"Feast On!" Friday

Here is a great Summertime treat for fluffy, yummy sandwiches or crackers that all the kids will love to snack on! I found this recipe in my "Amish Friends Cookbook". Hope you enjoy!

Amish Peanut Butter Spread

Ingredients:

*2 cups brown sugar

*1 cup water

*1 tsp. maple extract

*2 cups peanut butter

*1 (16 oz.) jar marshmallow creme

Directions:

In saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, and maple extract; bring to a boil. Blend peanut butter and marchmallow creme. Then blend both mixtures together until smooth. Serve as a spread on bread or crackers.

Thursday's "Tip of the Day!"

Love old books? Find some in Grannie's attic or basement? Do they smell a little "musty"? Well, then today's tip will help you eliminate them odors!

How-to get "musty" odors out of old books

If you find some older books that you just love but find your nose doesn't........then what you need is some charcoal!

Place your books inside a large ziploc baggie along with few pieces of charcoal wrapped in piece of muslin or cheesecloth. Leave your book sit untouched for a week and you will find that the charcoal has absorbed most of that musty odor!

If your book still seems musty, replace charcoal and place book back into the baggie for a few more days! This should remove almost ALL the odor!

The charcoal also works great on old musty dresser drawers too!!!

Tuesday's Tutorial

Okay, I had a very busy week all last week....so I am taking the lazy way out today! I am giving you a link that I found to making your own "Watering Can" fountain. I have been wanting to make one of these for so long now and I finally found these very easy instructions on how to make one! However, I plan on using an old watering can that I found a few years ago as it has the perfect patina on it along with lots of dings and dents....Just right for a Primtive Garden!



Here is the link with easy to follow instructions. Please post a picture on your blog if you make one....I would love to see how everyone's turned out! Hope you enjoy!



http://www.ehow.com/how_4516784_build-water-can-fountain.html

Here is a picture of the one from the tutorial:

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

WISHING YOU & YOUR LOVED ONES A SAFE & HAPPY HOLIDAY!

"$5 & Under!" Friday

Today's project is something so very simple and useful! I know that if you have ever visited a thrift shoppe, you HAD to have seen one of them '"remote control boxes"?! I know I see them almost at every Thrift Shoppe I ever visit! They are usually a light natural oak color and very Blahhhhhhh!....I have never seen them over $3.00 either! This one I paid a whopping 99 cents for! Yep, I'm a real Bank Breaker over here ladies!



Well, with Modern Technology the way it is...you probably have atleast 50 remote controls to work everything that is electronic in your family room!!!! I swear I think everything that is electric has to have a remote involved!



First, we have the remote for the tv....then the remote for the DVD player.....then the remote for the cable box....now they also have remotes for the ceiling fans, room lights and.....I have even seen remote controled window blinds!!!.....Yi-Yi-Yi!!!!



Well, needless to say....I needed something to corral all them remotes! I found the perfect solution....PRIM UP AN UGLY OLE REMOTE CATCH ALL!!! So, next time you are at the Thrift Shoppe, don't pass up that remote control holder....just Prim it up!

Primitive Remote Control Box

Supplies:

*Remote Control Box

*Black Craft Paint

*Sandpaper

*Primitive Label of your choice (I chose an old reproduction tobacco label)

*Mimwax Dark Walnut Stain

*Old rags

Directions:

First, you will need to lightly sand your Remote Control Box to remove some of the factory varnish and give it some "tooth" for the paint to stick to.

Next, completely paint your box with your Black Craft Paint; let dry completely.

Now, take and lightly sand your edges with your sand paper; giving it a distressed look.

Next, completely cover your box with your stain; wipe it all back off then. This helps to give it more of an aged look.

Now, take and apply your label by using Mod Podge on the back of your label, sticking it down, smoothing out the air bubbles, and letting dry for about 15 minutes.

Next, take your dirty stained rag that you wiped the stain off with and wipe over your label with it. This will help the label look even more aged!

Now, completely spray your box down with your clear finishing spray; let dry completely.

That's it...YOU ARE FINISHED! Now you have a primitive place to collect your remotes!

Thursday's "Tip of the Day!"

Here is a great tip for anyone wanting to keep the bunnies and ground hogs out of your garden! My dad has done this for years...and it really does work!

