Mason Jar Monday!

Like Jam?! Want to make make a small batch of your own?! This is a very easy recipe that you can do right in your Microwave!

Small Batch Microwave Jam

Ingredients:

Diced or crushed fruit and flavor

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. butter or margarine

Directions:

Prepare the fruit and place in an 8 cup glass measure with a spout (or a 2½ to 3 quart casserole dish). Let stand until juices form - about thirty minutes. Microwave on High for 10-14 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes.Spoon out 1 tbsp. of jam, refrigerate for 15 minutes and test consistency. If you like thicker jam, re-heat to boiling then microwave for 2 more minutes. Makes 2 cups.

Storage:These jams will keep for several months in the fridge; freeze for longer storage. Use any small, clean jam jars with tight-fitting lids.

Canning:

For pantry storage, use 2 one-cup canning jars. Scald jar lids and bands for 5 minutes, and keep lids in scalding water until ready to use. Steralize the jars by boiling for 15 minutes; fill immediately with hot jam, leaving ¼ inch of head space.Pour jam into hot jars, skim off foam and add more jam, if needed, to maintain ¼ inch headspace.Wipe rims clean with damp cloth. Place lids on jars and screw down tightly. Let cool. Press lids to test seal - if they stay down the jars are sealed. (If you feel that a jar hasn't sealed properly, stay on the safe side and store in the fridge or freezer.)Label jars, decorate lids as desired, and store.

Fruit and Flavor Combinations:

Apricot:Remove pits from 1lb of apricots and chop to make 2 cups. Add 1 tbsps lemon juice.

Apricot-Pineapple:Remove pits from 3/4lb apricots and chop to make 1-1/2 cups. Combine with 1/2 cup crushed pineapple and 1 tbsp. lemon juice.

Berry:Crush 3 cups or raspberry of blackberries or a combination of both, to make 2 cups, and add 1 tbsp lemon juice.

Strawberry:Crush 3-1/2cups of strawberries to make 2 cups. Add 1-1/2tbsps lemon juice.

Peach or Nectarine:Remove pits from fruit, peel and chop to make 2 cups. Add 1 tbsp. lemon juice.

Happy Saturday!

Ahhhhh, the weekend! I just love Saturday's! I love the "laziness" that this day holds, no scheduled appointments, no having to be here or there at any certain time, sleepin' late, and most of all.....SATURDAY MORNING BREAKFAST WITH MY FAMILY! This is something I enjoy so much! Almost every Saturday you can find me in the kitchen making a huge breakfast menu for my family with all the fixins....scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon or sausage, baked beans, homefries or hash browns, and toast. YUMMY!!! It has become kinda a "Brunch" for us that we all look forward too! So, what is your favorite thing about Saturday's?!


Well, I have been a busy bee this week. Getting alot of projects finished that I have had on my "to do list". You know that list right?! I know we all have them!!! My only problem is I tend to shop the Thrift Stores too much and my list never has an end!!!


This past Monday, I got together again with my friend Kim, http://theprimschoolmarm.blogspot.com/ , and we finally made the Blanket Crane that Kris, http://simplyprim.blogspot.com/ , had posted awhile back. They turned out so nice! I don't have any of my "good" quilts to display on it right now because they are all packed and ready for the move to our new home. But, here is a picture of it with one of my throws so you can see how large this Crane really is! If you wanta make one for yourself, here is the link: http://simplyprim.blogspot.com/2009/06/blanket-crane-tutorial_07.html

Here is my finished Blanket Crane:

I also decided to make her "Antique Soap Holder" yesterday as well. I love this one too! I don't have a small tin cup yet for it, so I will need to be on the lookout for one. All my Lye Soaps are packed too....YI-YI-YI.....everything I own is in a cardboard box! Here is the link for this project too, http://simplyprim.blogspot.com/search?q=antique+soap .

Here is my finished Soap Dish:

Also, I decided last night I needed an Oval Penny Rug for my dining room table. Well, out came the large platter (I have very high tech templates I like to use!) for my template, some of my Wool, and my Pennies. This is just a simple design, but just what I wanted. This was a fast project, only took me about 3 hours to complete!

