Makeover Monday!

This is a piece that I just found recently at my local Goodwill. It is was a bit "rough around the edges" but I knew it had lots of potential! So, I scooped it up quickly and with a new "Makeover" it has become a new "primitively perfect" piece for my kitchen countertop!

Here it is in its "before" state! So, do you think you would have picked this piece up?! Kinda looks like a mailbox with a drawer....lol.

So, the first thing I needed to do was get it ready for some"Primming" up! So, off with the lid...the humps...and the ugly painting! So, to my craft room it went! I simply took my pliers and removed the screws that held on the lid. Then, I took my jigsaw and cut off the humps to make a straight back. Lastly, I lightly sanded the whole piece to prep it for painting.

Then I undercoated it with Black craft paint and then with a White craft paint topcoat. After that was completly dry, I applied Dark Walnut Stain all over and wiped it back off. Replaced the white knob with a wooden knob that I also stained with the Dark Walnut.

So, what you think of it now?!

Here it is all decked out for the holiday!

This is just a closer look of the paint finish, ahhhhhh nice and prim!

Giveaway Winner & another Freebie Friday!

I know that the reason most of you are checking in today is to check so see if you are.....THE GIVEAWAY WINNER! So, I won't make you wait any longer! The lucky winner, drawn by a Random Number Generator, is..................

Kim from http://simple-needs.blogspot.com/

CONGRATULATIONS!!! So, Kim I need you to email me with your mailing addy please! And I will get this Sign on its way to its new home!

YOU CAN STILL PURCHASE THIS SIGN IN MY 'SHOPPE', LISTED TO THE RIGHT, IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. IT SELLS FOR $25.00 WITH SHIPPING INCLUDED!

ANOTHER CHRISTMAS FREEBIE!

Thought you might enjoy another freebie for Christmas! So, go grab it while you can! Its my "Faux Snowballs"!

EAT & BE MERRY!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

"Wood'n it be Nice?!" Wednesday

Now that Christmas is really "just around the corner", I thought I would make another "box" for holding some more Holiday Greenery and Prim Pretties! I seen a similar box like this displayed in a home in Country Sampler Magazine, a few issues ago, and I finally thought it was time to get to making one for myself! Well, now you all can make one too! Hope you enjoy!

"Colonial Inspired Tabletop/Wall Box"

Supplies:

(All the boards are Pine Boards from Lowes that I use to make my cuts from)

*1"x12" board -cut 11" long

*Two 1"x6" boards -cut 5" long

*1"x3" board -cut 12" long

*1"x8" board -cut 13" long

*1-1/4" finishing nails

*Wood Glue

*Stain or Paint of your choice (I am using Mimwax Dark Walnut)

*1/2" Drill Bit & Drill

*Electic Sander or Sandpaper

*Your choice of Greenery or Prim Pretties to fill your box when finished!

Directions:

First, you will need to precut all your wood for this project.

Next, you will need to take and cut your sides down into a slant. I do this very simply by taking my piece of wood and measuring (with the graing running horizonally like in the picture) 1" in across the top, make a mark. Then down the side measure 2 1/4" and make a mark. Connect the dots with a line. Now, cut away that line....instant slant! You can easily cut this away with your jigsaw.

Now, I wanted to make a decorative top to this. I don't know what this design is called, but alot of Colonial pieces have it! All I did was take a piece of printing paper and drawn a round circle (using a glass as my template) then just took and made a "neck" from there. Then I transfered this to my 1x12x11 piece and cut it out with a jigsaw. This will be your "Backboard".

Next, I took and really beat up my wood with my hammer claw and I use a larger nail to make faux "worm holes" here and there.

Now, take and drill a 1/2" hole in the center of your circle. Sand your peices now as well. I like to really sand away the edges, as if they are really worn.

Time to assemble! Take your 1x6x5" pieces and with the slant at the top, glue and nail each piece "flush" to each end of your backboard.

Next, take your 1x3x12 piece and glue and nail it along the front of your piece, with the bottom being even with the side boards.

Time for the finishing piece. Take your 1x12x13 board and place it on the bottom. You will need to make sure the back is "flush" or even with the backboard. This makes it so you can hang your piece if you choose. Also, make sure your spacing is even on each side. Glue and nail this peice on.

Finished with the building part!!! This is what your piece should look like.