Keeping little critters out of the Garden

Does the neighborhood Bunnies and Groundhogs just love to feast on the veggies in your garden?

Tired of fencing just not working? Well, all you need to do is....

Plant Marigolds around the perimeter of your Garden!

Yep! There is something about the Marigolds that the little critters don't like! So, enclose your veggie garden with Marigolds and keep them little critters out! And I have to say...this is more eye-pleasing then any ole chicken wired fence ever has been! So, now your Veggie Garden will be colorful & beautiful all around!

***********************************************

I am adding this to todays post since so many of you are asking about moles & insects! Here is another little tip:

If you seem to have insects on your plants....here is an old remedy for that....and safe for the environment!

TAKE A BAR OF PURE LYE SOAP (you can purchase these at tractor supply or ace hardware stores)..... shave up some slivers into a spray bottle, add warm water to melt it down and spray onto your plants! It won't harm the plants, but the bugs HATE it!!!! You can even use the Miracle Grow bottle attachments on his Garden Hose, put your mix in there and spray down the plants! This might work on the ground moles & slugs too...sure doesn't hurt to try!

"Wood'n it be Nice?!" Wednesday

Today's project is something I thought you would all enjoy! This is in honor of our official "unofficial" start of Summer time.....MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND! Hope you all enjoy!

Firecrackers

Supplies:

*1 inch dowel rod

*11/64" Drill Bit

*Jute Twine

*Sandpaper

*Craft paints: Black, Barn Red, Vintage White, Navy Blu

*Mimwax Dark Walnut Stain

*Hot Glue Gun

Directions:

PLEASE READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING PROJECT!

First, you will need to cut your dial rod. I used a my Chop Saw...but, you can use a jigsaw or miter box. A manual miter box can be purchased at Lowes or Home Depot for less than $15...and you can use it for straight or mitered cuts! Worth the investment outside of the jigsaw!

I cut my dial rod into different lengths....3 1/2", 4", and 4 1/2" so I would have different sized firecrackers.

First, let's take your drill bit and drill a shallow hole down the top center, this is where your "fuse" will go. NOTE: THIS WILL BE THE TOP OF YOUR FIRECRACKER!

Next, completely paint your piece with your black paint. Sorry, no pix...but, I am sure you can handle this without a pix...LOL

Now, take your Vintage white paint and paint about 3/4 of the bottom part of the rod with it, this includes the end too.

Next, take your Barn Red Paint and paint Red Stripes over your white paint. To get even stripes, I take and put my first stripe on...then straight across from that stripe I do another...then do one inbetween those stripes. You will also need to paint the bottom where you did your white, now with Barn Red too. Let dry completely. DO NOT worry about perfect stripes!

Now, we are going to take your Navy Blue Paint and paint about 1/4 of the top of your rod; making sure to also paint the top end where your hole is drilled. DO NOT worry about this not being perfect! Let dry completely!

Time for the fun part....DISTRESSING!!! This is always my favorite part because it really brings age & character to a piece! Take your sandpaper and sand around the top and bottom edges and around the rest of the piece. I like to use my electric sander for this!

Now, take your Dark Walnut Stain and cover your piece with it...then wipe it right back off. This ages the piece very nicely!

Time to add the "fuse"!!! Take your hot glue gun and add just a small drop of hot glue into your drilled hole.

Take about a 3" piece of your Jute Twine and place inside the hole; being careful of the hot glue! That's it...you are done! Well, How's it look?! LIKE A FIRECRACKER-DOESN'T IT?!

PLACE A FEW INSIDE A BOWL AND ENJOY!

THIS IS A VERY EASY PROJECT! SINCE THESE ARE MADE OF WOOD, THESE COULD BE DISPLAYED INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME!

HAPPY SUMMER TIME!!!

Thought you all would like to know why.....

MEN ARE JUST HAPPIER PEOPLE!



NICKNAMES:
~If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah.
~If Mike , Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla and Four-eyes.



EATING OUT:
~When the bill arrives, Mike , Dave and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back.
~When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators!



MONEY:
~A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs..
~A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale!



BATHROOMS:
~A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel .
~The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337. A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items!



ARGUMENTS:
~A woman has the last word in any argument.
~Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.



FUTURE:
~A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
~A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.



SUCCESS:
~A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
~A successful woman is one who can find such a man.



