Hazelruthes's

Arm Chair Caddy Sew Along Project

2012-01-28T13:33:00.003-07:00

While following links the other day I ran into a sew along hosted by Liz of "Moments" and decided this might be something to get me going sewing again. Liz has a list of sewing room projects for us to work on each month and for January it was an arm chair caddy and January is almost over I knew I'd better hurry! I've always intended to make one of these, but have just never gotten around to it--until now!

Here it is hot of the machine and not my best work by far. I decided to shortcut the bias tape step and I shouldn't have, but oh well. Live and learn..............and for me learn again!

I was all set to make a pretty shabby chic and lace caddy and then in my stash I spied these funky Lorelie Designs pieces. I thought perfect! I love Lorelie's whimsical characters and bright colors.

The pattern I used is by Helen of Hugs n Kisses found HERE. It's a simple and fun pattern and I'd like to make another one of these little caddies only just a bit larger maybe, so I can use it for larger projects.

Here's a closeup of the pincushion. I just love this character!

And the Lorelie fabric that I used. I have pieces of the white left over, so I can squeeze out another fun project.

If you'd like to join in Liz's sew along just click the banner above. It'll be fun and you'll have 11 new projects for your sewing room! She's giving us December off to rest! I like that!

As a side note.......................... I WANT THIS! It's the new Singer 160 to celebrate Singer's 160th anniversary. Isn't it gorgeous! Click the photo to find out more. I bet you'll want one too!

Dress Form Party!

2012-01-24T10:14:00.002-07:00

You don't want to miss The Polka Dot Closet's Dress Form Party coming up on February 7th!

Now to figure out what Betty and Mae will be wearing to the ball!

If you have a dress form--any size there's plenty of time to get them dressed and ready!

See you there!

5th Annual Handmade Valentine's Card Swap!

2012-01-06T22:04:00.008-07:00

The Handmade Valentine Card Swap is now CLOSED.

Thank you everyone!

I have some fun ideas going around in my head, so it's time for me to narrow them down and get busy. I have 12 cards to make!

Valentine's Day is one of my very favorite holidays! It's also the day after my birthday!

So that means it's time for my 5th annual Handmade Valentine Card Swap.

This is a one on one swap that I look forward to and enjoy doing with my blogger friends.

Here's what we'll do...........

Get out your pretty papers, scissors, glue, glitters etc and you and I will make each other a Handmade Valentine Card to swap.

Use your imagination and have fun it!

Please make sure to mail your card to me no later than February 6th.

I will share them all here at a Virtual Valentine's Day Party on February 14th for all to see.

If you'd like to swap a handmade Valentine's card with me then please email me at hazelruthe@yahoo.com with your Name, Mailing Addy and a link to your blog (if you have one-but a blog is not necessary) that way I can post a link back to your blog along with a picture of your beautiful card on Valentine's Day.

I will send you my mailing address in my reply email back to you, so you know that I received your info. I will also have my cards mailed to you by or before February 6th. I
will swap with my international blogger friends too.

Please note that since this is a one on one swap (me with you) I will close the swap sign ups when I have reached the number of people that I think I can handle swapping with.

Here's a peek at years past Handmade Valentine Card Swap....

2008

(2009 seems to lost in the archives)

2010

2011

Get ready, get set, create!

Grandma & Grandpa Porcelain Doll Parts in Etsy Shoppe

2011-12-30T12:38:00.003-07:00

They have now SOLD. Thank you!

I just love theseWilliam Wallace grandma and grandpa dolls! They make up into the cutest dolls and are quite large--about 32-36 inches when finished and they have fabulous detailing to them. I just listed them in my Etsy Shop and they are waiting for a loving dollmaker to bring them to life!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T23:27:00.003-07:00

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

May it be filled with peace, joy and love

and shared with your family and friends!

Santa's To Print & Create

2011-12-07T09:18:00.003-07:00

I thought I'd share a few vintage Santa Claus paper dolls that can be printed out and used to create with. Make sure to click on the image to view it larger then right click and save to your computer.

This first one is my very favorite and is what I'm using to tuck into my Christmas cards this year. I printed him out at an 8 x 10 size and he'll measure approx. 9 1/2 inches tall when he's put together. I printed him onto cream cardstock and used antiqued copper colored brads to assemble him with. I found him HERE originally.

How fun! Santa in paper doll form with a nice little set of clothes. I found him HERE originally.

And finally this darling vintage Santa by Grace Drayton, the creator of the Campell's Kids and Dolly Dingle. I found him on Pinterest, but he didn't link back to any other website.

Have fun and enjoy these cute vintage paper Santas.

Make A Vintage Style Star From A Cereal Box Tutorial

2011-11-30T21:12:00.010-07:00

See what you can do with a cereal box......