Here is my finished Penny Rug:

Lastly, I did 3 new 5x7 stitcheries too. But, I already packed them up....I tend to get ahead of myself at times and forget to take pictures....LOL. But, they were just simple saying like..."Give us this day our daily bread, Childhood Memories, & Fall Gatherings".

Well, that's pretty much it for some of the bigger projects this week. I did a few Makeovers as well, but I will share them with your during my Makeover Monday's. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

"Feast On!" Friday

Here is a delicious recipe that my daughter made for us not too long ago. It is so easy and tastes just like the real thing from Olive Garden! Enjoy!

Olive Garden's Alfredo Chicken

Ingredients:

*1 pint heavy cream

*1 stick of butter

*2 Tbl. cream cheese

*1/2-3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

*1 tsp. garlic powder

*Angel Hair Pasta or Penne Noodles

In a large saucepan combine butter, heavy cream & cream cheese. Simmer until all melts & mixes well; stirring constantly. Add parmesan & garlic powder; stirring constantly again. Simmer another 15-20 minutes. Serve over pasta & enjoy! Serves 4.

***PLEASE NOTE: THIS DOES NOT REHEAT WELL AS IT SEPARATES, BUT IT CAN BE REHEATED IF YOU CHOOSE.

Thursday's "Tip of the Day!"

Here is a great tip for Perfectly Round Pancakes!

Perfectly Round Pancakes

Like those perfectly round pancakes you get served at restaurants?! Wanna make them for you family too?!

Well, now you can....with this simple little tip!

All you need is a MEAT BASTER! Use the meat baster to "squeeze" your pancake batter onto the hot griddle - perfect shaped pancakes every time!

"Wood'n it Be Nice?!" Wednesday

Well, today's project is a project that I just did with my good friend Kim, over at http://theprimschoolmarm.blogspot.com/ ......A Solar Light Post. This is a very easy project, and great to use just about anywhere! I know Kim plans on taking it with her camping to set outside of her camper, what a neat idea! Hope you enjoy!

Supplies:

*Wolmanized Wooden Spindle (these are very inexpensive at Lowes or Home Depot, I paid less than $3.00)

*Solar Light (you can buy these individually at Walmart & now is a great time cuz they are on Clearance!!!)

*1"x3"x4' (cut-4 pieces 4" long each & 1 piece 3" long)

*1 Masonary Nail or Hook Hanger of your choice

*Spade Drill Bit to fit your light post end (I needed a 3/4" bit)

*E6000 or Hot Glue

*Your choice of Paint or Stain

Directions:

First, we need to take your precut 1"x3"x4" pieces and attach them to the bottom of the post to act as your "base". You will take your first piece and just line it up "flush" up against the bottom edge and the left side edge; placing a bead of glue on it and nailing it with atleast 3 nails. (I did take and just cut away a small part of the upper right hand corner of each one to just add some added dimension, but you do not have to do this!)

Next, we need to add your next 1"x3"x4" piece to the next side, placing this up against your first piece and even with the bottom again; see picture. Continue to do this with your next two pieces, you will now be all the way back at the beginning. You "base" is now completed.

Now, take your 1"x3"x3" piece and nail it centered on the top of the spindle; remembering to add your bead of glue for extra security. As you can see, I am using up some of my extra wood pieces lying around.

Now, we need to take your Solar light off the light post. This is easy, most of them just fit down into the long tube, pull it out. It should have a little "stub" that was able to insert into the tube. This is the part that you need to "size up" for your spade bit size you will need.

Now, we need to drill the hole for you Solar Light post to fit into on the top base. I just took my spade bit and centered it in the middle and drilled down about 3/4 of an inch until my light post would sit in it nicely.

Time to paint or stain your Light Post. I am painting mine Barn Red with an Antique White base and top. So, I painted mine out completely with Flat Black to get an even coverage. Let Paint dry completely.

Once your paint is dry, put some glue into your Drilled hole & add your Solar Light.

Next, take and nail your Masonary Nail/Hook into one of the sides for hanging a small sign, wreath, etc. from it. Hope you Enjoy!!!