MARRIAGE:
~A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
~A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.



DRESSING UP:
~A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the trash, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail.
~A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.



NATURAL:
~Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
~Women somehow deteriorate during the night.



OFFSPRING:
~Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.
~A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
~A married man should just forget his mistakes. There's no use in two people remembering the same thing!



THOUGHT YOU MIGHT NEED A GOOD LAUGH TO KICK START YOUR DAY!

Mason Jar Monday!

Here's a yummy Cookie-in-a-jar recipe! This is always a great one to give as a gift to a little girl! They just love taking this one home and making them! So, next time you wanna give something out of the ordinary for a little girls birthday present...give a cookie in a jar gift! Believe me....they will enjoy it more then you think!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

*1 quart wide mouthed Mason Jar

*1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

*1 1/2 cups firmly packed powdered sugar

*3/4 cup cocoa powder

*1 1/2 cups flour mixed with 1 tsp. baking powder and 1/4 tsp. salt

Directions for layering:

Layer ingredients into mason jar in the order given above; making sure to wipe the jar clean after each layer.

Directions for making:

(you can print this out onto a tag and place on the mason jar)

Empy jar of cookie mix into a large mixing bowl. Mix thouroughly.

Add: 1 stick of butter or margarine

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 tsp. vanilla (optional)

Mix ingredients until blended. You will need to finish with your hands.

Shape into walnut sized balls and place on lightly sprayed cookie sheet 2" apart. Press balls down with a fork.

Bake a 350 degrees for 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

Cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet. Remove and place on cooling rack.

Makes approximately 3 dozen cookies. Enjoy!

Patriotic Swap Partner Sent & Photobucket down?!

PATRIOTIC SWAP
Just wanted to let everyone know that I sent out partners last night to all those that signed up for the "Primitively Patriotic" Swap. So, if you didn't receive yours...please drop me an email and I will resend it. We had a very nice turn out once again! This should be another fun swap!



PHOTOBUCKET
Also, is anyone else having issues with Photobucket?! It keeps telling me they are doing a maintenance and images should be back up soon?! Well, that was since yesterday morning! I guess MY 'soon' and THEIR 'soon' is not the same time! hehehehehehehehe So, I am sorry if you aren't seeing any pictures to any of the tutorials....Modern Technology!...It's a love/hate relationship sometimes!



Well, I hope you are all enjoying your Saturday! I know the sun has been shining most of the morning, but I do see the traces of clouds heading in!!! Can I say.....I AM SICK OF RAIN!!! I actually thought we had moved closer to the Lake for a while....til I realized that it was my YARD!!!! Yep, we actually had so many days of rain the ground just couldn't soak it up fast enough! Maybe we should all start singing, "Rain, Rain, Go Away"?! Okay....I am desperate, can you tell?! Well, I guess I should just be thankful it isn't Snow!!!! That is one positive way to look at the day!

New "Featured Shoppe"

Today's new "featured shoppe" is a favorite of mine.....SAWDUSTY'S CABIN http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6214682 !!! If you haven't ever had a chance to stop by this shoppe, make it a must!!! You will find the most creative, beautiful & well handcrafted Primitives there! SAWDUSTY'S CABIN offers a wide variety of handcrafted wooden items along with handmade soaps, candles & stitcheries! You will be drooling over all the Eye-Candy in this Shoppe!! So please, take a moment and stop on over....I guarantee you will find several things you just MUST have!

Thursday's "Tip of the Day!" & New Look!

Here is a great tip for anyone who plans on doing any camping soon! Being an avid camper myself, I know the worst part about camping is those pesky Mosquitos ! Well, here is a great tip for you and the family!

Keeping Mosquitos Away!

To keep Mosquitos out of your tent....just use a Bounce Dryer Sheet! You can several of them and hang them inside your tent and the Mosquitos hate them, so they stay out! This also helps to keep the tent nice and fresh too! So, this is like a BOGO deal!!! LOL

Now, to keep those pesky Mosquitos off of you?! You can take a Bounce Dryer Sheet and lightly rub it on your arms, legs and clothing. I like to also tie a few around my belt buckles or stick them out of my pockets just as an extra protection.

So, remember when you are packing your gear for camping....pack a box of Bounce Dryer Sheets for your weekend of Mosquito Free Fun!

