"Feast On!" Amish-Dish Friday

My youngest daughter LOVES anything with Peanut Butter! Hope you enjoy this one too!

"Peanut Butter Pie"

Ingredients:

*8 oz. Cream Cheese, softened

*3/4 c. Peanut Butter

*2 1/2 c. Powdered Sugar

*3 c. Whipped Topping

*1 tsp. Vanilla

*Baked Pie Crust or Graham Cracker Pie Crust or Chocolate Pie Crust

Directions:

Combine Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter. Add Vanilla and Powdered Sugar. Beat well and add then fold in Whipped Topping. Pour into Pie shell. Refrigerate. Makes 2 pies.

PEWTER FOR SALE!

Thought I would offer these up to my blogging friends before they go into my shoppe! I LOVE pewter! However, with moving soon into a new home, I am in need purchasing some other things for the house. So, I am offering up a few "extra" peices of pewter that I have, in order to purchase some things that I need. So, here is what I am offering up today. This will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. Also, I am only excepting Paypal at this time. So, if you are interested in any of the Pewter pieces...you will need to email me and you can do so by clicking on my email link on my right side-bar.




This is a large charger or small tray (as the website has it listed). It is 12" in diameter and very well made! It is the Wilton Armetale "fleur de lis" pattern. This is a "stand alone" piece and very nice!!! Will look great as a centerpiece on a table, on a shelf, in a cupboard or even on a mantle!



It definately has aged very nicely over the years and has that great Pewter Patina we all love! Armetale Pewter is meant to be used! It is highly durable, unbendable and very well made! This is meant to last FOREVER!!! The retail price is $49.99. I am offering them for $25 a piece (1/2 price off the original price) plus travel. The weight of each plate is 2 lbs!!! Now, that is one solid plate! I have 4 of them if anyone is interested. This would be a great "starter" piece too if you are looking to start a pewter collection! Also, I can NOT find this plate offered ANYWHERE! So, this is not an easy peice to find on Ebay or anywhere!

Here is the website for plate info: http://armetale.com/armetale/index.php?fuseAction=group&sale=&t=pat&ID=4

Here is what they look like now...nice Patina! (Front & Back Pix)

My next set of Pewter pieces are these small bread & butter plates. These are 5 1/2" in diameter. These too have a great Pewter Patina to them! These are great for cupboards & shelves as well. I am selling these for $9 a plate with shipping included! They are selling on Ebay right now for around $10 each plus shipping. I have 8 of these at the moment for sale! I have also found that these sell for around $24 brand new each.

"Sew, you think you can't?"

Welcome to my very first...."Sew, you think you can't?"!!!! I think this is going to be a fun day that everyone will come to enjoy! I am NOT the most advanced Stitcher there is, so this day will be a day filled with simple stitcheries that most anyone can do! Believe me, if I can do it....YOU CAN TOO! So, wipe the dust off those Sewing Machines, break out the needle & thread, and sharpen them scissors...cuz today is sure to become a favorite!!!

I don't know about you, but around the middle of January I always start getting them "Winter Blues"! I am tired of the cold, the snow on the ground, and just sitting around inside my home now. I AM READY FOR SPRING! So, I thought we would work on some Flowers....Wool Flowers! Hope you enjoy!

Supplies:

*Various shades of Wool Scraps

(I used some textured wool I found at the Goodwill from blazers & Wool Felt colors: Deep Burgundy, Red, Blue, Cream and Dark Green)

*Emboidery Floss (I used Black & Dark Green)

*Scissors

*Glue Stick

*Templates (I used a Cinnamon Spice Jar lid & a Quarter)

*Black Frame

Directions:

First, we are going to start by taking the back off to your frame. This is what I use to measure my background. This will also determine how many Flowers you will make. I am making 5 since my frame is long. Always make them in odd numbers though, so 3, 5, or 7. Take and mark around your backing and cut. If you do NOT have glass in your frame and will not be behind the glass, measure an additional 1" around the whole backing and cut out the extra.

Now, we need to cut out our Pennies. I cut out 5 larger circles using my Cinnamon Spice Cap as the template and 5 circles with my quarter for their centers.

