Thursday's "Tip of the Day!" & New Featured Shoppe

SNUFF ANYONE?!

No....I wasn't suggestioning for anyone to start up this NASTY habit. I wanted you to use it for you Primitives!!! Yep! You read that right, we are going to put NASTY old "Chew Tabacco" to good use (as if you ever thought there would be a good use for this stuff! )

Here is the tip:

If you are trying to make a new piece look aged or maybe try and "match" a piece you had to replace (say on a piece of antique furniture) here is something you can really try out! Take a little wad of Snuff or chew tabacco and add a bit of water to it, make it kind of pasty. Now take this and rub this paste all over your "new" piece. I like to take and "rub" it with-the-grain. Wipe off with an old rag. Continue this process until you have achieved the "aged" look you are looking for, you will eventually build up the color you need! You will see this gives the nicest aged Patina you can get! Just like them very old hardwood plank floors you see in Older homes!

Now, I bet you are wondering why this works?! Well, "back when" some men would actually spit their chew onto the floors of homes (can we GROSS!!!) or while trying to hit the "spitoon", they would miss quite often. Well, in doing this the tar color would actually stain the floors and build a nice patina up on the wooden floors!

Now, I have to say....if I lived back then....my floors would be the ones that never got a nice patina to them.....CUZ I WOULD HAVE BEAT MY MAN WITH THE SPITOON EVERY TIME HE MISSED & THOUGHT I WAS CLEANING UP AFTER HIM! (just my humble opinion on that matter! )

NEW FEATURED SHOPPE!

If you are looking for wonderful, Primitive Graphics to dress your Blog, Ebay or Etsy Store, or Website...then you must visit AmyBug's Primitive Attic!!! I have to say this is one of my absolute favorite Template shoppe there is! I have used a few of Amy's templates when I was a seller on Ebay, and they are top quality and Primitive all the way! So, if you wanta set your business & auctions apart from the others, please check out the new link posted on my rightside toolbar. Click on the picture and it will take you right to her Shoppe! Get lost in all the Primitive Graphics there!

Mother's Day is just around the corner!

Well, now is the time to starting "hinting" to the kiddos & hubby what YOU would like for Mother's Day! I know each year I start about now dropping them oh-so-subtle hints....like "this is what I want for Mother's Day this year!".....think they get the hints I drop them?! LOL

Well, I know if you are like me, your are always wanting to add a few more Primitive pieces to your home like: a stovetop cover, a toaster cover, a coffee pot cover, a wooden spice cabinet, Primitive Paper Mache Stacking Boxes, etc.

So, for Mother's Day this year I am offering a 10% discount on anything in my Etsy Shoppe!!! All you will need to do is visit my Etsy Shoppe and at the "checkout" simply add the coupon code MOTHERS DAY SPECIAL and I will give you 10% off your purchase! We all love a good reason to shop, don't we?! So, stop by my Etsy Shoppe today....you can find the links right here on my right side toolbar, click on the any of my goodies pictured and it will take you right there!

Also, it has been brought to my attention that SEVERAL ladies are still awaiting some items that were ordered from my Etsy! I can honestly say...."I don't know what is happening to my packages and mail?! I just had a call today from a very important place that I had to mail out copies of my Income Tax too....and guess what?! They never arrived! So, it is just not packages that are not making it to the destination, but simple mail! I am trying to get to the bottom of this, and I apologize if you are one of the ones waiting. I am going to my post office and see what is happening to all the outgoing mail! This is not the first time, second time, or the third time this has happened...this has been several times now and I am fed up! So, please bare with me...I will make sure everyone gets their orders, even if I have to make them all again!

Tuesday's Tutorial

Always been wanting to know how to make your own Primitive Gameboards/Signs?! Well, today I am going to show you how I make them! Hope you enjoy!