You can make a pretty vintage looking Christmas star! I've seen several paper stars around Blogland and decided I needed to try it myself and thought I would share what I did.

Some of the supplies you'll need..........

Cereal Box (or other food box or sturdy cardboard)
Star Template--found HERE.
Old sheet music or paper of your choice
Glitter
Mod Podge--I'll share how to make your own--it's so much cheaper!
Pen or Pencil
Sponge brush or make up sponge
Brayer
Bone folder--optional
Embossing Stylus
Scissors

If you have an old rotary mat they make great work surfaces!

Print out the Star Template on plain white paper. You can size it to whatever size you like. I chose an 8 x 10 print size and my star measures approx. 6 3/4 x 8 3/4.

Cut out.

Cut out the front of the cereal box.

Lay the star template on the cereal box--I layed it on the printed side, so my pen marks wouldn't show on the back, but really it doesn't matter which side you choose.

Trace around the outside edge of the star.

Don't worry about the inner lines of the star just yet.

Cut out the traced star shape.

Next, tear up your sheet music into random pieces. I do this so that I have a better coverage of the music staffs and not so much blank space in between.

I had some old sheets from another project that had been tea stained.
To tea stain your sheet music, if needed, mix up about a cup and a half of very strong instant tea. Pour into a large baking dish, dip the sheet music into the tea mixture and then lay flat to dry or dry it with a blow dryer. Iron if needed to make it flat again.

Next, I laid my pieces around my star shape to get an idea of where I wanted them placed.

Then using a make up sponge or sponge brush--my sponge brush was a bit too used to work well enough for me--brush the star with the Mod Podge.

I used homemade Mod Podge and it works great! All it is, is 1 part all purpose white glue and 1 part water. In an old jar empty out a full bottle of white glue. Fill the glue bottle with water. Shake it up really well to get all the glue off the inside of the bottle and then pour into the jar with the glue. Shake to mix well. This is so cheap and works beautifully. I learned how to do this from HERE.

Now place all the paper pieces in their spots around the star and press them down.

Roll over them with your brayer.

I use a fancy used dollar store lint roller. Works like a charm!

Turn your star over and trim off the excess paper.

All nice and trimmed and ready to have some fold lines added................

Turn the star over to the backside and line the star template up to it...........

Using your stylus (or a ball point pen) trace along each of the lines inside the star.

Be sure to press hard enough to make a bit of an indentation.

Now we will fold along each of those lines. You can use a bone folder if you'd like. I started out using mine and then decided I preferred not to use it.

After you fold along each of the long lines, go back and fold in the opposite direction along the short lines. These will be folded or pushed down. So the long lines pop up and the short lines go down.

This is what will give your star it's dimension. You may have to fiddle with it a bit to get it to "pop".

You can see it's dimension a little better here. I also had a bit of paper that needed to be glued down more, so do a check for that and glue any loose areas down.

Next I glittered--and I forgot to take anymore pictures! But what I did was this........

I took a scrap piece of printer paper, folded it in half. Unfolded it and laid it out to do my glittering on--you'll see why in a minute.

Then I took my make up sponge, dipped it in the glue and ran it along each outer edge and inner edge and applied the glitter. I did each arm of the star one at a time, so my glue wouldn't dry before I could glitter it.

After I got all of the glitter shook off, I folded the printer paper back up and now all the glitter falls into the fold and you have a make-do funnel to pour the glitter back into it's container with a little less mess.

Using a soft paint brush, brush off excess glitter as needed.

Voila! You now have a beautiful Christmas star from an old cereal box!

Oh and those white spots in the paper really aren't that light. They just show up in the photograph really well. If you do end up with any such spots just hit them with some distress ink.

I found the fabulous star template from another star tutorial made from a tin foil pan at Choose to Thrive Blog. I would love to try one of those too.

Hang your star on your tree, make a bunch for a garland or wreath, use for gift tags or tuck them into your decor here and there.

Enjoy!

Linked To...........

TICKLED PINK FRIDAYS at 504 Main

FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY at French Country Cottage

FLAUNT IT FRIDAY at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

SHOW & TELL FRIDAY at My Romantic Home

My "Shabby" Thrift Store Christmas Tree

2011-11-28T22:25:00.005-07:00

This is truly a "shabby" tree. Not as in shabby chic either, but I love it. My nice, big, pre-lit tree is in storage that I can't get to this year and buying a new tree was out of the question--and budget, so I knew I'd be hitting the thrift stores.

I had seen someone with a freshly flocked tree sitting in their yard the other day and it was so pretty and I've never had a flocked tree and never really cared to, but I decided that this was the year to have a flocked tree, so I headed out to the thrifts with a budget of not more than $10 to spend on a tree--any tree.....................