NEW LOOK!

So, do you like the new look?! I thought I needed to brighten up my blog, so I went over to "AmyBugs Primitive Graphics" ( http://www.amybug.com/ ) and got me a new blog set! She did a wonderful job and I am very happy with it! And, you don't have to worry about a thing....she does the whole conversion herself! So, no lost blogs, widgets, or anything else to worry about! LOVE THAT! If you are looking for any kind of websets, graphics, or ebay templates stop on over and visit Amy!!!

Just A Quick Reminder!

Today is the LAST day to get your name added to the "Primitively Patriotic" Swap, if you are interested! All you need to do is click on the link on my right side toolbar and it will take you right to all details about this swap! So, hurry and send me an email by midnite (EST) tonight if you want in!

Tuesday's Tutorial

I know everyone went "Prim Crazy" not long ago buying or making Primitive Labels! I must confess, "I was one of them!" I think after I bought my first batch of labels, I labeled everything in my home....including the hubby & kids if they stood still long enough!



Even though the labels I purchased were nicely stained and baked to prim perfection....I HAD to take them one step further! As the hubby always asks, "Can you ever leave well enough alone?!". Silly man, OF COURSE NOT!!!



So, here is my version I am calling "ADVANCED PRIMITIVE LABELING 101".....hehehehehehe

PRIMITIVE GLASS BOTTLES

Supplies:

*Primitive Labels (My 3 favorites: Blue Cupboard Primitives, Yankee Lane Primitives, or Two-Mile Creek Primitives)

*Mod Podge

*Foam Brushes

*Sanding Block or fine grit Sandpaper

*Dark Walnut Stain (NOT gel)

*Old Rag

*Glass Bottle of your choice (I bought this at the $ Tree)

*Cork (you can purchase different sizes at Lowes or Home Depot)

*Spray Craft Adhesive

*Hair dryer

Directions:

This is the glass container I will be using for this Demo. I purchased it at the $ Tree. I know some of you like to use these for your dish detergent, so you can just do the labeling on this and use it! I am going to be using mine as a Primitive display.

First, remove the topper. Now, we are going to apply your Primitive label. I do this very easily by just taking some Mod Podge glue and applying it to the back of the label and adhering it to your glass jar front. Let dry for a few minutes.

Now, once your label has dried, take your sanding block and lightly sand your label. I like to sand away some of my edges and wording. Only because if you have ever seen a true primitive jar....they are really roughed up! Sometimes you can barely even read the wording on them or the labels have been just worn away! That is what we are trying to achieve here too.

(I have to apologize...I lost a few pictures during these next few steps...but they are easy!)

Next, take and dip an old rag into your Dark Walnut Stain...dabbing off some the stain. You just really want your rag to be slightly damp with stain. Now starting around the OUTER edges of you label, start rubbing in your stain. Now, take and work that little bit of stain from the outer edge into the center of your label, then completely wiping your label off with a clean piece of rag. Wow! Did that age it nicely or what?!

Now, lets take your cork and give it some age! All you need to do to this is take your stained rag and wipe down your cork.

(Sorry no pictures again for this next step) If you plan on just using this now for dish liquid you can just fill with dish liquid and replace your topper now. If not, let's move on!

Now it is time for making the inside of your jar look like a little of the contents was left behind to age right along with the bottle! We do this by simply taking your Spray Adhesive and spray it directly inside the bottle, making sure to turn your bottle to spray it all around inside. Don't try and cover the whole inside of the bottle, just here and there will work.

Next, take your foam brush and dip it into your Walnut Stain. Now, take it to your bottle and let drip down the inside of your bottle, again working it from all sides. You don't need alot. Just some to cover the walls of the bottle and a little leftovers on the bottom.

Lastly, I take my hairdryer and dry the inside of my bottle some so that the stain will dry to the spray adhesive. Place your cork in your bottle and Enjoy!!!

Mason Jar Monday!

Here is a cute little Mason Jar Pinkeep/Sewing Jar that I like to keep handy! This also makes a great gift for a graduate heading off to college when filled with quick mending items, a quilter when you fill it with some fat quarters, or a pinkeep collector!



I added my freebie box on the right side toolbar, just click on it and you can instantly download and print. Hope you enjoy!