"How to Make a Perfectly Primitive Gameboard/Sign"

Supplies:
*Stencil (you can purchase these all over the web, I use Homestead Stencil Co.)
*Piece of Wooden Board (to fit your stencil)
*Black Paint
*Paint for your Topcoat (this can be any color you want, I chose Yellow Ochre)
*Paint color for you lettering (I am using the Black)
*Sandpaper or Palm Sander (I use the Palm Sander for everything!)
*Mimwax Brand Dark Walnut Stain
*Spray Adhesive
*Foam Brush
*Stencil Brush
*Thin Liner Brush
*Clear Finishing Spray
*Old Rags

Directions:
First, cut your board to the size needed to fit your stencil


Next, take and completely paint your board with your Black; let dry completely. I like black as a basecoat, it gives it a very opaque surface to work on and also is a great color to show back through after sanding, but you can use any basecoat color you wish you want to "peek" thru the topcoat color.


Now, take and paint your topcoat color on now; let dry completely. I am using the Yellow Ochre as it will turn out a Mustard color when done.


Take your Stencil and lightly spray the back of your stencil with your craft adhesive spray(this helps to ensure that your stencil will not "leak" color underneath and you will have crisp lettering/images).

Now, you need to take the paint you are using for the lettering and LIGHTLY dip your stencil brush into your paint. You are going to now take your brush of paint to a rag and tap the excess off onto it, leaving paint on your stencil brush, but nicely worked into your bristles.


I now go to my stencil and TAP & POUNCE the paint all around my stencil. Don't be afraid to go back into your paint and grab more when you need it! You just don't want globs of paint or it WILL go under your stencil and your lettering and images will not be crisp! Do this until you have your whole stencil done!

Now, remove you stencil. If you have any small mishaps, you sometimes can remove them with a lightly damp q-tip....but, I usually don't worry bout them unless they are really noticable!

Now, here is the part that will set your Signs/Gameboards apart from everyone else....Makes you look like you really are a Pro....Take your Liner brush and grab a little bit of your lettering paint and fill in the "bridges" of your lettering. If you don't know what that is....look at your lettering...some of the letters are not completely closed, they have little gaps, this is the bridges. Some letters can't be closed or the stencil would fall apart! You need to take your liner brush and close these bridges now so your letters are connected like they should be!!! You don't need a lot of paint on your liner...just a dab will do it...this looks harder than it is....it is very easy. Now, let dry.

Time to age your piece! We do this with our Sander or Sandpaper. Take and sand all the edges and pay special attention to the corners, as you want to round them slightly because with normal wear the edges will round. Remember , we want this to look like it has been around for a while! Also, don't be afraid to run your sander/sandpaper over your lettering/images, because these too will wear and fade over time!



Now, take your Stain and completely cover your board. Wipe right back off with an old rag. INSTANT AGE!


Lastly, take your piece and spray lightly with a clear finishing spray. Let dry for about 10 -15 minutes. That's it! Enjoy your new "Aged" piece!!!

Mason Jar Monday!

First, let me apologize for not posting my "Stitchin' the Day Away!" Sunday pattern. For some reason my scanner is acting up!!! We just purchased this scanner only 2 months ago and I am seeming to have more difficulties with it than my dinosaur scanner!!! So, I am hoping to get the "bugs" figured out this week and I will post 2 patterns this coming Sunday for all of you! Modern Technology sometimes?!!!!



Now, onto today's post...Hope you enjoy! I love this soup!

Potato Soup

Ingredients:

*1 3/4 cups instant mashed potatoes

*1 1/2 cups dry milk

*2 tbsp. instant chicken bullion

*2 tsp. dried minced onion

*1 tsp. dried parsley *

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper *

1/4 tsp. dried thyme *

1/8 tsp. turmeric

*1/2 tsp. season salt (Lowry's)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix together.

Place in 1 quart canning jar to store. Makes 6 servings.

Instructions to attach to jar:

Place 1/2 cup mix in soup bowl and add 1 cup boiling water. Stir until smooth.

"Feast On" Friday & Giveaway Time!!!

Here is a great recipe for fast & easy cookies! This is a total "No Brainer", which is the only kind of baking that I excel in! I have used this recipe many times and it always turns out....well, unless I forget to set the timer and I am in the craft room. But, I do eventually remember they are in the oven.....WHEN THE SMOKE ALARM STARTS GOING OFF! So ladies, make sure you set your kitchen timer and NOT use the smoke alarm as one! hehehehehehehe Now, if I can only take my own advice!