Next, I started by sewing my centers onto the larger pennies. I am using the blanket stitch for this along with my black embroidery floss (3 strands only).

Now, take and line them up onto your backing color to see how they will fit and be placed.
When you like your placement, take your gluestick and dab some glue on the backs of each to keep them in place. Stitch these now using the blanket stitch.

Now, take your scraps of Green Wool and cut some stems & leaves. I did this freehand since are both very easy to do without a template. Dab with gluestick to hold & stitch on your stems using your Green Emboidery Floss (3 strands only again).

Next, dab with your gluestick to hold & stitch your leaves also using the Green Embroidery Floss. Your design will actually be done now. We just need to frame it now.

Lastly, take your backing and apply your gluestick all over the cardboard. You are now going to press your fabric onto this and smooth out. Place into your frame now and enjoy!

Monday Blues!

Hope you enjoy the Monday Blues today!

Just look at this BEAUTY!!! Need I say more?!

Look at this buffet!!! Wish I had room for something like that! That would work wonders for serving everyone during our holiday entertaining!

I love this piece! I found this on someones blog...but, I can't remember who's? So, if it is yours, please let me know so I can give credit to ya! I just wanna say....I LOVE IT!!!

Love this piece!...Almost a borderline greenish blue! This would look wonderful in my kitchen corner!

Here is one of my favorite kitchens that was featured in Country Sampler a little while back. I love the color blue that these cabinets are painted! To have an island like that would be wonderful!!! Not that I would do much baking from it...other then baking my Primitives (LOL).

"Feast On!" Amish-Dish Friday

This is a great "night before" breakfast dish. If you are like me, you like anything that can be prepared the night before and just popped into the oven! This also makes a great dish for right after church on Sunday as well! Enjoy!

Ester's Swiss Scrambled Eggs Casserole

Ingredients:

*8 slices of bacon

*2 c. bread cubes (no crust)

*1 3/4 c. milk

*8 eggs

*3/4 tsp. salt (optional)

*pepper

*2 Tbsp. butter

*1/4-1/2 lbs. Swiss cheese slices

*Season Salt

Directions:

Fry bacon, crumble, and set aside. Combine bread cubes and milk; let sit for 5 minutes. Drain bread cubes of remaining milk into another bowl. Combine that milk with your eggs; beat slightly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Melt butter and soft scrambled the eggs. Add bread cubes and pour into greased casserole. Sprinkle with seasoned salt. Top with Swiss cheese and lightly toasted buttered bread crumbs. Sprinkle with bacon Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake covered, at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Enjoy!

"Wood'n it be Nice?!" Wednesday

Well, today's project is something a little different. I LOVE to hang candles from my cupboard doors! I do have a few of the iron pieces and ladles that "hook" right over a door that you put candles into, and I just adore them. But, I need a few more! Those candle holders can cost quite a bit too! I know the iron one I purchased for a single candle is priced around $35!!! Don't know about you, but I don't have that kinda cash lying around just for a candle holder?! The one I do own, I picked up for only $10 at a sale...or I wouldn't even own that one!


So, that got me thinking....Why not make a few of these from Wood?!!! That's what Primitve is all about-right?! Making due with what you had! Perfect solution for a pricey product! So, that is just what I did!! Hope you enjoy

Cupboard Door Candle Holder

Supples:

*"Poplar" Wood 1/2" x 3" x 2 ft.

*"Poplar" Wood 1/2" x 6 x 2 ft.

*Finishing naills

*Wood Glue

*Wooden Candle Cup

*Jigsaw

*Stain or Paint of your choice (I used Mimwax Dark Walnut, Black & Buttermilk Paint for design)

Directions:

First, let's start by cutting our wood. I chose to use the Poplar Wood this time instead of the Pine. I did this because I wanted only a 1/2" thickness instead of the 1" thickness as I thought this was too bulky for the holder. I only paid a total of $6.04 with tax for the two pieces needed.