THE FUN PART! Take and paint or Stain your piece. I have been wanting a few more non-painted items in my home and more "wood". So, I just stained this in a Dark Walnut finish. Then filled it with some of my favorite holiday items. Here is is all ready for the holiday! Don't you just love that little Doll inside? I got this from Kim at http://simple-needs.blogspot.com/ , it is the cutest little Drummer Boy with drum and all! It came just when I finished making this box and was looking to fill it with goodies...PERFECT!!!

Here it is hanging on the wall, if you choose to display it that way.

Mason Jar Monday!

Found this recipe while surfing the web. Sure sounds like a wonderful drink to curl up with after playing in the snow or reading a good book by the crackling fire!

Spiced Cranberry Cider Mix in a Jar

Ingredients:

*Quart sized Mason Jar

*1/2 c. dried Cranberries

*12 1" Cinnamon Sticks

*1/2 tsp. crushed whole cloves

*2 Tbsp. Whole Allspice

In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients above and place into your Mason Jar.

Attach Tag that reads:

You will need:

*2 qts. Apple Cider

*1 qt. water

*2 Oranges, sliced

*Mason Jar Contents

In large saucepan combine Cider, Water and Mason Jar Mix. Heat through but do NOT boil. Add most of the Orange Slices. Serve Warm and garnish with remaining Orange Slices.

Makes 12 to 14 servings.

"Winter Friends Welcome" Giveaway!

Well, it has been a little while since my last Giveaway! So, I thought you would all love to have one?! So, here it is...



My "Winter Friends Welcome" Giveaway!



This giveaway is going to be a very simple and easy giveaway....with only 5 rules:



1. You MUST be a "follower" of my Blog. You can do this just by scrolling down, and on the right you will see "followers of my blog"...just click "follow" and it will prompt you from there.



2. You MUST have a Blog of your own or leave an Email addy on the post for me to get ahold of you if you win....I will NOT come looking for you...or send out "Dog the Bounty Hunter" for you to retrieve you winnings! He is busy hunting Fugitives not worried about looking for Giveaway Winners!



3. You MUST post a comment HERE on this post...and this Post ONLY! I don't work for the FBI, so I will NOT come looking for your comments!



4. Do NOT post this on your Blog! This is for you readers and followers ONLY! Besides, do you really want more competition?! If I do find that you post it on your Blog, I WILL remove your comment and you will forfeit your right to play. Sorry, I hate for people to show up only for a chance to enter in a GIVEAWAY!



5. LASTLY, HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY! STUFF YOURSELF WITH ALL THE TURKEY & THANKSGIVING FIXINS YOU CAN...AND STOP BY "BLACK FRIDAY" TO SEE IF YOU WON!

Here is what is up for grabs...thought this would be a great sign for you to hang for just the beginnning of the Winter Season and it still mixes nicely with your Christmas Decor (you can place this with your snowmen, too)! This measures: 5 1/2" x 21" long.

Freebie Friday & New "Holiday" Offerings!

Happy Friday Everyone! I have added a new "freebie" for all of you in my "freebie box" on the right! It is my Primitive Candy Cane Ornies. So, grab them while you can, as most of you know I change that box out often....so, once they are gone, they are gone! Hope you enjoy!



Also, I have added some new Wooden Signs to my Picturetrail Shoppe. This is one of my newest Signs and it just says it all! This would be great for the Thanksgiving holiday! I have 2 of these signs that are ready to go! So, if you are interested in it....I will ship Priority today and it will arrive just in time for you to hang for Thanksgiving! But, you have to order today! This is a very large sign that measures 7 1/2" x 30 1/2" long! You can find it in my "Everyday Wooden Signs".



I have also been adding new "Christmas" Signs! This is one of my newest ones that is listed in there! I know I sent one of these out to Evelyn at Lee Hill Primitives Blog for a swap that I did with her. So, this is the only other one I have like this. It is done on an old Cupboard door and fairly large! It measures 16 1/2" x 21 1/2". So, hop on over and check out all the new goodies that I have been adding...I will be adding alot more over the weekend as well!

Thursday's "Tip of the Day!"

Going on a plane? Taking along your stitcheries? Well, you know you can't take them scissors on that plane!!!! So, what you to do? Here's a great tip!

No Scissors Allowed!

If you are heading to see family this holiday Season via airplane, and wanting to take along some of your stitcheries to work on during the plane ride...Well, leave them scissors behind cuz you can't take them on the plane! So, what you to do now?!

Grab your dental floss!!! You are allowed to carry your dental floss onto the plane! So, empty out the floss and now you have an instant storage compartment and handy thread cutter! This will cut your thread just like it does your Dental Floss!