Soft Cookies

Ingredients:

~1 box cake mix (any flavor)

~3 eggs

~1/3 cup of oil

~Optional: chocolate chips, nuts, cinnamon, peanut butter, peanut butter chips, raisins, sliced almonds, etc.

Directions:

In a large bowl, Mix Cake Mix, eggs, and oil together.

Take and fold into your batter your "Optional" goodies. I like to add atleast one cup or more of the "optional" goodies to the batter.

Drop onto a greased cookie sheet and bake 20 minutes or until the edges begin to turn slightly golden brown.

Let cool for a few minutes on cookie sheet. Remove and place on a wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Here we are ready for another giveaway!!! I just love giveaways-don't you?! This one is going to be a little different then all my other giveaways though! As, I like to "shake things up" every now and then to keep life interesting!

First, I am NOT going to tell you what I am planning on Giving Away!!!! Oh yeah, I am going to let the suspense kill ya! Shame on me! I will give you a hint though....it is made of wood!

Second, You MUST become a follower of my Blog here!!! I know I have many of you that pop in here to read, but don't always leave a comment. That is fine, but I am always looking for new blogs to enjoy & read too, and I usually do that by checking out all my new followers blog. That is actually how I have found alot of the blogs that I enjoy! So, YOU MUST FOLLOW MY BLOG TO ENTER. All you need to do is sign up! You will find this about midway down the page on my right side column. So, if you wanta enter my giveaway....become a follower!

Third, If you have an email only & no blog....you MUST leave your email addy for me to get in touch with you if you are my winner!!! If you don't leave your email addy, I will draw another name and you will forfeit your winning! Sorry, I don't have time to hunt you down...and the last I heard....Dog the Bounty Hunter was busy!

Fourth, You CAN post this to your blog if you wish...but, I am only entering your name once! I have enough trouble keeping up with 100+ entries each time....and frankly, I AM TOO LAZY to hand write names to put in a hat....so I use a Random Number Generator!

Fifth, you can only enter ONCE! I read all my posts, several times a day. So, if I see you have already posted, I will delete any more than one from you. I just want everyone to have the same chance at winning!

Lastly, Leave me a comment on THIS POST ONLY! I do NOT look for comments anywhere else for entries! I am lucky I can remember what post I am on without rereading it, let-a-lone trying to find out who wants entered! And, I have been known to jump in the shower (on several occasions) with my socks still on...so, do you still wanna trust me to remember you want entered by posting somewhere else?! If you do, then let me warn you now...Your chances for winning my Giveaway are SLIM TO NONE!

Well, there are the rules! If you still would like to enter....please leave me a comment below and you are automatically entered! Entry deadline is May 1st....I will drawing the winner on Saturday, May 2nd!!! Good luck everyone!

Thursday's "Tip of the Day!"

Isn't it funny when men......will put off starting or finishing a project due to "seasonal" sports?!



Like right now....we are interrupting this program with "FISHING SEASON"!!!! So, no matter what project we have going on, it won't get finished right away because weekends are now scheduled appointments for "fishing"! But wait, more bad news!



This now conicides with our next sporting event.....GOLF.....can't forget that one! Now, if it is a nice day you know the "clubs" gotta come out! You know the "clubs" have been waiting all season to be taken out!



Now, you would think if it rains....YIPPEE! I have my hubby for the day to finish the project we started-right?! WRONG!!!! Aren't you aware the fish "bite" more during the rain?! So, rainy days are perfect fishing weather! So, get them fishing poles ready, because here he comes!



Well, thank goodness Summertime doesn't last long and finally fall is here! That project will finally get done now right?.....WRONG!!! Football is starting back up! Can't miss a game you know! And on the weekends....Yep, the 'boyz' are playing every Saturday at the field! So, grab them knee braces and cleats....he's heading for the back door now!