Here is the finished project:

Happy Mother's Day! & Swap Goodies

Wanted to wish all of you a Happy Mother's Day! Hope your day has been filled with love, laughter & sunshine! I also wanted to share with you a picture of our the newest addition to our furry children. And we do have alot of them furry children running round our household, I'll tell ya!!! Can we all say together...."Old McDonald had a farm"?!!! Yep, turning into a real farm over here! Only thing is, the animals we have don't have benefits like eggs & milk....instead they cost us money with Vet bills & food!!! But, what's a girl to do when the Mother-in-law offers this to the grandkids (which just happen to be MY kiddos, mind ya!!!) She is the newest addition to our 3 dogs (yep, this is number 4 AND all inside dogs!!!).....1 cat.......and 1 ferret! Needless to say, the vacuum cleaner & swiffer duster is my best friend!

Here she is.....Chloe

My Swap goodies!!!

I wanted to share with you the wonderful Swap goodies that I got from Amy over at http://athomewithamy.blogspot.com/ . If you remember I hosted a "Primitive Porches" Swap, and Amy was my partner. Well, let me tell you.....SHE SENT ME THE MOST WONDERFUL PACKAGE!!! I loved everything! Here is what she sent me:

This is a large pillow that she did a beautiful stitchery on! This is going on my porch swing:

Here is a hand painted plaque she did. This is going by my back door:

Love this bucket! I am putting a potted plant in this:

And here is the the most darling set of windchimes:

So, for those of you who are considering joining in one of my swaps...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! I still have the "Primitively Patriotic" Swap posted, so there is still time! Just click on the link on my right side toolbar to read all about it!

"Freebie" Friday & A NEW SWAP SIGNUP!

Today's Freebie is this Money Saving Recipe for making your own Dishwasher Soap! I got this from a wonderful Primitive Forum that I belong too and thought I would pass it along to all of you. Please check out the forum while you are there. There is lots of "Eye-Candy", Ideas & if you have a website or shoppe...you might wanta look into her advertising deals! Here is the website for you all to take a peek http://aprimitiveplace.org/ .

Automatic Dishwasher Detergent

~1 Cup salt

~2 Cups baking soda (the kind you cook with, not washing soda)

~ 2 Cups borax (keep out of reach of children.)

~2 Cups Orange Tang (yes, the stuff we drank in the 70's!)

Mix all together and store in an air tight jar. Use 1 Tablespoon in each compartment and wash normally. If you have hard water, you might want to increase the amount to 2-3 Tablespoons and add white vinegar to the rinse compartment.

"PRIMITIVELY PATRIOTIC" SWAP!

Okay ladies, Summertime will soon be in full swing soon! And, that got me thinking....Pool Parties, BBQ's, Camping, & Fourth of July!!! Although I don't do alot of Americana decor inside my home, I sure do love to show my Patriotism in my Outside Decor! I love little displays of Red, White & Blue! I think Summertime just screams Old tattered flags, A Worn Wooden Flag, Red~White~and Blue Planters, Weathered Patriotic Birdhouses, or an olde Weathered "Proud to be an American" Sign!!! This is always a wonderful time to show our support to our Soldiers who still serve and protect our Country each day! So, with this in mind...I am hosting another wonderful Swap!



This swap will have basically all the same rules as all my other swaps. So far, I have to say that the swaps have been running smoothly for the most part. I would like to thank everyone that has participated in them and for keeping with the rules and playing nicely! YOU ARE THE BESTEST BLOGGIN' BUDS!!!...Okay, enough of the mushy gushy stuff & on with the Details!

"PRIMITIVELY PATRIOTIC" SWAP

There are a few basic rules we must all play by and here they are:

~You MUST have posted with me atleast 3 times or more! (I will check too if I don't recognize your name, but I know most of my commenters anyways!) Just making sure I am familiar with you.

~You MUST have a blog of your own. This is blog land and I know that some of you like to just leave comments from your email accounts, but I prefer you have a blog for swapping. That just shows commitment to blogging.

~You MUST live in the USA! Sorry internationals, I just know shipping costs are getting out of hand, although we LOVE you guys, I know most of you feel the same about shipping to the USA....It is expensive!!!

~You MUST commit to sending atleast 3 items in your package to your partner! Atleast ONE of them being handmade by YOU!!! We all cherish those handmade items!