Here it is completed! I am actually going to put this along my walkway to my front porch. It will help to light the pathway while welcoming my guests!

Makeover Monday!

This is a piece that began as 2 separate pieces.....a Shelf & a Caddy! I have "married" these 2 pieces with some extra wood I had lying around in the garage, and VOILA.....a new Primitive Cupboard!

First, I found this BEE-U-TEE-FULL Caddy that was used to hold Glass Canisters. I just loved the shape of it but knew I didn't really want to have it sitting on my countertop taking up more space! But, I snatched this up immediately because I knew I had other plans for it!

This is a shelf I had used in my bedroom for sometime now and I just wasn't crazy about it...so, I decided to use it for this project.

In progress.....I took some scrap wood that I had lying around in my garage and made a "middle" open shelf cupboard (as you see the back is just some old scrap plywood) to use as the "connecting" piece. Fastened them all together to make one unit.

Basecoated it with Flat Black.

Topcoated it with Yellow Ochre Paint by Folk Art.

Distressed it some and applied Dark Walnut Stain on top, wiped off slightly. Here is the completed piece! This will make a great piece in my dining room now to hold some of my Prim Pretties.

So, Don't be afraid to "marry" some of your pieces together and make something new from it!

Freebie Friday!

Thought I would post my "Faux Caramel Apples" Epattern for those of you who didn't get the Create & Decorate Magazine with them in. All you need to do is go to my "Freebie" box on my right side column and download it to your computer. Make sure you save it, as some of you know that I do change that box out and once the pattern is gone....IT IS GONE!


These are GREAT craft show sellers and a great Fall Goodie to have sitting around. Just be warned....THESE LOOK SO REAL THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE A FEW WITH BITE MARKS EVENTUALLY! Lol


Here is what they look like in "Create & Decorate" magazine:

Thursday's "Tip of the Day!"

Like to craft with a glue gun? Hate how they always leave "glue webs" in your projects?! Well, I have an easy solution for them!



Getting Rid of Hot Glue "Webs"



If you are like me and use your hot glue gun for crafting, then you hate all them "glue webs" too that form all around your project?! Well, to get rid of them quick and easily all you need to do is get out your Blow Dryer or Heat Embossing Gun.



Take and just lightly go over your whole project with the blow dryer/embossing gun and the heat will "shrivel" up your Glue Webs and they will no longer be a problem!

Tutorial Tuesday!

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins!!! That is what today's tutorial is all about! Hope you enjoy!



FABRIC PUMPKINS
Supplies:



*Fabric of your choice (homespun, wool, chenille, etc.)
*Embroidery Floss
*Polyester Fiberfill
*3" Stick for stem
*Spanish Moss and/or Green Moss
*Artificial leaves (I like small ones)
*Rusty Wire
*Circle Template (I used a dinner plate)
*Coffee Stain
*Optional: Craft Paints (Orange, Brown, Antique White)



Directions:
First, take your fabric (I am using an old chenille bedspread)and mark your circle templates on it; cut them out.




Next, we are going to stitch around the outside edge in order to be able to close up our pumpkins. So, We need to do a "running stitch" all around the outer edge of your circle. This is just taking your thread and going "in & out" thru your fabric til you have come all around and back to the beginning. I use all 6 strands for this so it is good and strong.




Now, we are going to close up your circle some. This is easy, just take your "beginning" end and your "ending" end and pull it together. It will now start to form into a little sachet. Leave this open enough as we are going to "stuff" it with fiberfill.
(sorry forgot to take pix of this step)



Time to start making this look like a Pumpkin...STUFFING TIME! Take you fiberfill and start stuffing it into your pumpkin a little at a time. I like to pull apart little pieces and stuff it in, it just gets fluffier that way I think.



Once you have stuffed it enough (don't over stuff it!) pull your strings completely closed and tie it in several knots to secure; leaving a small hole in the center for your "stem". Be careful when pulling this together, if you do it to fast or too hard the thread will break. So, do this step slowly & carefully.