Now, lets start with our cuts. You will need to take and cut your 1/2" x 6" x 2ft. board down to 18 inches. From that extra piece you will need to cut a 3" piece from it.

Next, cut your 1/2" x 3" x 2ft. piece 8 inches. From the extra piece you will also need to cut a 1-1/4 " piece, as well.

Now, we need to take and make your slanted sides. You will do this by measuring up on bottom of the board 3 inches. Mark both sides with this measurement. Next, take the top and measure inward 1 1/2" on both sides and mark. With a large ruler take and connect the marks like shown below.

With your Jigsaw cut your lines.

Now we are going to make the hanger on the back. Take your 1 1/4" piece and just slightly from the top of your front board, attach it to your board. Make sure you apply a small line of wood glue before nailing each piece. This just helps to secure your piece better.

Next, take your 1/2" x 3" x 8" piece and we are going to mark it like we did with the front for slanted edges. So, measure down from the top 2" and mark each side. Now, on the bottom piece take and measure in 3/4" on each side. Connect the marks with a line and cut with Jig Saw.

Now, take that piece and attach it to the 1 1/2" piece. Secure with atleast 3 nails and wood glue.

Time for the front Candle holder ledge! Take your 1/2" x 3" x 3" piece that you cut and attach it 2" up from the bottom of the board.

Attach your Candle Cup in the center of the ledge. Paint or stain as you wish!

Here is mine all finished. I used a Dark Walnut Stain by Mimwax and painted a Colonial design at the top. Placed a grubby battery operated candle in the cup and hung over my cupboard door!

IF YOUR DOOR IS A LITTLE THICKER ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS JUST ADJUST THE THICKNESS OF YOUR HANGER "MIDDLE" PIECE & THIS WILL WORK FOR ANY CUPBOARD DOOR!

Swap partners sent!

To everyone who entered my "You are SO Trashy!" Swap, I emailed out Swap Partner names yesterday! So, if you didn't get yours...please drop me an email so I can resend it! Have fun everyone!

Monday Blues!

I am so Blue today!!! Here are some Blues to get you into the Blue Mood, too!!!

I just LOVE Crocks!!! I especially love these Blue colored Salt Glazed Crocks!

I could just see this BEE-U-TEE-FULL Stoneware Crock sitting on my Crock Bench! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS ONE!

This is the exact couch I want for my family room! I love denim couches! They remind me of a favorite pair of Jeans that you can be comfortable in anytime of the day!

Here is the whole set...YEP, I'LL TAKE THAT PLEASE!

Couldn't you just see yourself curled up under this while sitting on them Denim Couches?! Or to have this hanging from a Blanket Crane! Or lying across the bottom of your bed?!

I love Rag Quilts, too and this one is no exception!

Blue Ticking! Another favorite fabric of mine! These are even better because they are filled with Sawdust!

I could see a pair of these gracing my Demin couches!

How wonderful would this be?! To have a Blue ticking Shower Curtain!!! Love this idea!

Well, I hope you enjoyed my fantasy shopping tour for today! Which one is your favorite?!

Last Day for Signups!

Just a quick reminder that today is my last day for signing up for my "You are SO trashy!" Swap. You can click on the link on my right-side toolbar for details. Have a great Sunday!

"Feast On!" Friday

UPDATE: I just made these for dinner tonite and they were NOT Swedish Meatballs...but, they are DELICIOUS!!! They are a Sweet & Sour Meatballs, I think the cookbook had them as a misprint! YUMMY!!!

Who doesn't love Meatballs?! Here is another great recipe from my Amish Cookbook. Hope you Enjoy!

Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Ingredients:

*1 lb. hamburger

*1 lb. bulk sausage

*1 tsp. salt

*1 c. cracker crumbs

*1 c. milk

Sauce:

*4 c. ketchup

*1/2 c. vinegar

*2 c. brown sugar

*1 Tbl. Worchstershire Sauce

*1 Tbl. mustard

*1 Tbl. Butter

Directions:

Mix hamburger, sausage, salt, cracker crumbs, and milk. Shape into balls and fry. Mix Sauce ingredients and pour over Meatballs in a baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Still taking Sign-ups!