Swap Goodies & Christmas Offerings!

Well, lookie what the mailman brought to my front door yesterday! Another swap goodie box! This one if from Amy from "At Home With Amy" blog. I love all my new goodies! Aren't they awesome?! She was my second partner in my "Olde Fashioned Christmas" Swap. I sometimes end up with 2 partners, if the signups aren't even....but, I never complain!!! LOL Would you with all these fabulous goodies?!

Here they are:

*Something Wooden: Frosty Sign ( I love this sign!)

*3 Ornies: Candy Canes

*Textile: "Frosty" stitchery (love this!)

*Smell Good Item: Tarts & Candles (these smell good enough to eat!)
*Lighted Item: Snowman Ornie (he lights up and changes colors...my girls are fighting over this one!)

*Wild Card Item: "Hope" nodder (Love nodders!)

CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS!

I have added a few Christmas Gatherings in my Picturetrail Shoppe. If you get a chance, stop by and check them out! They are listed under my "Christmas Thyme Offerings". I also will be adding alot more Christmas signs by the weekend, if you are looking for some new signs! Just click the link on my right side toolbar to take you there!

Here is one of my newest gathering:

Tutorial Tuesday!

I found some leftover Linolium the other day while packing up, so I thought I would use it up...in a "crafty kind of way" that is! Hope you enjoy this one!

"Linolium Floorcloth's"

Supplies:

*Piece of Linolium Flooring
*Black Craft Paint
*Craft Paints for stenciling (Your Choice of colors)
*Stencils
*Stencil Brushes
*Mimwax Dark Walnut Stain
*Old Rag
*Foam Brush
*Water-based Varnish (must be water-based so it does NOT yellow over time!)
*Paint Brush



Directions:

Now, I am doing a small rug to fit in front of my kitchen sink, so I cut my vinyl flooring down into a small rug size (22" x 28"). But, you can cut yours into any size you want. I would suggest that you start with a small one like this, just so that you can get a "feel" for doing a larger one next!

To cut my rug size, I simply took my vinyl flooring and turned it over. Measured the size I wanted, then cut it with a box cutter knife. Just please be careful when cutting! Also, to get a really straight line, I used my ruler for the guide (to cut up against).

Now, using the back of your flooring...basecoat the whole piece with black craft paint; let dry completely. I like to base coat usually with black to give the topcoat colors more of a darker, primitive depth.




Next, take your basecoat and completely paint over your black paint. I am using and Antique White as my topcoat.



Let dry completely, apply a second coat then to get a more opaque color. Let dry completely.





Now, the FUN PART!!! Time to paint your design! If you can freehand paint, then go right to it! If you are more "Paint Brush Challenged" as some of us...then this is where Stencils come it handy!



I am wanting to do a Colonial Inspired Floorcloth, so I found some wonderful Colonial stencil designs that I am using. I decided on how I would like my Floor Cloth to look then just started by marking the center and Stenciling from there!



Once you have your design all finished and it has completely dried, take and cover it completely with your Dark Walnut Stain! This is going to darken and age the appearance of your rug! We want this to look like it has been around for sometime!



Here is mine, just ready for Stain & Varnish:




Lastly, you will need to coat the top of your rug with Varnish for complete protection, remember this will walked on continuously! I recommend doing atleast 5-7 coats of Varnish on them. This makes them durable and easy to wipe up when dirty.



All varnished and ready for display in front of my kitchen sink:




Close up of stenciling and "age":



Now, place your rug in its place and enjoy for many years ahead! I do recommend taking a non-slip rug mat underneath. This will help it to stay in place. Also, if you find that your rug is still "curling" on the ends...flip your rug over for a few days and it will flatten out for you. I sometimes will set something heavy on the ends too for a few days when it is upside down. Also, I like to lay mine in the sun or in a warm room, this helps the vinyl loosen up! Hope you enjoy!

I am going to be adding a few of these to my Shoppe. I am in the process of finishing up a few of the smaller rugs along with some tabletop runners! So, if you are interested in purchasing some for your home....please click on my sidebar link and it will take you there.

Makeover Monday!

I know these were a really big hit last year....Brown Trees! So, I thought I would give one of my Alpine Trees a little makeover. I wanted to give it a kinda "dying" look. I know, that sounds strange!!! But, I thought it might fit in little better if it too look like it has some "age" to it...like everything else in my decor. Besides, I really like the brown tone with my Silicone dipped Mustard-colored lights!