Now, we are going to give some added dimension to your pumpkins by giving your pumpkins little sections. Take you Embrodery Floss and stitch down thru the center and then pull up and around the top of your pumpkin, then back down thru the center again. I like to give my pumpkins 5 sections.




Next, we need to give your Pumpkins some color. This part is for those that are made with Muslin, Chenille, or any fabric that has no color. I take and use my Coffee Stain and mix 3/4 Coffee with and 1/4 paint; just enough to add some color,and this will be really watery but it is acting as a stain now not paint. If you add to much paint your pumpkins become hard, so you don't need alot of paint in your Coffee Stain. If your Pumpkins are already made with colored fabric, just coffee stain them to just "age" them out some. I do dry mine in the oven at 300 degrees on a foil lined cookie sheet. Just make sure you check them often!



Lastly, Time for the finishing touches! This is the best part, I think. First, take your hot glue and add some of your Moss to the top of the Pumpkin. Next, add some more glue to the center hole of your Pumpkin and shove your stick "stem" down in. Add a small artificial leaf and Rusty Wire (that you curled around a pencil) with some glue as well. You Pumpkin is complete! Hope you enjoy!

Mason Jar Monday

Well, If your garden is abundant with veggies right now...then, you might be thinking "Canning Season is Here"! So, here is a recipe from the "Ball Canning" Website for your Tomatos. Enjoy!

Tomatoes – Whole, Halved or Quartered (Packed in Own Juice)

Ingredients:

2-1/2 to 3-1/2 lb ripe tomatoes (about 8 to 11 medium) per quart

Water

Bottled lemon juice

Salt (optional)

Glass preserving jars with lids and bands

Directions:

1.) PREPARE boiling water canner. Heat jars and lids in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Set bands aside.

2.) WASH tomatoes. Dip in boiling water 30 to 60 seconds. Immediately dip in cold water. Slip off skins. Trim away any green areas and cut out core. Leave tomatoes whole or cut into halves or quarters.

3.) ADD 2 Tbsp bottled lemon juice to each hot quart jar. Add 1 Tbsp bottled lemon juice to each hot pint jar.

4.) PACK tomatoes in hot jars until space between tomatoes fills with juice leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Add 1 teaspoon salt to each quart jar, 1/2 teaspoon to each pint jar, if desired. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rim. Center hot lid on jar. Apply band and adjust until fit is fingertip tight.

5.) PROCESS filled jars in a boiling water canner 1 hour and 25 minutes for pints and quarts, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should nNOT flex up and down when center is pressed.

Create & Decorate-Faux Caramel Apples

Well, I finally got my October Issue of Create & Decorate.....that my "Faux Caramel Apples" have been published in!!! I have to say, they did a great job with the display!

These are a fun & easy project to add to your Primitive Fall Decor. So, if you are interested in finding out how to make these for yourself (or Fall craft shows)....head out to your local store and pick up this month's issue!

Here is cover of the issue:

Faux Caramel Apples (page 46):

Feast On Friday!

Here is a great Cake for Fall! Yep, still in the "Fall" mode! Hope you enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Cake

INGREDIENTS

*1 (29 ounce) can pumpkin puree
*1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
*3 eggs
*1 c. white sugar
*2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
*1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
*1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
*1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
*1 package yellow cake mix
*1 c. butter

*Whipped Cream (optional)



DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 13 inch pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Mix until smooth and pour into a 9x13 inch pan.
Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin mixture and pat down gently. Melt butter or margarine and drizzle over cake.
Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 45 to 60 minutes. (Be sure to check the cake after 45 minutes because oven temperatures vary.)
After cake cools, turn it upside down so the top of the cake will be the crust. Remove the parchment paper. Optional: Top with whipped cream before serving. Enjoy!

Thursday's "Tip of the Day!"

Here is a great tip if you have a new puppy in the house, or just a dog that loves to chew on your furniture more than his dog bones! I know my good friend, Kim, uses this one...and it really DOES work!

DOGGONE DOGGIE CHEWING YOUR FURNITURE?!