The first store had no trees, the 2nd one had too big of trees and...................

the third thrift store had this shabby Charlie Brown flocked tree sitting right up front by the register. The sign on it said $12.00. I thought perfect! BUT is it really only $12.00? I asked the girl at the register if that was the price and she said well yes but.........................it was really only 9.50 because it was also 25% off! Cool! I'll take it! It came with silver and pink balls, but not the angel tree topper and that was ok with me. I wasn't sure if I had any ornaments, but I did find a box lurking in the closet. Whew!

A couple of bottom branches dangled, hanging by a thread so off they came--perfect--now it fits into it's space better. Yup, this was the right tree! And I am really enjoying a flocked tree. The lights reflect on it so much better and the ornies stand out better too.

Here's a look at a few old favorites..........................

Oh the weather outside is frightful snowman painted by my very talented friend Phyllis Ann Shows................

Long tall skinny prim snowman--he is rather tall and fits perfectly into a "thin" spot...........................................

Cute little pug in a Christmas slipper handcrafted by my friend Terri Palakie

Gorgeous white Santa with hand sculpted hands & face, made by my dear friend Donna Balfanz.................

....he holds a bag of candy and a penny on a string and has the most wonderful detail.......

sweet little Nativity made by my friend Kim Lance--sits towards the top of the tree and is the only Nativity for this year, since my tabletop Nativity is with the big tree.......................

raggedy annie made by my friend Rosemary Watson...isn't she adorable!.....................

snowman ornie I painted years ago........................................

Santa that I made and painted from a brown paper bag years ago......................

Gorgeous perfect stitching made by my friend Deb Huffman.......................

Love this little clock ornie that I made from a Dee Duncan Folk Art pattern. I sized the original pattern down and then later she came up with an ornie sized pattern........(Dee has fabulous patterns!)

glass snowman and girl skating. I love the glass peppermint ornies and the oval Santa is a unique one made by Aunt Manny from one of her wonderful patterns . It's made from fabric, with a printed photo and wax dipped. Very vintage!

I still need to find a tree topper for it and I'm thinking of making a star from a cereal box. Really they are pretty and not hokey like it sounds. LOL!

And that is the tour of my shabby Charlie Brown thrift store Christmas tree.

Frozen Turkeys & Best Ever Stuffing

2011-11-21T18:03:00.003-07:00

I thought I would pull up an old post from Thanksgiving 2009 to share how to cook a turkey from frozen--my new favorite way and also my favorite (next to my mother-in-law's) dressing recipe using the crockpot. Both of these recipes help make preparing Thanksgiving dinner a little smoother.

Enjoy!

This year I've decided to cook my turkey from the frozen state. Yup, that's right, no thawing the turkey for days in the fridge. I've done a bit of research on this, so not to worry, I won't ruin dinner--I hope!

You do have to cook it longer--much longer and I have a 23 pound bird, so he may even cook over night--or at least get up with the roosters, so he can be roasted properly. I've read that they cook more evenly and they should taste better and you don't have to give up space in the fridge with all of the pies, salads and such that will need the room and there won't be any drippy mess.

To find out more info on cooking a turkey from frozen here's a good tutorial on it in pdf. form.

HOW TO COOK A TURKEY FROM FROZEN

UPDATE--It is now 2011 and I have cooked a few turkeys from frozen and they turn out fabulous! It's the only way I use now.

Another secret for a good turkey--a good roasting pan.

Now for the best ever stuffing recipe! (Until my mother-in-law shares hers!) This is a moist stuffing and it's done in the crockpot. I love that part! I've made it for the last several years and we love it! This recipe came to me from an online friend, Amy Main.

Amy Main's Best Stuffing

1 cup butter
2 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped celery
1/4 cup parsley sprigs, chopped
2-4 oz cans sliced mushrooms, drained
12-13 cups slightly dry bread cubes
1 t. poultry seasoning
1/2 t. salt and pepper
1 1/2 t. sage
2-2 1/2 cups chicken broth (I use the boullion to make this)
2 eggs, beaten

Melt butter in skillet and saute onion, celery, parsley and mushrooms. Pour over bread cubes in a very large mixing bowl. Add all other seasonings and toss well. Pour enough broth to moisten; add beaten eggs and mix well. Pack lightly into crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 45 minutes; reduce to low for 4-8 hours. 6 servings

Note--I just use cheapy white bread that I tear up and let dry a bit in a big bowl. Most any good bread will also work just DO NOT use diet breads.

Gobble! Gobble!

Sock Monkey's & Grandbabies

2011-10-11T09:25:00.002-06:00

Saturday night I became a new grandma! And of course all grandma's have to make something for their new little grandbaby and since monkey's and jungle animals are the nursery theme for baby James I decided to make him a Sock Monkey hat and cocoon.