Just wanted to remind everyone that I am still taking Sign-ups for my "You are SO trashy!" Swap. Just click on the link on my right-side toolbar for all the details. This will be a fun swap as it is just "makeovers" from things we find at our local Thrift Shoppes! If you are like me, you probably already have a "Stash" of goodies waiting to be made over already! So, if you haven't signed up yet and might be considering it....COME JOIN IN THE FUN!

Celebrate the Season!

Our first, "Celebrate the Season"! I thought with this Winter being as COLD as it has been, what better project to start out with...but, something made of WOOL!!! Besides, next month we celebrate the "Valentine's Day" holiday, so this is a perfect project for that day. I am going to use Wool Felt for this project because it is easily available in several different shades right at your local JoAnn's Craft Store. This is a very easy project to complete, in just a few hours, while sitting down watching a movie. Let's begin!

Supplies:

*Wool or Wool Felt (Wool felt can be purchase right at Joann's)

*Embrodery Floss (I am using black, red & cream)

*Needle

*Gluestick

*Dinner Plate

*Pattern below... just save to your computer, download & print!

Directions:

First, you are going to need to "prepare" your Wool or "felt" it (as I think that is the term used for this process. I am not a "technical" person, so don't quote me on this one...LOL). What you need to do first, is take your Wool/Wool Felt and place it in a sink of hot water.

Now, let it soak for a minute.

Next, I take and drain the water. Then, I "squish" my Wool/Wool Felt to try and get most of the water out of the material. However, you DO NOT want to "wring" your Wool/Wool Felt as I heard that it damages the material if you do. Don't know if this is true or not, so I just don't wring mine.

Once you got your material to a damp state, take and put it in the Dryer and dry it now til it is completely dry.

Remove from Dryer and I do like to Iron mine now. I do this on my Wool Setting. I don't over iron the material, as I don't want it "shiny". I just want to get most of the wrinkles out.

Now, I am ready to make my design! First, I take my "high tech" device (a large 10" dinner plate) and with a white sewing pencil I trace the pattern directly onto my Black Wool and cut it out.
You will need to cut two of these out! I then have went a step beyond and made "scallops" in mine, but you don't have too! I have made several of them just round and they are just as beautiful!

Next, I am ready to make my "Pennies". I am using the Off-White Wool Felt for these. (pattern for these are in my Freebie Box on the right side column). Again, just trace these onto my Wool with a marker and cut them out, you will need 8 of these. I know alot of you iron some freezer paper and wool with the circle templates and cut out, but I don't usually. I actually use my Sizzix Die Cut machine and cut out the Wool with the Circle Die. I can literally make 100's in an hour with this machine! And it cuts 4 different circles (or pennies) at a time! But, for those of you who don't have this machine, just trace the circle pattern right onto your Wool and cut it out carefully.

Now, time to cut out the cute little hearts! Again, I just took a my template and marked it right onto my Red Wool and cut them out! You will need 8 of these too!

Lastly, I need to cut out my center color. I chose to use my Red Felt for this. I just took another one of my high tech templates (cottage cheese lid!) and traced it onto my Red Wool and cut it out.

HERE COMES THE FUN PART...ASSEMBLING YOUR PENNY MAT!

First, we are going to start with your Heart Cut-outs and your Pennies. You will need to take your glue stick now and place a dab of glue on the back of your Heart and stick it right in the middle of your Off White Penny circle.

Once you have done of them, time to stitch your Hearts! I will be using the "Blanket Stitch" to do this. If you don't know how to do this stitch, you can google it or go to U-Tube and there are many videos that will show you how. It is a VERY easy stitch to learn, so don't be intimidated! I used my Black Floss (3 strands only, so break a strand in half for this as they always have 6 threads in the strand) and stitch my hearts all on.







Now, let's stitch your Heart Pennies to your Candle Mat. I take and lay them out first on my Circle so they are evenly spaced out. Now, with your gluestick adhere them to where you have just placed them. This will hold them their while you are getting ready to stitch each one of them. Now, stitch them all on using your Red Floss, again using the blanket stitch.