Do you have a new puppy or just a dog that loves to chew at the legs or corners of your furniture and can't seem to get him to stop?! Well, there is one "sure fire" way to stop him right in his track.....WRAP IT WITH ALUMINUM FOIL! That's right! Get some good ole Aluminum foil, place it around the legs or the corners of your furniture and once they gnaw into it....they stop! Works everytime! Guess they don't like that the wood is no longer wood and now Aluminum! LOL

"Wood'n it be Nice?!" Wednesday

Well, as promised, (even though I lost all my photos!) here is the furniture piece that I was working on before I went on vacation! This is a great added space for a usually "unused" area of the home.....The Toilet Area! I know alot of us set some prim goodies on top the toilet tank, and might have a small cupboard above this area, or even a towel rack filled with homespun. But, I decided I needed some more room above to add some more Primitive goodies! So, that led me to todays tutorial for all of you! I made this design over a year ago and needed to make another one since we are going to have 2 bathrooms in our new home! This is a very easy project with only a few steps...so I hope you enjoy!

OVER-THE-TOILET STAND

Supplies:

*1"x4"x6' board (cut two pieces 26" long)

*1"x10"x4' board (cut one piece 27" long)

*1" x 2"x 4' board (cut two pieces 7" long)

*4-Spindles 34" long (you can also use 2"x2" for legs if you choose)

Wood supplies: Wood glue, Nails, etc.

I NEED TO APOLOGIZE....SOMEHOW I LOST ALL MY STEP-BY-STEP PHOTOS TO THIS WHEN I WENT ON VACATION. SO, I WILL SHOW YOU ALL THE PIECES ON THE FINISHED STAND FOR YOU TO SEE.

First, we are going to take our 1x4 pieces and start to build the frame of the piece. Take your 1x4x26 boards (these are the front & back) and nail it to your 1x4x7 (these are the sides) to make a box; remembering to glue each piece also. You will need to nail the 1x4x7 boards on the "inside" of the front and back pieces; as shown in photo.

Next, you will take your 1x10x27 board (this is your top board) and nail it to your "frame". I just lined up my "frame" right against the back of the top board, leaving 1/2" on each side for over hang, applied my bead of wood glue all around, then fastened it securely thru the top of the board with my finishing nails.

You should also have approximately a 1" overhang in the front of your shelf.

Now, time to fasten the legs! Just take your Spindles (or 2x2's) and fasten them into each corner of the frame underneath. I do recommend putting atleast 3 nails into each side for a secure leg, also remembering to use your wood glue too.

After nailing in each of your legs, we need to "brace" them now. Take your 1x2x7 boards and and approximately 5 inches up, from the bottom of your leg, take and nail your pieces to both legs; making them nice and sturdy. I do nail these on the "inside" of my legs.

That's it! Paint or Stain your new piece to match your decor. Now you have another wonderful area to display your Primitive Goodies! Hope you enjoy!

SWAP PARTNERS SENT & TEXTILE SWAP?

To all of you who signed up for my "Harvest Swap"......partners have been sent to your emails! So, time to get them crafting fingers going! Let the fun begin!!!

If you haven't gotten your email, please email me and let me know, and I will resend it! Make sure you check your spam folders as they sometimes go into there.



TEXTILE SWAP ?
Did everyone recieve their swap packages for the "Textile Swap"?! If you haven't gotten yours yet, please email me as all packages should have been recieved by now! I would like to close this one out then. Thanks everyone for another fun swap!

Makeover Monday!

This is one of my favorite pieces of furniture that I own. I found it 7 years ago and begged my husband to go with me to pick it up and finally after lots of pursuasion he did. It's not that he didn't want to drive for it, or that he didn't want to spend the money on it, it was all because....IT WAS IN THE NEIGHBORS TRASH! Yep, it was 3 houses over (at his high school friend's house) sitting out for the trash men to pick it up and haul it to the garbage dump!!!!

Well, I had a plan for it even back then! However, I was more into a Shabby Chic/Cottage Style then and EVERYTHING had to have Roses on it. So, I brought it home added chicken wire to the broken glass doors, painted it sage green and stenciled some Roses on it. Well, loved it when it reflected that style....but, I have changed my decor over the last few years to a more Primitive Rustic Theme......so TIME TO MAKEOVER THE HUTCH! So, If your furniture is still in good shape, but doesn't work anymore with your Decor.....MAKE IT OVER!