For the Sock Monkey hat I used a pattern by Shelley Tudor, found in her Etsy Shop HERE. It turned out rather cute, but way tooooo big! The yarn I chose was Homespun by Lion brand and it was a much thicker yarn than called for, so my gauge was off, but now he'll have something to grow into. The yarns of the right weight I could find were much too itchy for a newborn, but this Homespun by Lion brand is so very, very soft and perfect for babies. And Shelley's pattern ranges in size from newborn to teen.

And then the cocoon pattern I used is by Sandy Powers and can found in her Etsy Shop HERE.
It also has a little matching hat, that I may make up so he has something to wear til his little head fits into the other hat--which will probably not be for quiet awhile! Both of these patterns have great instructions and color photos are are very easy to follow even for a beginner.

And now this is the darling little baby boy James that will be decked out to look like a little sock monkey. Isn't he just adorable!

It's a Witchy Day Etsy Treasury

2011-10-11T09:14:00.004-06:00

Just thought I'd share that my Old Crone's Witch Boots & Crow pattern made it into an Etsy Treasury today curated by Queen of Cake Plates. She has some pretty witchy stuff in her It's a Witchy Day Treasury. I always feel so honored when someone thinks enough to add something by me to their treasury. Thank you DeeAnn! And don't forget to stop by and visit DeeAnn's Etsy shop too. She has some beautiful cake plates!

Homemade Minestrone!

2011-10-04T19:16:00.003-06:00

I thought I'd try something new--posting a recipe with photos. I definitely need some food photo shooting tips. There's a shadow from my overhead lights and I'm thinking maybe a few less photos might be better, but we'll see. Tell me what you think. But I do promise that the minestrone will be fabulous!

This is what you'll need............(recipe posted below) You won't be using quite all of everything.

Heat 3 Tblsp olive oil and add some onion, celery, garlic, and zucchini and green beans--I like to use frozen green beans, so they don't get overcooked and they have a nicer texture and flavor then the canned ones do.......

Let it all saute for about 5 minutes or until the onion is nice and translucent......

Then we'll add in the vegetable broth. I do use only vegetable broth and not chicken broth. It makes a big difference in the taste and in this one I don't care for the chicken broth flavor. Add in the water, carrots--I like to grate mine, but you can slice them up too if you prefer, beans--make sure to rinse and drain them, the drained whole tomatoes (I drain them and after chopping them I do NOT drain again)--you can use canned diced tomatoes, but I prefer the whole, which I cut up while in the can with my kitchen shears. I don't care for the texture of the canned diced tomatoes. I've heard that the whole tomatoes have a higher standard they have to pass, because they are whole, so maybe that has something to do with it--their quality. Add in the spices too.

For the spices I like to add in a pizza spice that I get at Winco in the bulk foods section, so if you can't get a dry pizza spice, just add a bit more basil, oregano, some garlic powder and a tad of crushed red pepper. Also I prefer to use kosher salt for my soups. Don't ask me why. It just tastes better and Martha does it and Martha is always right.

I also add in about a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to help cut the acidic flavor of the tomatoes. When I remember I'll add it to them while they're still in the can and stir it in, otherwise I just toss it in when I do the spices.

Let it simmer for 20 minutes..........

Add in the spinach--I use about a 1/3 of a 10 oz block of frozen spinach and a couple of handfuls of small to medium size shell macaroni. Simmer for another 20 minutes..........

And you'll end up with a delicious--better than Olive Garden--minestrone soup! Top it off with a bit of parmesan cheese or even romano or asiago. Delish!

Not only is it healthy, because it's low in fat, high in fiber and low glycemic, but since this one is meatless it helps save a bit on the budget and it makes a huge pot! I've never measured, but well over a gallon of soup, so depending on your family size and how hungry they are you might get a couple of meals out of it.

Serve it with a good garden salad and a loaf of hearty bread-preferably homemade.

Now don't go by my photos, since they aren't the best. Just make the soup and you'll be glad you did. I promise!

Homemade Minestrone Soup

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 cup frozen green beans
3 ribs celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3- 14.5 oz (or close to it) cans of vegetable broth
1-15 oz can kidney beans, rinsed & drained
1-15 oz can great northern (or small white/navy) beans, rinsed & drained
1-28 oz can whole tomatoes, drained & chopped
2 carrots, peeled and grated
1/2 teaspoon sugar, s
1 heaping teaspoon dried orgeano
1 heaping teaspoon dried basil
1 heaping teaspoon dried pizza seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt
black pepper to taste
1 cup hot water
1/3 of a 10 oz block of frozen, chopped spinach
3/4 of small or medium sized shell macaroni

In a large soup pot heat the olive oil. Add the onion, celery, garlic, green beans and zucchini and saute approx. 5 minutes or until onion is translucent.