Whew! Winter is approaching now and maybe, just maybe that project will get done by the end of the year?! NOT YET! "DON'T YOU KNOW?!" DEER SEASON IS FINALLY HERE! He has waited all year for this!!! To finally get that gun back out, clean it all back up, scope it 'back in' with endless hours at the rifle range....."For what?!" I ask. We wouldn't eat the deer anyways, and in the last 10 years of hunting.....NOT ONE DEER HAS HE EVER KILLED! We'd starve I'd tell ya! Thank goodness for the farm/butcher up the road! Better Hurry, he's headin out the door now with his gun and his hunting suit!



Well, aother year has come and gone, all to be interrupted with Sporting Events. So, finally a new year approaches, a time for New Year resolutions and a chance to get unfinished projects done.



"Wait!" What did someone say?! "Basketball Season is here?!" WHAT WAS I THINKING?! "Of course, honey!" Go buy yourself some new basketball shoes because last years you wore out from all that time on the court! Better hurry, the guys are meeting at the court soon! He's now heading out the door, ball in hand, and "guess what?"! As soon as basketball is over......FISHING IS BACK IN SEASON!



Now I know why they have mini classes at all the local hardware stores called "DIY".......because, if your hubby is any kinda of sports fanatic like mine....YOU NEED TO LEARN TO DO IT YOURSELF, IF YOU EVER WANTA GET IT DONE!



SO, TODAY'S TIP IS......TAKE ALL THE DIY CLASSES YOU CAN....BECAUSE YOU WILL PROBABLY BE FINISHING THE PROJECT YOURSELF!!!

Hmmm, wonder if this house owner was a Sports fanatic too?!

"Wood'n it be Nice?!" Wednesday

I love today's project! This is a very easy and simple towel rack that can be used in any room of your home. Whether you want to just display some homespun on it, or actually use it for hand towels in your bathroom, you will love this piece!




I couldn't get my scanner to scan properly for the pattern, but this is just a simple design that any of you can draw. However, you don't even need to cut out a pattern....leave the board square, sand the edges round, and stencil something across the top! Oh, the possibilities a piece of wood can hold! Well, lets get started....Hope you enjoy!

Primitive Towel Rack

Supplies:

*1"x8"x16" Pine Board

*1"x2"x19" Pine Board (1 piece cut 16" & 2 pieces cut 1 1/2")

*Paint in your choice of color

*Sandpaper

*Dark Walnut Stain

*2 Sawtooth picture hangers

*Wood Glue

*1 1/4" finishing nails

***OPTIONAL: Stencil of choice

Directions:

First, we are going to take your 1x8x16 board and cut it out if you are making a design in it as I did. If not, you are ready to start putting the arm pieces together. For this tutorial I will be using the one I cut out into a shape with my jigsaw.

Now, we are going to start assembling your arm pieces. As you see, I am using some scrap wood that I have already painted at one time for another project but never used! Now is the time to use up that extra wood that you have lying around. Since I am going to be painting this all in the end, I didn't care about the previous paint!

Take one of your small 1 1/2" pieces and nail it to the outer bottom edge (as shown in picture below); gluing first. Repeat again on the other side.

Now, take the long 1x2x16 piece and nail it to the little 1x2 pieces we just did, making sure to glue them first (this is just makes it more secure, but not necessary); Refer to picture below.

Now that you got your piece completely assembled, it's time to paint it! I am choosing to paint mine in a very simple black and stencil a Star right in the middle of it! I really want to keep this simple so I can move it around in my home if I want. But, don't be afraid to paint it to match the room decor you intend to use it in!

Once you paint it, sand down the corners some along with some of the paint you just applied. Make it look worn and aged! Now, take your Dark Walnut stain and completely cover your piece with it. Wipe it off completely now with an old rag. This gives it instant age!!!

Now, take your sawtooth hangers and add them to the back of your piece, one on each side of the towel holder.

Hang, add your Primitive towel, & Enjoy!

*****If you are leaving your board square with no design cut, you can take a simple stencil and do some stars or writing on it. How about taking a paint pen and writing "Towel $1.00 Soap Extra" or what ever else you choose?! Just have fun with it!

Sad loss of our Pet

Happy Tuesday everyone! Hope everyone's week is starting off to be a good one?! My weekend was a little bit of a sad one, as I lost a dear little pet in our household. Our youngest baby ferret, Peanut, passed away early Friday morning.