We are ready to place your Circle in the middle. With you gluestick adhere it to the center and blanket stitch it all around.




We have now completed the top of your Candlemat!!! Now, we just need to hide all of our stitching underneath! We are going to do this by taking your last scalloped piece and with your gluestick again, adhere it to your top layer. Now, just blanket stitch all the way around, I used black thread (again 3 strands) and stitched it as I didn't want any color to compete of the background.

WE HAVE COMPLETED OUR CANDLEMAT!!! These are great for placing a jar candle in the middle, a vase filled with roses, or a small bowl of candy kisses for your loved ones!!!

The Monday Blues

Ahhh, I just love the Blues! The Monday Blues that is...don't you?!



Here are some of my favorite kitchen/dining room pictures. Each are different but, I would love to have anyone of them!

I just love the light color of this Blue dining room setting. At one time I would have also paired this with my Pink palette, but NO MORE! I could definately see this with mustards, blacks, buttermilks, barn reds & dark or time worn wood all around! Wouldn't all that treenware look nice displayed with this setting?!

I love the color of these cabinets! Definately love the stainless steel top on the island! How easy would that be to just clean right up?!

I just like the light color of these cabinets too! Notice the wood countertops?!

Love, love, love that Countertop! But, I am really just loving that island! That is what I call workspace! I love how they did the countertops in blue, the main cabinets in cream, and the end cabinet in blue again! Just the right amount of blue in the kitchen to keep it bright!

To some this would be Blue Overkill....but, I LOVE IT! I love how they kept the warm wood throughout to give it that perfect primitive touch! Don't you just love the exposed wooden beams?!

Hope you enjoyed the Monday Blues!

"Feast On!" Friday

Here is an Amish dish that I am going to try this weekend for my family! This would make a great one pan dish for Sunday dinner!

Chicken Spaghetti

Ingredients:

*1 green pepper

*1 cup diced celery

*1 medium onion

*1 cup boneless chicken, cooked

*1 small jar pimientos

*1 can mushrooms

*1 lb. spaghetti

* 1 can of cream of mushroom soup

*1 can of cream of chicken soup

*1 lb. of Velveeta

Directions:

Saute' pepper, celery, and onion in butter. Melt cheese with soups over low heat. Add sauteed veggies. Cook spaghetti in chicken broth and water until tender. Drain. Mix everything together and bake in a greased casserole pan. Top with grated cheddar cheese if you wish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Valentine Images

I just added 2 Valentine Images in my Freebie Box to the right!

*Download them to your computer
*Print them out
*Dip them in some strong coffee
*Bake them in a 250 degree oven for just a few minutes to dry
*Iron Image with a hot, dry iron
*Then Frame them!

Instant Valentine decor! Hope you enjoy!

New Swap "You are SO Trashy"!

Well, now that Christmas is over...I am ready for a new Swap! How bout all of you?! I was trying to think up something a little different for this Swap though. As I really don't decorate for Valentines Day and Spring is too far off yet. So, I thought why not help out the economy & the environment?! Let's do a "Trash/Goodwill/Thrift Shoppe" kinda Swap!



This should be a fun swap! As most of us LOVE to scour the Thrift Stores anyways! Don't we now?! I know I visit mine wayyyyy more then I should (my hubby will definately agree with that one!), but I think it is the "thrill of the kill" that gets me!



Before I go into details about this Swap, I would like to stress something....THIS IS A PRIMITIVE SWAP! So, if you are NOT into Primitives (meaning you like pinks, light greens, pastels, clean or frilly things) then this Swap is NOT for you! Most of us Primitive lovers like the colors of barn reds, black, buttermilk, mustard & colonial blues...but, most of all we LOVE "DIRTY, TORN & TATTERED, COFFEE STAINED, CINNAMON SOAKED, BEAT UP & SEEN BETTER DAYS" Goodies!!!! So, please sit this one out! I have had a few complaints with people recieving "Grungy" items that "have seen better days"! Well, WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF PRIMITIVES! So, with that information here are the Rules.