Add in the vegetable broth, water, tomatoes, carrots, beans, sugar and spices. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and simmer covered for 20 minutes.

Add the spinach and macaroni shells, cover and simmer for another 20 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy!

Corn Cob Jelly

2011-09-19T21:54:00.003-06:00

Yup! You heard me right. I said Corn Cob Jelly as in jelly made from corn cobs. Can you believe that! I had first heard mention of Corn Cob Jelly on Facebook earlier in the summer and had mentioned it to my dear friend Donna and look what Donna sent me!.....................

......a jar of Corn Cob Jelly and a corn cookbook she found on her travels at the Corn Cob Palace in Mitchell South Dakota.

So what does Corn Cob Jelly taste like? Well it's sweet and very mild and doesn't at all taste like a corn cob. Not that I've ever ate a corn cob before mind you, so maybe it tastes just like a corn cob and I don't know it. All I know is that it just tastes sweet, it is clear and it has a very pretty pinkish amber like color to it. A very unique jelly for sure.

How do you make Corn Cob Jelly you ask. I figured inquiring minds would want to know, so here is a recipe that was in the Corny Stuff book that Donna sent. There were 3 different recipes, so I settled on just one, but they were each very similar.

Corn Cob Jelly
by Margaret Fuchs

12-14 large red corn cobs (I'm sure you could use yellow ones)
3 pints water
3 cups sugar
1 pkg of pectin or Sure Jell

Wash the cobs well in cold water. Put in a large container and cover completely with water. Boil 30 minutes. Strain off 3 cups of juice and add 1 pkg pectin. Bring this mixture to a good boil. Add sugar and boil at a rolling boil for 1 minute. Add red food coloring. Skim the mixture and pour into jelly glasses. Can top with melted wax. (I know we don't use that method anymore, so just pour into scalded jars and seal).

So I got to thinking there are a lot of things that you can do with corn--the cob, the husk, the silk, the stalk.............

The corn stalk I think is best used for fall decor gathered together and tied in bundles.

The corn silk I read can be made into a tea or minced up and added to a salad (I will pass on both of these thank you!)

The husks can be made into Dolls (pdf pattern), used to make homemade Tamales (recipe), Wreaths (tutorial). Here's a beautiful wreath using the whole corn.

How about corn cob stock to add to soups and other cooking. Here's another corn cob jelly recipe that turns out yellow and has a bit of lemon in it.

Or how about Corncob Popcorn made by popping an ear of corn in a brown paper bag in the microwave. That looks fun!

And last but not least--ok so this truly is the least--as emergency toilet paper! Well ya know that's what great-grandma used to use. Poor woman!

And these are just a few of the uses for the very versatile corn. Who knew!

Thank you Donna!

Getting This Blog Going Again & David Taylor Quilts

2011-09-16T09:42:00.005-06:00

Here it's been nearly 6 whole months that I've let my poor blog sit here ignored and neglected and so I figure it's high time to get it back up and going again. So without further delay here we go!........................

David Taylor at the Snake River Valley Quilt Guild in Idaho Falls, Idaho..................

Last night our guest speaker at quilt guild was the very talented and very funny quilt artist extraordinaire David Taylor. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring evening. David is as good a comic as he is a quilter and his journey's story to how his career into quilting came to be was also very interesting.

His work is truly amazing and all of the hours and the total process of how they come to be is really quite something. All of his quilts are hand appliqued in tiny little pieces with hundreds of pieces of fabrics used to create the vivid colorations and on top of that he uses color after color of thread changing the thread colors as he quilts--sometimes every few inches! These quilts are quite labor intensive.

This quilt is Tinker the goat, taken from a photo, as he does all of his quilts. Tinker was definitely one of my favorites. His chicken quilt was probably my next favorite, however we didn't see it, because it belongs to a private collection in Provence, France.

This is the back--yes the back of the Tinker quilt. Is that not absolutely amazing and just a gorgeous as the front! All of David's quilts are like this. A double sided work of art.
David said that he likes to make a quilt and then sell it and when he sells a quilt it's enough to buy a new jeep. Now that's some serious quilting money!

A close up of Tinker. This is on my cell camera, so the quality is very poor, but the work is absolutely amazing to see and touch in person. Tinker is listed on David's website for a mere $9000.

This is a close up of the barn wood he created in this piece. I love all of his Colorado Barn Series. Many, many pieces of different fabrics--that he will only use one time in a quilt.

If you ever have the opportunity to go and listen to David or take a class or view his work it is well worth it!

And I just have to share this adorable hand appliqued quilt that was shown at guild's Show n Tell last night. I don't know the lady's name who made this, but she started it in the 70's and just recently finished it and it's definitely in vogue again today. She used clothing of family members and each owl is hand appliqued using the satin stitch. That's a lot of stitching! She said if she had started this quilt today she certainly wouldn't have done it by hand. How our quilting has changed in the last 30 years!