I know alot of people don't enjoy ferrets like some of us do, but they really are very sweet little animals. They are mischevious, cuddly, very smart and love their owners like a dog or a cat does. She was a such a cute little girl and only a little over 2 years old. She had gotten sick about 3 weeks ago, so I took her to our vet in which she was diagnosed with a stomach virus and given an antibotic. Well, seemed she was getting a little better but still losing weight, not eating and gagging alot. I decided to take her back in to the vet again, but by then it had been too late. She was severely dehydrated and passed away around 5 am the next morning. The previous 2 days were hard on her little body and I had been syringe feeding her every 2 hours to try and get fluids into her.



The sad part is....her death could have easily been prevented! Spring time is shedding time for most animals including ferrets, and they bite at their fur like a cat does and they too get hairballs. Well, I was unaware of this in Ferrets. So, during the "shedding" season all they need is a "hairball remedy" fixative sold at Pet Shoppes. Basically, it is flavored vaseline! Well, my vet being unaware of this mistreated for a virus instead of a hairball! So, this is the main reason for this post is to inform any of your "Exotic" Pet Owners out there.......FIND A VET THAT IS SPECIALIZED IN EXOTIC PETS! A regular vet really knows more about your dog & cat than an exotic pet! I found that your local Pet Smart & Petco can help you find a vet for your exotic animals if you just ask. PLEASE DO SO BEFORE YOU CONSIDER PURCHASING AN EXOTIC ANIMAL! We still have our other ferret (Chip) with us, but he paces the cage now waiting for his "girlfriend" to return. So, now we are on the hunt for a new little girl for him to cuddle with, as they love to pile ontop of one another and sleep!

Here are both of our Ferrets, Chip is on the left and Peanut on the right. This was taken about 2 weeks ago. You are sadly missed my little "Peanut Girl"!

Mason Jar Monday!

Thought this was a really cute idea for serving Lemonade! I can just see using these for a summer time luncheon with the ladies! I found this one nite while surfing the web at http://ediblecrafts.craftgossip.com/cute-mason-jar-lids-for-your-bar/2009/02/28/.

These are just lids for Smelly Jelly Air Freshners! Who would of thought?!

I found this wonderful site on the internet that I am planning on purchasing some of the lids from. I love the antique pewter lids...they are Oh-So-Primitive!!!

http://gemlitefragrance.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=8_44

"Stitchin' the Day Away!" Sunday

Happy Sunday! Here is the first in a series I am calling my "Home" Series. Today's stitchery is going to be the first of four, that are designed for the Kitchen Area. This is really cute when printed in a 5x7 size and placed in a display cupboard or on a kitchen shelf. Hope you enjoy!

Hot Apple Pie

Remember all you need to do is right click on the photo and save to your computer, then click print, choose the size you want and transfer with your a water soluable pen and stitch away!

Freebie Friday!

Hope you all enjoy today's freebie!



All you need to do is right click on the image, save to your computer, and print out.

Star Make-do Nodder

Thursday's "Tip of the Day!"

Here's a great tip for cleaning those dirty ole baseball caps that the hubbies & kids wear!

Washing a Baseball Cap?

I know some of you might know this little trick, but if you wanta get those 'nasty' baseball caps good and clean while still retaining their shape.....throw them in the top rack of your dishwasher!!!

Take and load the top rack with all the dirty baseball caps and just use your regular dishwasher detergent, run the complete cycle and NICE AND CLEAN! The dishwashing detergent actually has a cleaning agent in it that really gets them clean too! They will still retain their original shape and come out sparkling clean. I don't put them on heat dry however, I am not certain if you can or can not. I just wash them before bed, then open the dishwasher door and pull out the top rack with them in it and let dry overnite.

New "Featured Shoppe"!!!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!



I posted a new "featured shoppe" on my right-side toolbar. This is a wonderful stencil shoppe that I purchase ALOT of my stencils from. The customer service is excellent and the price of her stencils you can NOT beat!!! I have not found another shoppe yet on the internet that can even compare to their pricing!!! They also have stencils for just about any occasion, room in your home, and just everyday signs. If you can't find what you are looking for there, you can have a custom made sign as well!!!



