Winter Giveaway at Homespun Hugs and Calico Kisses Blog

Homespun Hugs and Calico Kisses is having a giveaway on her blog.  Click here to sign up to win this adorable snowman in a silver cup before December 11th.

Primitive Snowman Dolls

Are you looking for the perfect gift for a primitive snowman collector?  I have completed two primitive snowman dolls in the past week.  Both are listed on my Ebay.   (Both snowmen have been SOLD)

Discounts and Coupons

My daughter Laurie has a new blog designed to save us all some money.  She has been doing a lot of web searching for discounts on personal and household products as well as freebies .  Check out her new blog http://frugalmichiganmom.blogspot.com/.  She has already listed many printable coupons and offers that will help you save money.  Many of the offers that she is sharing would make perfect Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers.

Goodwill Hunting

Today I stopped in to a Goodwill Store on my way to visit my mother.  I have been searching for wool fabric that I can use in my crafting.  Well, wool is not easy to find here in Florida and I was out of luck on this stop. 

Just as I was about to leave the store empty-handed, I caught a glimpse of an old plastic sewing box sitting high up on a corner shelf.  I pulled it down and peeked inside and noticed it had old sewing supplies such as threads, needles, small scissors, and bags of beads and sequins.  It was marked $9.99, more than I would typically spend on a Goodwill purchase, but I bought it anyway.  When I got home and opened the box, I found it held much more than that.  Included was a piece of fabric rolled and tied.  It was filled with every size of knitting needle.  I also found three vintage circular knitting needles, sewing needles, trims, and many spools of thread.  The thread alone would cost me more than $10.00 if I was to purchase it new.  I include a lot of my vintage finds when making my primitive dolls.  Let's see what I can incorporate into my next doll creation.

Something old is now somthing new

Where have I been?  It's been a while since I posted.   We took our vacation in September.  We had a great time on our Caribbean cruise, then took a road trip to St. Augustine, Florida. 

I guess I needed a little kick-start in the inspiration department. I have been making these little primitive cutter quilt pillows for the past couple of weeks.  Finally have them listed on Etsy.

I also started making onesie outfits for babies.  These are the cutest little things.  I made ruffled diaper covers and trimmed the onesies with a matching applique.  These will be added to Etsy this weekend also.

The ruffles are on the back side only.

My First E-pattern

Today I decided to try my hand at making my first e-pattern.  I had already made up a few plastic bag holders and thought it would be easy enough to make up this pattern on my computer.  I charted a counted cross stitch pattern which I included.  The pattern is now listed for sale on my Etsy shop. 

I will be listing some of the finished bag holders soon.

If anyone is interested in purchasing the pattern, click here or go to my Etsy Shop link on the sidebar.

My New Etsy Store

I'm taking a little break from dollmaking and thought I would try something different.

I've been sewing all weekend and will be listing aprons for sale.  I just finished making a woman's recycled blue jeans apron.  I love the way it turned out. 



I have three more aprons finished and will be listing these for sale also at my new Etsy store which I named "Pine Island Creations".

Click here to view my listings.

Meet Eunice

Meet Eunice.  She is my newest grungy, primitive, witch doll made from a pattern by Olde Rustic Prims.   I just listed her on Etsy for $24.00 plus shipping.  She turned out perfectly prim.   (SOLD)

I still have some items listed on Ebay from my last post.  The crazy quilt blocks and scale are sold.  I have reduced the prices on most of the items.

I am downsizing my collections and destashing my craft room

I took the day off work today and spent most of the day cleaning up my craft room.  I am trying to downsize my collections.  Here are some of the items I listed on Ebay.  Click here to see all of my listings.

This is a vintage kitchen scale. (SOLD)

I listed many of my pattern books on Ebay.

This is a set of 12 crazy quilt blocks I made from satin and velvet.  The blocks edges are unfinished and measure 7 1/2 inches square.  Each block is trimmed with either a button or applique, and is stitched with decorative embroidery. (SOLD)

Crafting for Autumn

I stitched up more dolls this weekend.    This time I'm preparing for the fall season.  I finished this pumpkin head doll and listed it on Ebay.  I designed it myself without use of a pattern.  (SOLD)

I have two other dolls amost completed.  They are primitive witch dolls - one is black and one is "green".  I will post pictures of them after they are finished.

Happy 4th of July!

Hope you all have a happy and safe 4th of July weekend!

Here in Florida it has done nothing but drizzle for the last two days and the prediction for today is heavy rain.  It allows me to spend more time crafting.

I just completed another order for an Annie doll.  This doll is a Sweet Meadows Farm pattern which includes Annie and her little stuffed bear.  It looks so cute.  I love the fabric combination.  (SOLD)

Now is the time for me to start working on holiday projects.  I have some patterns for Halloween dolls that I'll be sewing up and will list on Ebay and Etsy.

Low Fat Mojito Cake Recipe

Just for a change of pace, I thought I would share a recipe for a cake that I made for the girls at work last week.  They all requested a copy of the recipe.  I guess that means that they liked the cake.  I found the original recipe on the internet, but wanted to make it healthier and lower in fat so I made some adjustments.  Here is my version of the Mojito Cake recipe.