Don’t Throw Away the Mail!

2011-03-20T21:59:00.000-06:00

Because you never know what may be in it! The other day I received a card from the Nielson Company saying that I was chosen to participate in their TV ratings. Well I wasn’t interested, so I tossed the card into the post office recycle bin and went on my way.

This evening I went to check the mail at the PO, got in the car and there was the big envelope from Nielson. I thought I should go back and drop it into the recycle bin, but decided I was too lazy to go back in, so home I drove. I thumbed through my new Mary Jane’s Farm magazine—great issue as always—and then I opened the big Nielson envelope on my way to the trash, but wait! There were two, one dollar bills in that envelope. Real ones! Now just think if I had tossed that into the recycle bin! Now I’m sitting here wondering how many Nielson envelopes might be sitting in the recycle bin. Maybe I should call the PO tomorrow and give them a heads up. Moral of the story—Don’t throw away the mail until you open it up first—there might be a nice surprise inside.

She's Here! Meet Madeline Fiona Featherweight

2011-03-07T09:03:00.002-07:00

Isn't she beautiful! She's 60 years old and still beautiful and shiny and sews like a charm! Madeline Fiona is a Centennial Singer Featherweight. These little Centennials were made to mark Singer's 100th anniversary. I have wanted a featherweight for many years and so I decided that this was going to be my 50th birthday present to me!

She's a petite little thing. Only 11 pounds and about half the size of a full size machine and she came with attachments, a buttonholer, instruction book, case, bobbins and a few other little odds and ends. I found her for a very good price and wasn't sure just how well she'd sew, but after a good cleaning and removing a bunch of built up lint and removing old threads from her bobbin housing she just hums along and sews like a dream. I think we will have many happy and wonderful projects together in our future.

Happy 50th Birthday-Valentine's Day & Card Swap

2011-02-14T12:20:00.007-07:00

Yesterday was my 50th birthday! I am now at the tippy top peak at the halfway mark of life and these next 5o years are going to be the Wheeee! years! Filled with Fun, Wonderment, Miracles, Joy, Love, Family, Friends and of course Chocolate! And lots of other Fabulous things too numerous to mention!

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone! I hope your day is filled with Joy, Love and Chocolate!

I can't wait to share the beautiful handmade Valentine cards that I swapped with a few of my blogging friends. I still have a couple yet to arrive, but I haven't been to the mailbox yet today, so I will post them as they come along. In the meantime here are the gorgeous cards I have been so blessed to receive....................

The very first one to arrive is this darling card from Deb. Deb was so sweet and included a lovely heart hanky, pink socks, chocolates and then she made me the oh so pretty frilly spool for a birthday gift!..............

This darling little vintage girl is from Sandra Kurtz. Too sweet with that pouty little look as she's pining away for her valentine, so cutely perched inside the little envelope. Just darling and so wonderfully vintage!

And what an absolute treat to receive this awesome Tillie doll with little tuck in Tillie from Christine LeFever. The bracelet that Tillie is wearing is a piece of soldered lustreware, how pretty is that! So many beautiful details! I suggested to Christine that she should make her dolls into paper dolls someday. Wouldn't that be awesome!

This little sweety is from Kathleen Mehus and it's just as pretty on the back side as it is on the front. Kathleen said that not only was this her very first swap, but her first attempt at card making--well Kathleen you have a natural talent! It's just beautiful! I think she should make more and keep on swapping!

My friend Ru Saviello made this lovely vision in pink card. The picture does not capture all of the delightful details and the inside again is just a beautiful! So feminine and charming!

And this is what I made....a little valentine shoe. I always wanted to try making these and I found this awesome video tutorial from Artful Affirmations and just had to give it a try. They were so fun to make, that I think I will not only have to make some more, but will plan a shoe swap in the near future.

A big Thank You with a hug to all of my friends who swapped a Valentine with me. I LOVE them all! I think I'm going to figure out a way to keep and display them year round rather than pack them away. They are just too pretty! Thank you everyone and Happy Valentine's Day!

Teacup Swap Treasures!

2011-02-03T12:38:00.002-07:00

Squealing with delight! I received the most gorgeous package filled with beautiful and delicate treasures from my wonderful partner Debi Huntsman of Life in My Studio. We participated in a Teacup Trade hosted by Sharon of Faith Hope & Cherrytea. Come and see what Debi sent to me.....

See! Isn't it all just divine! Everything was packaged so beautifully in pink tissue and gossamer ribbons and lots of chocolate, roses and loveliness!

This is the most dainty, delicate and beautiful rose teacup! I love it! It was accompanied by a very lovely silver spoon and four linen and battenburg trimmed napkins.