So, please take the time and click on the link to check out their wonderful stencils & prices! Even if you are not a "stenciler" this is a great way to try it out without breaking the bank! Then you can make some wonderful wooden signs for your home, friends & family and even give a few as gifts!

Tuesday's Tutorial & Primitive Porches Swap closed!

This is a special request from another blogger, she loved how an old journal had been covered with homespun and had a little pocket inside it. So, she asked if I could maybe do a tutorial on it...Of course I accepted the challenge!!!





Now, this is probably not how the original one was done though, as this is done "The Pickled Pepper Patch style".....FAST & SIMPLE! hehehehehehehehehe...For this project we will be covering an old hardcover book but, you could use a hard cover journal.





Remember, you can always pick up hard cover books to use at yard sales, garage sales, and thrift shoppes really cheap. But, if you are in hurry and need one now....head to your local Dollar Store and grab one for a buck!





Hope you enjoy, and thanks Rhondell for the challenge!

Homespun Covered Book with letter pocket

Supplies:

~Hard cover book or Journal

~Homespun of your choice (Large piece to cover outer and inside of cover, I used about a 1/2 yard for a medium sized book)

~Spray Adhesive

~Embroidery Thread & Needle

~Hot Glue Gun

~Scissors

Directions:

First, we are going to take your book and lay it out flat on your piece of homespun. Now, trace around your book onto the homespun.

Take your homespun now and mark 1" larger than your trace marks, and tear (or cut) your fabric to size.

Next, we are going to use your spray adhesive! Spray your adhesive onto the back of your book and lay your book down on your fabric as shown.

Now, spray the spine and attach your fabric, then spray your front and smooth your fabric over it.

We are going to take the fabric and glue to the inside of your cover. Cut your fabric corners to fit nicely down. I do that by just cutting a small square out of the corners or nipping the corner edges some.

Now with a light bead of hot glue I tack all my fabric down, front and back cover.

Next, we are ready to do the spine area. I take and cut away most of the fabric and leave just a little bit. I then take and put a small bead of glue on the inside of the spine and just tuck the fabric in, pushing it nicely in with a butter knife or scissors.

Time to make the pockets and the inside cover. First, I cut a large piece of homespun out that fit the inside of my cover. Then, I took and cut 2 large squares of homespun the same width of the inside cover homespun and about 4" long. You can adjust how much of a pocket you want just by laying it out onto the inside cover and folding it over your homespun piece. You will want to achieve a nice opening to string your thread through just as the finished project shown. I also cut a strip of homespun to attach so I can "tie" my book together when closed.

Take your pockets and homespun tie and secure them now to the back of your cover with your hot glue, like shown.

Now place your homespun cover ontop of them and secure with a light bead of hot glue. Flip the "pockets" back over to the front.

I now take and run a light bead of glue down both sides of the pockets. DO NOT glue the top of the pocket! You will now see the pockets forming.

Next, let's add your pocket stitching. I took 6 strands of embroidery floss and just zig-zagged it thru the pockets.

Stick some old photos or notes inside the pocket with a piece of Sweet Annie and leave open to display! You can also age your pages a little with some tea or coffee stain and dry with a hairdryer. Hope you enjoy!

Primitive Porches Swap is now Closed!!!

I will be sending out partners names later tonite...we had a wonderful turnout! Hope we all have a fun time with this one!

Mason Jar Monday! & Swap Reminder

This is always a nice gift to give to a friend! This would make a wonderful gift placed in a little basket with a bath puff, decorative washcloth, a small wooden scoop, bath pillow and a candle!



These would be great for a bridal shower gift, a baby shower gift just for the new "mom", mothers day gifts or a special friend gift!

Scented Bath Salts

INGREDIENTS:

(ALL THE INGREDIENTS CAN BE FOUND AT YOUR LOCAL CRAFT SUPPLY SHOP)
*2 cups Epsom Salt or Dead Sea Salt
*1-2 teaspoons of baking soda, (This makes skin nice and soft)
*10-12 drops of essential oil (Lavender is best for a relaxing bath, but don't be afraid to give a friend thier favorite fragrance!)