~Your package MUST be atleast a $25 value! This just makes it fair for everyone who plays.

~You MUST be on time! Sorry, I HATE late packages! Just a pet peeve of mine! Nothing like anxiously awaiting a package to find it shows up 2 months late! I know all you swappers will agree with me if you ever had to wait! So, don't wait til the last minute to start your swap!

~You MUST thank your partner when you receive your goodies! I HATE ungratefulness!!! I know we are all busy, but we all make time to check our emails-don't we?! So, thank your partner for your package!

~You MUST get a Delivery Confirmation # when your package has been sent out! You MUST email me that number too! That if there is any lost packages, we can hopefully track them done, and know for sure that you sent it & on time too!

~You MUST have your Info to me by May 13th!. I will get the Swap names out to everyone on May 15th

.~You MUST mail out your package by June 15! This gives everyone a month to complete their swap and in time for the official first day of Summer (June 21st)!

~This will be a "One on One" Swap. So, once I gather all the names, I will email everyone their partners!

Now, I will trust that everyone who wants to play is willing to play by the rules! But, just in case there are those of you that end up not (this has happened on other blogs!), as I tell my children: There are consequences to every action; Good or bad? You decide! So, If you don't play by the Rules, you WILL be blocked from my Blog!!! Sorry, I know life happens, that is why I say, "Don't wait til the last minute to start your swap!"Remember, Blog land is a Huge Arena we play in....but, it runs in very SMALL circles! I know we all like to leave good impressions on our SMALL circle of friends! Okay, I know that all seemed so very harsh with Rules & Regulations...but, they are really just Swapping Courtesy I think! Just want to make sure this Swap turns out a "Good One not Gone Bad"!

So, if you are interested in doing this swap....click on the "email me" icon on my right side toolbar. I will need your Blog Name, Name, & mailing addy. Also, I DO respond to every swap email and let you know I "added" you. So, if you don't get my email within a day, make sure you email me again as I probably didn't recieve it the first time! I hope I didn't scare anyone away! I would love for you to come and play!

Thursday's "Tip of the Day!"

Here is a great tip for oily hair!

Oily hair?

Need to skip a shampoo for a day, but have oily hair? Well, all you need to do is take some baby powder and sprinkle a little into your hair and brush through! This will help to absorb the excess oil and leave your hair smelling baby fresh!

This works great too if you sprinkle a little onto your pillow before bedtime. This will help to also absorb some of the oil from your hair while you sleep!

"Wood'n it be Nice?!" Wednesday

Today is a day dedicated to using up some of your old scrap pieces of wood!!! I have so many little pieces of scrap boards lying around I figured that I needed to use them for something...as I NEVER throw away a good piece of wood! You just never know when you are going to need it for something! And that "Something" is today's project! Hope you enjoy!

Wooden Candle Paddle

Supplies:

*Scrap piece of Wood

*Jigsaw

*Sandpaper

*Cordless Drill

*1/4" Drill Bit

*1 1/4" Finishing Nail

*Stain of your color choice (I used Dark Walnut)

*Candle

***OPTIONAL: 3/4" Spade bit

First, you will need to save & download the patterns below. I have given you two patterns to choose from, or if you wanta make more than one, use them both!

Now, you will need to take and cut out your pattern and trace it on your board.

With your jigsaw, cut out your pattern. After it is cut out, sand it smooth all around with your sandpaper.

Next, take your 1/4" drill bit and drill a hole in the top of you handle where it is indicated on the pattern. This is not necessary, but you can hang these later from a peg rack when not in use if you like!

Now, it is time to stain your paddle. I just use an old rag or foam brush to apply the stain, and wipe off with an old rag. Before I applied my stain....I roughed up my paddle some!!! I just took the claw end of a hammer and nicked it up here and there. I wanted it to look like it has been around for a little, then I stained it.

We are now ready to finish up your Candle Paddle! This is where you have two options....to either have a nail to hold your candle or drill and actual hole for the candle to set into. If you just wanta use the nail, take and flip your Paddle over and pound the Finishing Nail completly up through the board so it sticks out the other side. Now, you will just place your candle onto this nail for holding.

I chose to drill an actual hole for my candle. All you do is take your 3/4" Spade Bit and drill almost thru the center of your Paddle. Don't drill all the way through, if you can. Just go slowly and watch how far you are drilling! Once that is drilled, I do take my stain and stain the inside of the hole too!