And look! A teapot! So, so pretty with those gorgeous country roses and the size is so perfect! Sharon our hostess had us fill out a little questionaire and on it I mentioned a teapot, never even once thinking for a moment that one would be included in this generous and wonderful swap.

The cone filled with chocolates is just divine! All made of roses and trimmed in ribbons, lace and a vintage rhinestone piece. The tags and card are just as beautiful too! What girl wouldn't be in heaven with such a fantastic trove of treasures!

Thank you so very much Debi for your generosity and beauty!

Thank you Sharon for hostessing this wonderful event!

I will post photos later of what I sent to Debi, once they have arrived, but in the meantime make sure to visit the Teacup Trade at Sharon's to see all the wonderful trades that are being enjoyed.

Swap A Handmade Valentine Card With Me

2011-01-14T14:48:00.004-07:00

Please note that this swap is now closed. I have 7 lovely swappers that I will be exchanging Valentines with. Thank you!

Valentine's Day is one of my very favorite holidays! It's also the day after my birthday! (50th this year!) So I thought I'd like to do a special Handmade Valentine's Day Card one on one swap with my blogger friends.

Here's what we'll do------- Get out your pretty papers, scissors, glue, glitters etc and you and I will make each other a Handmade Valentine Card to swap.

Sound fun!

Please make sure to mail your card to me no later than February 7th.

I will share them all here at a Virtual Valentine's Day Party on February 14th for all to see.

If you'd like to swap a handmade Valentine's card with me then please email me at hazelruthe@yahoo.com with your Name, Mailing Addy and a link to your blog (if you have one-but a blog is not necessary)--(that way I can post a link back to your blog along with a the picture of your beautiful card on Valentine's Day).

I will send you my mailing address in my reply email back to you, so you know that I received your info. I will also have my cards mailed to you by or before February 7.
I will swap with my international blogger friends too.

Get ready, get set, create!

Fabulous Printables & Free Vintage Valentines

2011-01-07T23:23:00.002-07:00

Just thought I'd share one of my favorite printable sites. It's Seneca Pond Crafts by Eileen Mikolayunas. Eileen creates some of the most gorgeous and fun printables. She's offering a darling vintage valentine download for Free! Just go to her website and type Valentine into the search box to find it and sooooo many more awesome and fun things to print. You'll love it! Feel free to save the Valentine here to use too.

Shopping for Blog Clothing

2011-01-03T22:44:00.002-07:00

I just realized that I still had my Christmas blog clothes on! It's a new year and so I'm shopping for a new dress--for my blog that is. I need a new banner and possibly a whole new look. Something fresh and fun. Hmmm.....I wonder where I'll find it. I'm off to shop..............

I'm In Mary Engelbreit's New Cookbook!

2010-12-08T21:02:00.003-07:00

I am so excited! I'm in the new Mary Engelbreit Fan Fare Cookbook! Several months ago Mary E. asked readers on her blog to submit recipes for this book, so I took a shot and got in! Not only did I receive a cookbook for my recipe, but I received TWO autographed copies! Wow, I was not expecting that! Thank you Mary!

And there is her signature on the inside cover.....
I have been a big ME fan for years. I ALWAYS have an ME calendar--wall and desk and often desk planners too. In fact I have about 12 years or so of her calendars all tucked into a big basket. I really miss her magazine not being published any longer. I think ME and Stampington need to team up together--hint, hint editors!

And here on page 176 is my recipe for my secret Garden Spaghetti Sauce.

There are so many good sounding recipes in it like; Boeuf Bourguignon, Unstuffed Cabbage, Corn Puddin', Butterscotch Dip and so many more! I sure hope they're all calorie free or I might be in trouble!

Bon Appetit!

Bleaching & Dyeing Bottle Brush Christmas Trees

2010-11-29T20:01:00.002-07:00

This was such a fun and easy project that I thought I would re-post it this year in case anyone missed it last year. Enjoy!

Have you ever wondered how to get those cool looking cream and colored bottle brush trees. Well I finally tried it this year and it worked!

First of all they come that dark green with the white snow on them and usually a bag full of them. I got a bag of 16--assorted sizes--at Big Lots for 6.99.

This is what I ended up with after bleaching and dyeing. I think they turned out quite pretty!

To bleach your little trees fill a sink about half full or so of water and add a good cup or so of bleach and then pop your trees in. See the dark green one--that was their original color. Let them sit and soak for a long, long time! In fact you'll probably wonder if it's going to even work, but it will. It took my trees each a good 2 hours before they bleached out and sometimes the little white snow won't come off--don't worry about it. You can try and pick it off too.

After the bleaching process was done I then drew up a sink of cold water and added a cup or so of vinegar and rinsed the trees in this. The vinegar will neutralize the bleach.

