it here...Oh I wish I could get my hands on her wonderful fabrics!...I love how she puts those whimsical prints together!
Perhaps a project for myself in the New Year!(wink) ;-)

Georgia Snow

bbbbrrrr....Nearly 70 degrees outside, but it's
starting to get frosty in here!!!...ROFL! !!
Here's a pic of my "Georgia Snow"..
White label dots on dental floss.....Oooooh and soooo minty!!!
ROFL!!!
with my handmade paper mache' icicles
rolled in mica strung above.
Can;'t wait to take a pic tonight!!!!! !!...I'll show you
another pic then!;-)

Fabric Play; A Christmas Gift in Progress

This is just one idea I'm playing around with today..It's a kitchen towel set for my
MIL..I'm planning a set of three...
None of my fabrics in my stash match very well, coming from random resources such as
thrift shops and cut clothing, and remnant bins...so we shall see if somehow a gift worthy for giving emerges!..;-)

Pay It Forward

From Kirrily's blog at Five Roses-Prim and Pretty is this great idea to begin the New Year!!..I've copied and pasted the rules..
So do you want to play with me? The first 3 visitors to my blog and leave a comment saying that they would like to be involved will receive a handmade gift from me within 365 days. You must email me to confirm your details.

These 3 visitors must have their own blog, place the PIF logo on your blog and link it back to me. Then you must offer the same to the first 3 visitors to visit your blog and follow the above steps that I have done. Remember their is no stress...you have one year to PIF.



Sent from Pauline to my primitve doll making group,Primraggchatters.

Santa...A Crafter's Christmas Poem..

Twas the night before Christmas, I'm glued to the tree.
I'm wondering what Santa brought just for me.
Could it be cardstock or chipboard or lace?
Or a Cricut, I said, with a smile on my face.
And that's when I heard him,
"Hi Santa, " I said
"You know....good little girls
should be in their beds."
"I know I should Santa,
and now I've got caught.
But I was just so excited
To see what you brought."
"Well, let's take a look
in this room where you work.
He shook his head quickly,
And left with a jerk.
I heard him exclaim
as he put it in gear.
"You've got enough crap,
I'll see you next year!"....ROFL!! ;-)

Such a Hoot!!...Had to Share!! ;-)..Wreath Tutorial Made From Fabric Softener Sheets.

This fun parody is cute and entertaining, plus this err.lady(??) really has
a handle on "tacky"!!..LOL!! (in an endearing way) ;-)

So Adorable!!!!!

It came today!! ;-)WOO-HOO!!!
Gen of Ewenique Treasures and I had our own snow person swap, and This is the cutest snow-gal ever!!
Oh Gen!!!..I LOVE her!!! and the extra goodies of potpourri and a bottle brush wreath ornament too!!..Thank YOU so much!! She will be treasured always!!xo

Can Someone Please Pass the Glitter? ;-)

A little tacky??...maybe!..but I LOVE it anyways!!...Love it against the deep Caribbean-blue of my dining room (matched right out of a 1960's B.H. and Gardens)..The wreath was a skimpy, sad looking find at the
thrift store for a quarter!..lol...I save every little thing thinking I might "need" that someday..lol..well this was the outcome of my bits, chippy baubles, and birds that I glittered myself!..and an additional dusting of glitter all around!!..Somehow it just makes me smile!...;-)

Delights and Surprises!!...;-)

These bright border colors are in honor of the most wonderful surprises I opened Just now!!
This evening was winding down, ordinary, mundane, like any other...I went outside to take the trash out, and a mysterious box was sitting atop my recycle bin!!...I didn't remember leaving a box out there!....The box from Miz Penniwig, was for ME!!!..Yippeee!!!...and look and the wonderous contents inside!!...OH I LOVE it all!!!
Even though it was dark, I HAD to take a pic right away!!...
Some call it tacky...I call it treasure!!;-)
Just look at all this "neat-o" vintage Christmas stuff!!!..
From the "age of Aquarius" is the really cool christmas wrap. LOVE those colors and illustrations..right out of my childhood!!..lol..And the styro-foam, with decoupaged napkin ornament is just like the crafts I did myself as a girl scout back in the early 70's...oops!! I just dated myself..LOL ;-)
Ooh and there were spices for mulling, rusty tokens, and jasmine tea..and another favorite is the milk glass Santa candy dish..
what a FUN box of gifts..THANK YOU Miz Penniwig!!!! I shall hoard it forever!!! ...LOL..xo

New Additions....

To my line-up in my shoppe at Lemon Poppy Seeds...More to come soon!!!
I have really been busy planning gifts to make and swaps to send.
So I hope to have more pics for you at the end of this week!!
Till then....Happy Merry Making!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving.....and

Remember, it was only through the thoughtfulness, and good-will of strangers in a strange land, with customs alien to their own, that the first colonies of pilgrims survived at all to forge this great nation.
Peace, love and laughter with family and friends are wished for you all!