"You are SO Trashy!" Swap Rules:

The Main Rule of this Swap is to take atleast 3 Items from your Thrift Shop adventures and turn them into something nice for your partner! Examples: a Wool Coat turned into a Penny Rug, a wooden candlestick turned into a Make-do, a paper mache box set covered now with grungy fabric, etc.

1. You MUST be a "follower" of my blog. If you are not, you can sign up on the right side column.

2. You MUST have posted atleast 5 times with me, previously. Starting today and back posting will not work either. As, I get notifications of posting to my older posts anyways...so, I will know.

3. You MUST have a Blog! Sorry, this just shows commitment to Blogging with friends. Besides, I have had a few "slackers" that just decided it was better to receive then to give! Unfortunately, all but one person all joined in with just email accounts.

4. You MUST be willing to follow thru with this commitment! Just incase you don't, you WILL be blocked from my Blog! I know that life sometimes gets in the way, that is why I say "DON'T PROCRASTINATE & start on your Swap right away!" That way if something does come up in life, you might already be mostly finished and it will just take only a little to complete then to completely start your Swap!

5. You MUST commit to sending out your Swap ON TIME! Nothing like waiting for a package 3 months past its due date! Hey, I have had that happen with other swaps! I think that is unfair to those that work so hard to get their Swap package out and others just send it when they feel like it!

6. You MUST send your package out Priority WITH a Delivery Confirmation number. I will need you to send that DC# to me then. That way if the package does go AWOL, we can hopefully track its sight-seeing adventure!

7. You MUST thank your partner! I hate ungratefulness! Your partner put time and effort into making something for you....Thank them!!!! I don't care if you love it or hate it....a simple "Thank You" won't kill ya!

8. Lastly, GIVE AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE!!! Live by the Rule: If you wouldn't want to receive it...then, don't give it! Simple rule-huh?!

Now, if you want to play along....I will need you to email me: Your Name, Mailing Addy, and Blog Link.

Your Info must be to me by January 17th.

This will be a One-on-One swap so I will get the partners out to all of you by January 20th.

Your Swap package will be due to your partner by March 1st! This will give you almost 6 weeks to spend on getting your package together.

This Swap is open to USA & Canadian residents ONLY! Sorry, the Postal Service is killing us with shipping costs anymore!

Tin Can Tuesday

Here is our first, Tin Can Tuesday! This is a great way to help recycle and go "Green" with your Tin Cans.

Our first project is one that I did a while back with a swap that I had hosted. This was an arrangement that I sent to Lisa from Blacksheep Prims Blogspot. We were partners for my Harvest Swap.

This is just a simple soup can, that I had "Primmed Up". First, I had taken and added a Primitive Label to it. I purchased this label online, but they are very easy to make right on your own computer!

I then took and painted the whole can with Mod Podge (except the label) and sprinkled it generously with cinnamon (you can also use Nutmeg for a darker appearance or combine the two spices). I then took and sprayed my whole can, including label, with a cheap clear finishing spray. Let dry completely.

I then took and hot glued a piece of floral foam to the bottom of the can, then inserted a few floral stems inside! Very easy and a great recycling project! This would great filled with just plain ole Sweet Annie too!

The Monday Blues & Giveaway Winner!

Well, today I have the "BLUES"....the Monday Blues!!! I have loved the color Blue ever since I was a kid (as my kids would say, "that was a LONG time ago!") and it is still my favorite color today! Here are a few pictures I found while surfing the web. Hope you enjoy the Eye Candy!

I just love this piece! I could just imagine how beautiful this would be filled with Yelloware! I love the built in plate rack.

I have a piece similar to this and just love the color of this one! I could just see an old wrought iron Candlier hanging in place of the one shown here! Along with an old Praire doll hanging on the door.



Love this!

Not sure if it was added later to the bottom or just made to look as if it was. I love corner cabinets!

The Winner is.....

Dawn from Backdoor Primitives! You can view her blog here.... http://backdoorprimitives.blogspot.com/

So, Dawn I need you to drop me an email with your addy! Thanks to all of you who entered and Happy New Year!