Here is the VERY green tree:

Here is the After! All I did was take and lightly spray all around the tree with Rustoleum Brown Primer Spray Paint. I did not want the whole tree covered in the Brown paint, so I just did a light random spray. Looks more like it is starting to "die" off some. I like it much better!

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A closer look at the tree branches:

So, if you are tired of the really "green" look of your trees....take and spray them! These look great on them smaller trees, scattered around the home!

Olde Fashioned Swap Goodies! & HELP!!!

Well...LOOKIE WHAT I GOT IN THE MAIL ON WEDNESDAY! My Swap package from Eveylyn from Lee Hill Primitives! Oh, it is a wonderful package too! I just love swapping!

Here is what she sent me:

Wild Card Item....the handmade Amelia doll that she made from a pattern.

Wooden Item: Old spools with a handmade cross stich tag.

Lighted Item: handmade frosty hat.

(the bench in the pix is something I picked up at my local Goodwill)

3 Ornies: The snowman head, the angel and the pillow tuck.

Textile Items: Snowman Shelf bag on a wooden stick.

Smell Good Item: Scented Oil and Orange Clove Potpourri.

OH YEAH....IT WAS THAT GOOD!

HELP!!!

My computer crashed a month ago and I lost all my bookmarked sites...and I am desperately trying to find a favorite "private" blog of mine. She made her Primitive site PRIVATE a few months ago, but let alot of us Prim Fanatics in! She had a store but, I think was closing it, if I remember correctly? I am having withdrawls from her site...as it was Awesome! If you know her site link or are the one with that site.....EMAIL ME, PLEASE! I AM HAVING PRIM WITHDRAWL....LOL

"Feast On!" Friday

Here is another wonderful recipe from one of my Amish cookbooks.

Sweet Potato Biscuits

Ingredients:

*1 cup flour

*2 tsp. baking powder

*1 tsp. salt

*1/2 cup of sugar

*1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes
*3 Tbl. shortening

*1/3 cup milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix all ingredients together. Roll out dough on floured board and cut with a biscuit cutter. Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 20 minutes. Yields one dozen.

Thursday's "Tip of the Day!"

Here's a great tip for attaching them Saw Tooth Hangers!

Attaching a Saw Tooth Hanger?

Need to attach a hanger to the back of your new wooden sign or gameboard? Hate struggling with them little, teeny tiny nails they give you to put into the hangers? Well, all you need to do is take a small finishing nail and make "pilot" holes first into your nail holes! I just simply place my hanger where it will be going, take my finishing nail and make "pilot holes" where there need to be placed. Then place my small nails in and then I can easily tap them in to secure my saw tooth hanger!

"Wood'n it be Nice?!" Wednesday

Sorry this is so late in the day...this has been such a very busy week. But, here ya go. This is a "Use up the Scraps" project for ya! Didn't have time to pick any wood up, so I used what I had in my wood pile!



I have been wanting a Grain Bin for some time now, so I made this one but just in a smaller version since these are the only scraps I could find! I actually think I like this one better! It will be able to fit into a lot more different areas. I am calling this one my "Grubby Grain Bin" since I roughed it up some! Hope you enjoy!

Supplies:

*2 pieces of 1"x4" cut into 12" length

*2 pieces of 1"x4" cut into 5 1/2" length

*1 piece of 1"x6" cut into 7" lenth

*1 piece of 1"x6" cut into 8" length

Directions:

First, we are going to start by taking your 1x4x12 pieces and cutting an angle into the top. I did this just by marking down on one side of the board 1 1/2". Then I just drew a line from the one end to the marked end, making a diagonal line. I then cut it off with my jigsaw.

Next, I wanted to really add some "character" to this piece. So, I took the claw end of my hammer and just started chopping away at it! I really concentrated on my edges, taking chunks out of it so it looked really aged.

Let's start assembling! Take your (2) 1x4x12 pieces (these are the sides) and nailed it together with one of the 1x4x5 1/2" pieces along the bottom (as shown in pix).




Next, I am adding the "back" piece. Take your 1x6x8 piece and turn it upright (the grain facing up and down). This should fit perfectly in the middle of your sides. Line it up along the top. Don't worry if you have some of the "slant" top sticking up, you can sand that down very easily. Nail this together now.




Next, take your last piece of 1x4x5 1/2" board and right under the back piece you did, nail this piece in. Make sure this is snug up against the backboad piece.