MOJITO CAKE

1 box (18 oz.) white cake mix
4 eggs
1 small box sugar free lemon jello
1 small box sugar free lime jello
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3/4 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray bundt cake pan with Pam.  Mix above ingredients together on low speed until blended. Mix 2 minutes on medium speed.  Pour batter into pan and bake according to package directions or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Leave the cake in the pan and set aside on a cooling rack for 20 minutes.  Using a wooden skewer or chopstick, poke holes in the cake.

Glaze

2 Tbs rum
1 Tbs. Creme d'menthe
1/2 cup lime juice
2 cups powdered sugar

In a one-cup glass measuring cup, mix together rum and creme d'menthe.  Add enough lime juice to the measuring cup to measure 1/2 cup of liquid.  In a medium bowl, combine the lime juice mixture with 2 cups of powdered sugar.  Mix well.  Pour glaze mixture over the holes and allow to absorb into the cake. 

Invert the cake onto a cake dish.  Let cool completely and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

What I've been working on this weekend

I have been working on a quilted wall hanging for myself. I love the design. It is a Dresden Plate pattern with a mailbox scene embroidered in the center. I still have some more hand-quilting to do before it is finished. The best part is that the background is already quilted. I found a quilted pillowsham at Goodwill, took it apart, and used it for the background, then I attached the applique to it. It can't get much simpler than that!

I just completed a special order for this adorably prim Raggedy Annie doll for a lovely lady in Canada. 

As I mentioned in my last post, I had orders for other items as well.  I am almost finished with the sock monkey and the apron is nearly finished.  I just wish I would finish one project before starting another.  Am I the only one who jumps from one project to another?

Special Orders to Complete

There are so many things that I should be doing this weekend, like vacuuming my house and cleaning the pool, but I have had some special requests that I need to finish up.  I have a special order for an apron, another knitted sock monkey to work on, sew some scrub tops for co-workers, and another Annie doll. 

I finished up this "Country Annie" and just listed her on Ebay. 

(SOLD)

I have also been sewing children's clothing. I have orders for two little girl's sundresses to work on also. Here is one that I finished.

Got to get back to work. Busy, busy, busy!

Spring Cleaning

I am doing some spring cleaning and will be selling some of my magazines and pattern books. 

This magazine is the first issue of A Simple Life Magazine by Jill Peterson dated Spring 2010.  It is used but in like-new condition.

I am offering this magazine for $5.00 & $3.00 shipping (SOLD)

Go to my selling blog Wild Berry Primitives Mercantile to purchase.

Back from vacation and back to crafting

It seems like I have been on a hiatus for the past month.  We had taken a family vacation to Disney World reunite with my daughter's family that we had not seen since last year.

When I returned home from vacation, I had a message on my answering machine from a very nice lady who had previously received one of my primitive Annie dolls purchased as a gift for her from one of my Ebay listings.  She loved it so much, she asked if I would do a special order for another one.  It gives you a great feeling to know that your work is appreciated so I agreed to make one for her in the color she requested.  This is the completed doll made from a Sweet Meadows Farm pattern.

I am working on another doll similar to this one that will be dressed for the 4th of July holiday.

I made another little Ladybug Annie doll and have it listed on Ebay. It is made from a Craftaholic pattern. It would make a perfect collectible for anyone who loves to collect ladybugs. (SOLD)

Sunflower Annie Doll (SOLD)

I  completed another primitive Raggedy Ann doll.  This one I call "Sunflower Annie".  She is made from a "You Are Special" pattern.  I used coffee and vanilla stained osnaburg for her body.  She is dressed for spring in her sunny yellow plaid dress.  I purchased a vintage bureau scarf trimmed with hand-crocheted lace at a thrift store recently and turned it into her floral embroidered apron..  I trimmed the apron with yellow sunflower buttons.  I listed her on Ebay today.

Another Doll Completed (SOLD)

I just completed another primitive style Raggedy Ann doll.  I used a pattern by Sweet Meadows Farm.  She is so sweet.  She is listed on Ebay and is looking for a loving home.

More Pin Keeps For Sale

It gives you a good feeling when something that you have made sells.  Sales on Ebay and Etsy have been very slow lately.  I was so happy when I checked my email and found that someone had purchased two items today from my Etsy shoppe.

I have been working on some little projects this week.  I made three more pin keeps and listed them today on my selling blog Wild Berry Primitives Mercantile.  Each one is made from my left over crazy quilt blocks made from satin fabrics which are trimmed with decorative embroidery stitches.  Last week I made one similar to these and it sold within two hours of posting it on my selling blog.

The Weatherman Was Wrong Again

I had good intentions to clean my house today.  I had the carpet shampooer ready to put in a full day's work.  It was supposed to be perfect day according to the weatherman with high's around 80 degrees.  Well they were wrong.  It's cloudy, humid, and getting ready to rain with a cold front ready to move in.  I was hoping I could air dry the carpets with the windows open.  Oh well....there's always next weekend.