A New Award To Share

Grand Dame Penniwig has awarded her readers with this award, and more!!..
And it is a True Award, one without rules or further obligations.
Thank You Miz Penniwig!!!!!...So if you see this post..take it and share it, or just simply ignore it!!
Now I am compelled without obligation, only a giving spirit, to spread a little appreciation to others who maybe could use a Pick me up today!;-)

God Jul!!!

DSC02097
Originally uploaded by kandahudson

Is the name of this piece and a traditional Scandinavian Christmas Greeting! ;-)...he's a Norwegian Christmas Nisse(similar to a gnome)
He is the protector /overseer of households and farms in Norway,.
He's holding feed straw to feed the barn animals, and children leave porridge for him on Christmas Eve..In return he leaves small gifts...but watch out!!
If porridge is not left for him..he will bring great mischief to your household!..LOL.so I have provided his little porridge bowl..
..Don't ya just love folklore!!..lol.;-)
Made using Nanny Norton's fairy pattern,( which I tweaked a good bit.).lol..I was inspired to make him in honor of my brother's family who live in Norway. His bride of 6-7 yrs is Norwegian, and they have 2 adorable little boys..Of course we miss them year-round, but especially during the holidays...
Anyway it is fun to learn other foreign traditions.
Oh Yes!!!...This little guy is available NOW in
my shoppe at LEMON POPPY SEEDS.

Thank You Kirrily!!!

Kirrily of Five Roses Prim and Pretty gave me this award....Kirrily is amazing with all she does, and I am so honored, and thank you so much.
The rules of this award are: * Put the logo on your blog or post.* Nominate at least 5 blogs(can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing!* Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.*" Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from."
Here are my Five nominees of really cool blogs!

Blockhead Rod Gambrel of Blockhead Radio...He works so tirelessly promoting other artisans on his own time!!...what a guy!! ;-)
Gen of Ewenique Treasures
Terri of PrimCreek
Char of Pickled Pepper Patch
and Winter at Penniwig's
Oh how I wish I could find the name behind Penniwigs, she also is the creator of skullblossoms.. I've been a loyal reader of these great blogs!!..and I appreciate
so much everything she shares!!....Thank YOU!!!!

Blog Giveaway

Kelly of Mystical Entities is giving away this wonderful display piece.
You have until November 20, to hop over and sign up!!!

Now Available!!! New Offering!! All Tangled Up

This is my newest creation available now in my shoppe at Lemon Poppy Seeds marketplace.
The pic doesn't come close showcasing how cute he is!!..For more information on
purchasing this item, please click HERE

Ornament Pattern to Share

From Old School Acres is this cute ornament...these can easily be made into a garland too!.;-)

Applique Felt Buche' de Noel Tutorial

You can find this tutorial for felt Buche'de Noel log at HERE at Craft Stylish. I think it could be made from other types of fabrics as well..A neat display piece to experiment with.

Another variation can be found HERE at This Love Forever Blog.

And finally, this cute pincushion by Calamity Kim.

Holiday Gift Idea

I love this idea!
One Pearl Button has posted this great tutorial for this cloche' and mitten set recycled from a thrifted cashmere sweater.

Handmade Holiday

I was excited to see Sew,Mama,Sew has already begun her Handmade Holiday series. Every day thru November she's posting new links for hand crafted ideas for holiday gift-giving. Last year was a huge success!!
I can't wait to see all the goodies she finds this year!

Paper Creches to Print and Make

Chrechmania.com is a site I want to share with you as we all look forward to our Christmas Season preparations. I had visited Crechmania many times during Christmas' past.
they are so generous to offer several styles in free downloads so that we too may create our own paper creche's from vintage reprints. The website is also an interesting read to learn about the origins of the paper chreche...Enjoy their complimentary designs.

A New Launch!!

I am so excited to be a part of a new shoppe that has debuted this week!!
Artisans from every background are featured here at the Artisans Shoppe.
New items are added daily! So please come browse the selections of some really talented folks..Perhaps get a jump on holiday shopping or pick out a little something for yourself!! Click HERE to visit!!
See you there!!;-)

Hi Ho, Hi Ho!!...It's off to work we go!! ;-)

Here come the elves!!!..They live in their own little world inside my cake dome!..LOL.
Time sure has a way of marching on!..lol...the Halloween candy is all gone, and it's time to put away the spooks and goblins..
Not a moment to waste!!!!..It's Time to get really serious about holiday preparations.
I'm so lucky to have my little friends to help!..;-)

Under Construction

I will have a new look to match my tunes soon!..I had to stop for now to seek medical attention for my daughter..she possibly has appendicitis, so my time is now being spent in waiting rooms..I'll be back soon with lots of updates!!!

Fun Decorations

Just posting a pic from my own "Spooky Town" collections...The farmhouse is my favorite!!
I love the children "trick or treaters" best!!...The playful fun of Halloween is what it's all about!!;-)

New Blogger Give-Away

Dani of Old Homestead Peddler
is a new blogger, and to celebrate her debut, she is having an awesome give-away!!!
SO hop on over and give her a shout to cheer her on!!!