Before: Sage Green with Roses, Chicken Wire Windows and Red Homespun on the backboard

After: Robins Egg Blue with Brown Backboard, Doors removed and trimmed out with 1"x4" pine boards for a Step back Hutch look, and Highly Distressed for that "Found in Grandmas Attic" look!

Now, I know alot of you don't like this "Highly Distressed" look....LOL. But, I am a firm believer that just a few pieces in a Primitive Home should have this look. Not all my furniture has such a high distressing, but if it were a true antique from "Way Back"....it would look this BAD! So, that is why I do like to incorporate some very distressed pieces into my decor, just so my Primitive Decor Style truely reflects "Primitive"!

Significance of The Barn Star "Color"

Have you ever wondered where the meaning or significance of the barns stars that you see everywhere comes from? A barn star was viewed as a symbol of good luck to many farmers "way back when", as they are still viewed by many people today. The popularity of one of even multiple stars displayed on a garden wall, or side of one's home is a very popular decorative accent.



Here is a generally accepted overview of what the various colors mean pertaining to Amish and/or Pennsylvania Dutch painted barn symbols, barn stars included.



Here is the Significance of the colors:



Black - Protection, also used to blend or bind elements together



Blue - Protection, peace, calmness and spirituality



Brown - Mother earth, also can mean friendship and strength



Green - Growth, fertility, success in things and ideas that grow



Orange - Abundance in career. projects and matters needing an added push



Red - Emotions, passion, charisma, lust and also creativity



Violet - Things that are sacred



White - Purity, power of the moon, allows energy to flow freely



Yellow - Health in body and mind, love of man and the sun, connection to God

Neat-huh?! Thanks to Goatshillprimitives, from a forum I belong to....who grabbed this from another friend on Facebook!

Swap Goodies & My Pumpkin Penny Rug Winning!

Swap Goodies!
Friday's mail was really good to me! First I got my "Textile Swap" from Juanita and it was a box packed with wonderful goodies!

The linen below is from her Grandma (as I told her I love antique linens!), a handmade dishcloth by her, 4 primitive napkins & a primitive bread basket (love these!):

A handmade dollie (by her), 2 blue ticking table runners, and a candle mat:

Pumpkin Penny Rug Winning!!!

I know that so many of you entered this contest over at http://cathspennies.blogspot.com/ . Well, I REALLY wanted this Rug, so when Cathy contacted me to let me know I won....I WAS DANCING IN MY JAMMIES IN MY LIVING ROOM! This Rug is BEE-U-TEE-FULL! It is so well made, and HEAVY! It lays so nicely too! Top Quality! Thank you Cathy!

Here it is on my Dining Room Table, wish I wasn't all packed up for moving, cuz I would have this on my side table with Harvest Goodies!

Feast on Friday!

Here is a great Summer time Punch, this is also great for church & holiday functions as well. Enjoy!

Cherry Cherry Punch

Ingredients:

*3 (3 oz.) pkg. cherry gelatin

*2 cups sugar

*6 cups boiling water

*1 (46 oz.) can unsweetened pineapple juice

*1 (12 oz.) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

*1 (12 oz) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

*1 gallon cold water

*2 (2 liter) bottles of ginger ale

Disslove gelatin and sugar in boiling water. Add pineapple juice, orange juice, and lemonade concentrates, and water. Mix well. Chill until very cold. Just before serving, add ginger ale and ice.

Thursday's "Tip of the Day!"

Like using a kitchen Sponge to clean up spills or wash a small load of dishes?! Hate how they smell musty & breed bacteria easily?! Here is a quick and easy solution to that!

Disinfecting Kitchen Sponges

If you like to use a kitchen sponge, then disinfecting them is TOP PRIORITY! To keep your sponge clean & bacteria free all you need to do is purchase atleast 2 of them. Then, when you run your dishwasher each day, throw your Sponge in the top rack and wash it along with your dishes! Then all you do is "rotate" your sponges each day....and you will have nice bacteria free sponges!