Now, place you candle on your Candle Paddle and enjoy!

Mason Jar Monday

Here is a really neat cake recipe that you make and bake in your oven. This will stay good up to one year!

Pint Sized Carrot-Raisin Bread

2- 2/3 cups White Sugar

2/3 cup Vegetable Shortening

4 Eggs

2/3 cup Water

2 cups shredded Carrots

3 1/2 cups all-purpose Flour

1/4 tsp. Cloves

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1 tsp. Baking Powder

2 tsp. Baking Soda

1 tsp. Salt

1 cup Raisins

Directions:
You will need 6 wide-mouth pint-size canning jars, metal rings and lids. Don't use any other size jars. Sterilize jars, lids and rings according to manufacturer's directions.

Grease inside, but not the rim of jars. Cream sugar and shortening, beat in eggs and water, add carrots. Sift together flour, cloves, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to batter. Add raisins and mix.
Pour one cup of batter into prepared jars. Do not use more than one cup or batter will overflow and jar will not seal. Place jars evenly spaced on a cookie sheet.
Place in a pre-heated 325-degree oven for 45 minutes.

While cakes are baking, bring a saucepan of water to a boil and carefully add jar lids. Remove pan from heat and keep hot until ready to use. Remove jars from oven one at a time keeping remaining jars in oven. Make sure jar rims are clean. (If they're not, jars will not seal correctly) Place lids on jars and screw rings on tightly. Jars will seal as they cool.
Cakes will slide right out when ready to serve. Unsealed jars should be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within 2 weeks. Sealed jars may be stored with other canned food or placed in a freezer.
A properly sealed quick bread will stay fresh for up to one year. The cake is safe to eat as long as the jar remains vacuum-sealed and free from mold. If you are concerned about the safety of storing your cakes, an alternative is to store them in the freezer.

"Stitchin' the Day Away" Sunday!

Once again, I have to apologize for not having any of my stitchin' patterns posted for you yesterday! Since purchasing my new scanner a few monthes ago, I have had so many issues with it scanning correctly, and I am still having them. So, until I can figure out what is wrong with it, or purchase a new one, I will not be able to post patterns. But, I am working on them still for all of you!

And the WINNER IS....

Well, I got quite a bit of entries now-didn't I?! But, before I announce the Winner, do you wanta know what the prize is?!!!! I gave you all a little hint, and said it was something wooden, and it is! Actually it is a few little things wooden! Here are the prize goodies:

First, my Primitive Towel Holder along with a flour sack towel that I stitched "Faith, Family Friends" on. Also, I am giving my Winner the choice of Primitive Paint color they would like their Towel Holder to be, that way it will fit nicely in with their specific decor!

Next, this wonderful "Antiques" sign! Every Primitive home should have one of these!

Lastly, my Primitive Whalestail Candle Board (in Colonial Black) with 8 Grubby Candles! I just love Candle boards!

So, are you ready for the Winning Name?......Congratulations to: Kim at http://simple-needs.blogspot.com/ ! I used the Random Number Generator and 17 was the lucky number! Kim, Please email me so I can get your addy and custom color!

Well, once again....I would like to thank all of you who entered my Giveaway! Remember to check back often, as there is always something Crafty happening here at The Pickled Pepper Patch!!!

"Feast On" Friday & Last Day to Enter!

Here is a very easy snack to make for the kiddos. I actually got this one from my Amish Cookbook! It is a whole lot CHEAPER than the price you pay at the store for a box of these!

Fruit Roll-Ups

Ingredients:

*2 (3 oz.) packages gelatin (any flavor)

*1 cup boiling water

*3 cups minature marshmallows

*Wax paper

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in saucepan. Heat and stir until marshmallows are melted. Pour into 9x13 inch baking pan or small cookie sheet with sides. Place into fridge to cool. When firm, cut into strips. Place strips onto wax paper that has been cut 1/4" wider than gelatin strips. Now roll up into fruit rolls.

LAST DAY TO ENTER!

Just a reminder....If you haven't signed up for my giveaway yet, today is the last day! I will be drawing the WINNER tomorrow! Please click on the link on my right side toolbar to enter! Good Luck everyone!