Paper Mache' Pumkin Patch

These incredible jack O lanterns are the creations of Scott at Stolloween
He is so generous to provide this tutorial...Check him out!!!
There's still plenty of time to make one or a whole yard full for this year's Halloween display.

Chocolate Candy Corn Bark

This great looking recipe was found at Oodlekadoodle Primitives
Chocolate Candy Corn Bark
Ingredients:

2-cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1-cup white chocolate chips

1-cup candy corn

1. Prepare a cookie sheet by lining with alumium foil.

2.In separate bowls, melt the chocolates in the microwave or over a double boiler.

3. Stir 1/2 cup candy corn into the dark chocolate, and pour the chocolate onto the foiled pan. Ising a spoom or spatula, smooth the chocolate out in an even layer. It does not have to cover the whole pan.

4. Take a spoon and scoop small amouths of white chocolate over the dark in a random pattern. Use a toothpick or the tip of a knife to swirl the two chocolates together. Don't swril too much, you want to be able to see the distinct chocolates in the end.

5. Place the remaining 1/2 cup candy corn over the wet chocolates, sprinkling randomly and pressing them gently into the chocolate until they adhere.

6. Put the chocolate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to harden.

7. When the bark is firm, remove it from the foil and break it.

Handmades for Halloween

Halloween is my favorite holiday!!..the fall crafting season is much too brief for me!
these are some of my last fall and Halloween offerings.. they will be available soon
on Lemon Poppy Seeds.

Character Book Swap(click the pics for a better view)

I belong to a primitive doll making group called Primraggchatters, and we recently made dolls for a Book Character Swap..My Friend Kathie of Little Cotton
Aprons and I decided on the additional challenge of doing characters from books written near our hometowns. The book I selected for my characters is Uncle Remus' Legends of the Old Plantation, written right here close by to where I live in Georgia. Pictured here is Uncle Remus with Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby. I absolutely love how this vignette turned out!!..I hope Kathie likes it to!

And here is the Gorgeous Annabelle Lee, that Kathie made for me!!! I'm using her pic because I love her background better!.lol.;-D...Kathie is originally from Baltimore, Maryland, so that is why she chose a Character from one of Edgar Allen Poe's writings. Incidentally, he is one of my favorites!!
Thank You Kathie!!!...This was so much fun and I hope we can challenge one another again real soon!!xoxo

Another Give-Away

My friend Kathie of Little Cotton Aprons shared a post about
Marietta of Sweet Old Vintage She is hosting a wonderful Christmas ornament give-away.
They are gorgeous embellished paper dolls which would be just perfect for a vintage/antique inspired tree...Hop over and sign up before this Sunday!!

Hurry! Not Much Time!

Only a few days left to sign up.
Shay Of Olde Colonial Peddlers is having her first give-away of three different prizes,
and they are awesome!!..
So hop on over and pay a visit to this very talented lady. Here are the pics of
her prizes....Aren't they great?

In Memorial Of September 11,2001

Linen Spray...Top of my gift list!!

I will be stitching up several laundry bags or lingerie bags for Christmas gifts this year
and I am so excited to have found the perfect companion for this gift idea!
This recipe for Linen water/spray comes from Craft Stylish......Thank You!!! Craft-Stylish! ;-)
Wouldn't it look great packaged in those glass sprinkle or spray bottles??
And—get this—it’s quick, cheap, and makes an ideal gift for those friends and family members who have everything.

You’ll need:

* large pot
* 8-ounce spray bottle
* large glass measuring cup
* mixing cup
* metal spoon
* 1/2 cup distilled water
* 3 tablespoons 100-proof vodka
* 1 tablespoon essential oil of your choice (I like sweet orange, lemongrass, or lavender)


Step 1: Sterilize your tools. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Dip the spray bottle components, measuring cup, mixing cup, and spoon into the boiling water for several seconds. Pull out (tongs often work) and allow to dry.

Step 2: In the large measuring cup, pour distilled water. Set aside. In the mixing cup, add the vodka and essential oils and mix well with the spoon. Before they have time to separate, pour the mixture into the measuring cup with the distilled water. Mix well with the spoon.

Step 3: Pour the mixture into the spray bottle and twist the top on snugly. Shake well before using and store in a dark, cool place in between use. Feel free to spritz on gamey garments, sheets, curtains, ironing, or anything else that needs a boost.

Note: Avoid darker-colored essential oils like patchouli, as the dark hue of the oil might stain whatever you spritz. Stick to lighter scents like lavender, rosemary, peppermint, or lemon verbena.

A Few Good Men...

Wow!...I am not believing how quickly the holidays are approaching!
I have been revving up since last month for the busy season...
These vintage-styled Old World Santa decorations have been keeping me really busy..
I have made 12 so far...I am accepting orders for them for a limited time.
I have several other works in progress too..In years past I have always found myself overwhelmed and burning the midnight oil in preparation...
I have never started my holiday gifts this early so I am hoping that this year will be different!;-)