Harvest Swap!

Oh, I am so excited that Fall is just around the corner! So, I am ready for a good ole "Harvest Swap"!!! If you have been in any of my swaps or have seen some of the wonderful goodies that have been swapped, then you know you definately don't wanta miss out on this one! This is NOT a Halloween Swap so please think Fall!

Here are the Rules of the Swap:

"HARVEST 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 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!
~This is a HARVEST SWAP...so, let's think FALL (gourds, pumpkins, sunflowers, leaves, oranges, reds, blacks, mustards, apple cider, hayrides, scarecrows!)

~This is NOT a Halloween Swap!!! I know alot of us do NOT celebrate Halloween...so, no halloween items please! You can send Pumpkin related items...but please NO Jack-o-lanterns, Witches, etc.!

~Your package MUST be atleast a $20 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 & read them Blogs-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 August 9th!. I will get the Swap names out to everyone on August 11th.
~You MUST mail out your package by September 18th! This gives everyone a month to complete their swap!
~Lastly, but MOST IMPORTANT: GIVE AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECIEVE!!! I always say, "I wouldn't give a package to someone, if I would not want to recieve!" So, that is why I usually always make exactly the same thing for myself as I make for all of you! LOL
~This will be a "One on One" Swap. So, once I gather all the names, I will email everyone their partners!

~This is open to USA & Canadian Residents only. Sorry, the Postal Service is killing us with Shipping anymore! I hope you International swappers still love us!

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!

Tutorial Tuesday!

Around this time of year, I start thinking "Fall"! Oh, the wonderful colors this season brings out....A Primitive Decorators delight!!! Well, I just LOVE Sunflowers and so I decided to make up a few "Wool Sunflower Nodders" to place here-and-there around the home. Hope you enjoy!

"Grungy Wool Sunflower Nodders"

Supplies:

*Wool Felt (in Mustard & Brown)
*Dark Brown Embroidery Floss
*Rusty Bedspring
*Coffee Stain (I just mix instant coffee with some ground cinnamon & vanilla)

*2 Round templates (I used a 7 1/2" Salad Plate & 4"Plastic lid from a chip dip container )

*Glue Stick (or straight pin)

*Polyester Fiberfill

*Piece of Green Homespun

*Hot Glue

Directions:

First we need to cut out our wool circles. You will need to cut a 7" Mustard circle and a 4" Brown circle.

Next, take your Glue Stick and place a small dot of glue into the center of your Mustard circle and apply your Brown circle (centered as shown).

Now, lets cut your Sunflower petals. I just start around the circle and cut in almost touching the Brown center circle. Continue this all around the Mustard Wool Circle.

Next, I like to "shape" my petals even more. However, you could just leave them cut like this if you choose. I shape them by just cutting each "petal" now with a "V" at the outside edge, as shown.

Now, lets stitch on your Brown center. I take and do a "running stitch" all the way around the outside edge of the Brown circle; leaving about a 1-inch opening.

Next, take a small piece of Fiberfill and stuff it into your opening. You don't need to pack it in, but stuff it nicely. Now, finish your stitching and close up the opening.

It's starting to look like a Sunflower now!!! So, time to add some more character to it! We are going to add all the little "dimples" inside the Brown center. I do this by just taking my Brown Embroidery Floss and just bring it up from the back of the Sunflower, move over a tad, and pull it back down thru the back. Continue doing this around the center until you have as many "dimples" as you like.

Next, I like to just give my petals some brown lines in them. I just take and put a few line stitches up each petal; as shown.

Now that your Sunflower stitching is complete, take and dip your Sunflower into my Coffee Stain to darken it some. I then dry mine in the Microwave on a plate, flipping them every 60 seconds until dry.

Next, attach them to the top of your Bedspring with a little bit of Hot Glue.

Lastly, tie a piece of Green Homespun on your Bedspring base to serve as leaves. Enjoy!!!

***OPTIONAL: You can do these in smaller sizes too just by using smaller circle templates. These could also be stitched onto sticks or dial rods and placed in crocks or mason jars. Also, you could just not attach them to anything and use them as bowl fillers!