Today I finished another "You Are Special" pattern.  I made a minor modification on the doll's facial features, but don't you just love Sandy's patterns?  I had purchased a Mother Goose print fabric on clearance at JoAnn's a couple of months ago and finally put it to use.  This Annie doll is now listed on Ebay.

Monkey Business

It's that time again.........The weekend.  Because I work Monday through Friday, it seems like weekends are the only time that I am able to show and tell what I have worked on throughout the week. 

I completed another primitive Annie doll.  I used Sandy's "Old Country Cupboard" free download to make the doll.  She is dressed in a monkey print flannel nightie and comes with a crocheted sock monkey that I made.  The pair is listed on my Ebay .   (SOLD)



I made some crocheted dish cloths this past week. I have this set of three cloths listed on my ArtFire shop for $9.00. I am working on another set of three in different colors and will have that listed later this week.

I still have handmade items listed on my selling blog. Feel free to stop by my Wild Berry Primitives Mercantile. 

New addition to my selling blog

Check out my selling blog "Wild Berry Primitives Mercantile" for my newest offering.  I created this primitive angel without the use of any pattern and just love the way she turned out.  She would look great hanging on a cupboard door or from a peg shelf.

A Crafty Week

My sewing machine has been buzzing along this week and I have knitted and crocheted so many things that I need to list on my selling accounts. 

I've been making up some oven door towels that look like little dresses.  I have two of them listed already on my Art Fire Shop.

I finished making a knitted sock monkey which will be listed on Etsy later today.

And................I have been crocheting dish cloths.  Stop by and check out my shops for my latest additions.

My New ArtFire Shop

I just set up a new selling outlet on ArtFire.com.

My first item listed is another lap robe which was crocheted by my mother.  Click on the Rapid Cart on the side bar to view this listing.

The Bunny Challenge

I participated in Prim Patterns 'n Handmades blog challenge to create a primitive bunny from her FREE three-piece template.  There were no directions included.  We had to assemble the bunny and dress and accessorize it within a two-week period, then submit a photo of the bunny to her when it was completed.  Today all of the entries are posted on NeeNee's blog.  This was so much fun to do.  I'm looking forward to doing her next challenge.  Click here to view the other entries.

Sunday Crafting

Today I spent the afternoon making this primitive sheep and listed it on Etsy for $19.99 with free shipping. I took the opportunity to sit outside on my lanai to work on the applique stitching. The temperature here in Florida finally got above the 60's. At one time today it actually reached 81 degrees, although it didn't last once the clouds took over.

I also listed another lap robe on Etsy which was hand crocheted by my mother.  She heads a church group who crochet lap robes and donate them to patients at Hope Hospice.  Church members are always donating yarn to her.  Some of the yarns are "Fun Fur" which she incorporated into these lap robes.  She felt they were too "fancy" to donate, so she asked me to list them on Etsy for her.  She has them listed at $40.00 each (shipping is $8.00).

Check out my Etsy on the sidebar to view my other listings.

Beatrice is for sale on my selling blog

I made another Beatrice Bunny using the pattern by Down River Primitives.  Go to my selling blog Wild Berry Primitives Mercantile to purchase this cute bunny.

Pattern Test

My daughter Laurie, of Down River Primitives, designed her first pattern for a primitive doll.  She asked me if I would be her pattern tester to make sure that her directions and pattern were clear and concise.  She emailed her pattern to me yesterday, and as you can see by the picture I worked at it all day to complete it.  Her pattern is called Beatrice Bunny.  This doll is so cute.  She will be selling it as both an e-pattern and paper pattern soon.  Be sure to check out her blog for more details.

Crafting for Valentine's Day

I'm a little behind on my crafting and blogging. There's not much going on in my craft room lately.  I've been trying to recuperate from bronchitis for the last three weeks. The antiobotics have not helped much. I just want to be rid of the coughing. I've had enough of it already (and so have my co-workers).

Anyway, I took advantage of one of my sick days out of work this past week by working on one of the patterns I bought from Sandy's "You Are Special" patterns.  "Valentine Annie" is finished and listed for sale on my Ebay.  (DOLL SOLD)

I was a winner of Sandy's blog pattern giveaway last week. I anxcious to get started on one of the five patterns I won.  I hope they arrive in today's mail.  I'll need a diversion from housecleaning this afternoon.

Itty Bitty Valentine Annies

Today I've been busy trying to finish up orders for these tiny prim Raggedy Annie dolls. I purchased the pattern from Ragg Bagg Babys. I brought the first doll I made to my office last week and set her on my computer. My coworkers saw it asked me if I would make them up for their daughters for Valentine's day gifts. They are so cute, measuring 8 1/2 inches tall, but in their sitting position, posed with their little bent legs crossed, they are 5 inches high, making them perfect for tucking on a shelf.  I love the dress fabric.  I've had it in my stash for awhile and have been waiting for the perfect pattern come along.