Now, let's add the last piece! Take your 1x6x7" piece and place it right over the last piece you just put on. You will need this bottom and the last pieces bottom to line up with one another. Nail into place.

Next, take and Sand your piece. You will want to sand away all the "roughness" of the gouging you did and all the edges and corners you really want to be nice and rounded. This is what makes a piece look aged; no sharp edges.

Lastly, finishing off your piece! I took and just used Mimwax Dark Walnut Stain on mine, then applied a nice coat of Johnson's paste wax over it. If I had some Briwax I would have used that but I didn't so I just used what I had on hand. I also decided to add the stencil in front since it is supposed to be an Old Grain Bin! What you think?! I filled it with some Preserved Sweet Annie and a small bundle of dried flowers! This would be great filled with soaps and an old flour sack towel, Christmas Greens, etc. !!!!!

Here is a close up of the front distressing.

Mason Jar Monday!

I LOVE Hot Cocoa during the Winter! Here is a great, rich, chocolate goodness to fill your mason jars with! These make wonderful gifts for family and friends during the holiday season. All you need to do is tie a little bit of ribbon or raffia around the neck, add a nice tag and instant gift! These also make wonderful hostess gifts, church gifts, teacher gifts, etc.! Enjoy!

Cocoa in a Jar

Supplies:

*Mason Jars

*6 1/2 c. powdered sugar

*1 (5 oz.) pkg. of NON-INSTANT chocolate pudding

*1 c. powdered chocolate drink mix

*1/2 c. powdered non-dairy creamer

*1/2 c. sugar

*1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

***OPTIONAL: BROKEN CANDY CANES OR MINI MARSHMALLOW

Directions:

First, let me just tell you...this will fill several Mason Jars! I like to give these in either small Jelly Jars or Pint Sized Mason Jars. They still give quite a few servings with each jar!

This is a very easy recipe! All you need to do is take a large bowl and mix all of the above ingredients together. For the Optional Ingredients (candy canes & marshmallows) you can either put them into a plastic baggie and place ontop of all the Cocoa mix, or do like I do and mix it right into your ingredients! I do break my candy canes up into small peices (maybe 1/2" in size).

Now, just take and place Cocoa mix in your jars. Attach a tag with instructions: Dissolve 1/3 cup of Cocoa Mix in One Cup of boiling Water. Enjoy!

Vintage Pantry Molds for Sale!

I just LOVE Pantry Cakes! I love to have them sitting under a fly screen, in a Bowl filled with grungy Cheesecloth, or sitting out on a well-loved breadboard.



Well, if you love them too....I have a few sets of these wonderful Pantry Molds up for sale! These measure 3 1/2" in diameter and make great Pantry Cakes! I am offering them up in a set a three, that way you can make them all at one time instead of having to do separate batches.

Set #1....has 2 with the wreath design on top and 1 with a plain rounded top. This will give a variety to your Pantry Cakes. I only have 5 sets of these....so, hurry they will go fast!

(Set #1)

Set #2....are all of the same wreath design. I only have 4 sets of these!

(Set #2)
$12.00 a set with free Shipping (to U.S. & Canada residents only).

If you are international, please email me for a shipping quote. You can pay by Paypal or Money Order. Just drop me an email if you are interested!

"Feast On!" Friday

Here is a great "Sweet" Salad sidedish to make for Thanksgiving. Everyone loves this one!

Cranberry Salad

Ingredients:

*4 Oranges

*4 Apples

*1 cup water

*1 (6 oz) package of strawberry or raspberry geletin

*2 (16 oz) cans cranberry sauce

*1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained

Directions:

Grind Oranges and Apples; set aside. In saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil. Remove from stove and add gelatin; stir until dessolved. Add Cranberry sauce and stir. Then add pineapple and ground Apples & Oranges to gelatin by "folding" in. Pour into bowl and chill to set. Enjoy!

Thursday's "Tip of the Day!"

Making your own Rusty Pins & Bells for those holiday projects? Need to dry them quickly? Here is a great tip!

"Drying your Rusty Pins & Bells"

If you are making your own "Rusty" Pins & Bells for those holiday Primitives don't have the time to sit around and wait hours for them to dry....then just "pop" them into a 300 degree oven, with the door slightly cracked!

Just take an old cookie sheet, place all your pins & bells (from the rusting solution) on the sheet in a single layer. Place them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes! INSTANTLY RUSTED and DRIED QUICKLY!