DIRECTIONS:

In a large glass bowl stir all the ingredients together for atleast 2 minutes to ensure they are mixed very well.

Pour into your Mason Jar and tie a piece of homespun or ribbon around the neck along with a small tag labeling the fragrance of the salts.
***I prefer the small Elite brand Mason Jars for this as they are more "classy" I think.

Swap Reminder!

Today is the last day to sign up for my "Primitive Porches" Swap! If you are interested in this, you can just click on my ride side toolbar on the link...it will give you all the details. You MUST email me your info....DO NOT LEAVE A POST THERE! Hurry! Today is the last day to enter!

"Stitchin' the Day Away!" Sunday & Happy Easter!

Sorry, I didn't have this scheduled to post earlier but, yesterday was a busy day and so has today been too!



I want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter & say, "Thank you, Jesus, for suffering the cross for MY sin!" and "HALLELUJAH.....HE IS RISEN!" and now sits at the right hand of the Father! What a glorious day it is!



Here is today's little stitchery that I have for all of you. I did this one and have it framed in a long 6x14 frame. It reminds me sometimes that I do need to just clear the clutter around me and "Simplify" a little! hehehehehehehe

Starting next Sunday I have a cute little "home" series for all of you! I think you will enjoy them!!!

Swap Sign-up Reminder!

Just wanted to post a quick reminder that if you are interested in joining my "Primitive Porches" Swap, please get me your info. If you want to read more about this swap,just click on the Icon on my right-side toolbar and it will take you straight to it! We have ten ladies signed up already, so if you signed up I should have sent you back an email letting you know that I got your information. If I haven't sent you that email, you need to let me know because I don't have you counted then!



I know I am anxious to start decorating the outside of my home in anticipation of warmer weather! So, if you are wanting to add some wonderful outside goodies to your porch this year, come and join in on the fun!!!

"Feast On!" Friday

Happy Good Friday!



Here is another recipe from one of my Amish Cookbooks perfect for today!

Unleavened Bread

(for Communion)

ingredients:

*1 1/2 cups flour

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/4 cup shortening

*1/3 to 1/2 cup milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix flour, salt, and shortening with pastry cutter. Add enough milk to wet dough. Form dough into two balls. Roll out on ball of dough to about 1/8" thickness. Prick with fork. With two pancake turners, transfer dough to slightly greased cookie sheet. Roll out second ball and repeat process. Cut into squares with cutter and bake for 8 minutes. Yields about 100 pieces.

NOTE: Do not double recipe. Make a single recipe at a time.

Thursday's "Tip of the Day!"

I love making Penny Rugs! But, I hate cutting out all the Pennies! Not only do I hate some of mine turn out lopsided, oblong, and squared...I hate the amount of time it takes! I told you all....I HAVE NO PATIENCE! So, this is a tip for all you Penny Rug designers!

Cutting Perfect Pennies

Being an avid scrapbooker at one time, I had purchased a Die Cut Machine for making my pages. This machine was great for cutting all different shapes, all you needed was to purchase the "dies" that went into the machine. So, once I had a few dies in my possession I soon realized that this machine could cut metal, paper, thin wax, fabric and wool!!! YES, I SAID WOOL!!! So, when I started making Penny Rugs and hated the task of handcutting, off to my Sizzix Machine I went!!! It is as simple as inserting your circle die over top your wool, pushing down on the lever, and instant Pennies! The best part is, the Circle die has 4 graduated circles so instant layered Pennies! How neat is that?! And believe me, in less than 10 minutes you literally can have over 100 of them cut! I do love handmade, don't get me wrong, but you can say I am like a Sandra Lee but with crafting....SEMI HOMEMADE! hehehehehehehe

So, if you are looking for a faster way to cut them Pennies, head to your nearest scrapbooking asisle and grab yourself a Sizzix Machine and Circle die (although I am not fond of Ebay..you can get these machines cheap there!)! Also, most scrapbooking shoppes have Sizzix machines that you can go in and use for a small fee (like $5 & under) so that you can try them out! While you are there be sure and check out all the other cool dies you could also use for your Rugs!