The light green tree in the top photo is one I took out part way through bleaching. The pink ones I dyed using Easter egg dye. Just mix up the dye tablet per package instructions--I put mine in a mason jar--then add your tree and shake and voila! A colored tree. And they take the dye quite well, so don't leave them in the dye for very long. Then you can add glitter and baubles if you want.

And that's all there is to creating your own beautiful vintage looking bottle brush trees! See I told you it was easy!

Last Day For E Pattern Sale!

2010-11-26T08:41:00.004-07:00

NOTE: It's been going so well I'm extending the sale. Thank you Everyone!

Today is the last day for my big E Pattern Sale. I'm offering it on Etsy and at Patternmart. In case you don't do either of those though you may email me at hazelruthe@gmail.com or hazelruthe@yahoo.com and I'll send you a Paypal invoice--(that way you can use Paypal, debit or credit card).

You get all 10 E Patterns for $10 OR all 5 Christmas E Patterns for $5.

Click HERE for ETSY

Click HERE for PATTERNMART

Thank You and Happy Stitching!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T23:09:00.002-07:00

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Let's remember all of the many blessings that we enjoy everyday, as we gather round and enjoy our families and the abundance that surrounds us. And try not to eat too much--wear your stretchy pants!

E Pattern Sale

2010-11-22T09:22:00.002-07:00

I'm having a BIG E Pattern Sale on Etsy!

Since Black Friday is this week, I thought I'd have a week long sale, so from now through Friday, Nov 26th, I'm offering my E Patterns in 1 of 2 different Sale Packs.

The Christmas E Pattern Pack is 5 Christmas E Patterns all for the price of 5.00. Yup 1.00 Each!! CLICK HERE

OR

The 10 Pattern Pack, All 10 of my E Patterns for only 10.00! Again only 1.00 each!
CLICK HERE

Happy Stitching!

Followers & Following & Blogger Issue

2010-11-16T14:21:00.002-07:00

First of all let me say a great big THANK YOU! to all of my wonderful blog Followers! I appreciate you!

Next though is my temporary problem that I hope you my fellow bloggers can help me out with. I have been having troubles seeing my Followers on my blog and I can't see them on your blog and I can't join in to Follow on other blogs. I know this is a Blogspot issue and I have contacted them, but they are just too slow. So what's a girl to do!?

I have cleared my cache, made sure 3rd party cookies are enabled, have no new or changes in my firewall, pop up blocker or other like things. I use Mozilla Firefox for my browser and run Vista. I have tried IE and even downloaded Google Chrome and STILL have the problem, so if anyone out there can be of help I would most certainly appreciate it. In the meantime YES! by all means keep on Following. I just need to get this little buggy glitch worked out. Thank you!!

Some Decorating and Thrifty Treasures

2010-10-29T18:43:00.007-06:00

I've been doing a bit of thrifting here and there and a bit of decorating with it all......

This is the top of my new computer amoire recently purchased at the thrift store. It rode around in the back of my mini van for a week until I could find someone to help me haul it up the stairs and into my apartment. It is really heavy! Luckily a neighbor and a friend came to my rescue. What would we do without good friends and neighbors!

I pulled together several pieces that I've had for quite awhile--no new finds here. I figured though that all total my cost of items here excluding cabinet was only 5.00. If it wasn't something that I bought at thrift store or garage sale it was something that was given to me. For instance the chicken on the top shelf I scored for a $1.00 at a garage sale about 6 years ago. True shoestring decorating.

The whole cabinet. It looks way better than old computer desk did and gives me more storage and a new spot to decorate.

I found this really cool old bowl today for only $4.50. It's heavy and has been well used. I love the soft yellow color to it. It looks like clay or pottery under the chips and has no markings that I can see anywhere.

Then I found this very large sewing basket in near perfect condition for only $5.50. It's a pinky color, not red like it looks here. I love it!

And then the inside. Very pretty and roomy. The little tag at the inside top of the lid says Designed Exclusively for Pennys.

I just love finding great thrift store treasures. I'm ready to go again!

My Latest Attempt--at Crochet

2010-10-09T09:15:00.002-06:00

I have known how to crochet for years ( I can do the stitches and read a pattern--but past that--welllll) , but it's just never been my thing. I got bored with it too fast until my friend Kathy showed me how to make my favorite crocheted potholders. I've only used crocheted potholders for years, but I have a hard time finding them--good thing they last so darned long.

See the white blob in the corner--that is my potholder--really that's what it is. See the green "shape" next to it. Well that's a dishcloth--yes really! I was practicing my decreasing and got that down pretty good. LOL! Ok, I have no idea what I did, but I screwed it up pretty good and yes I will remake a new one, so I can get it right, but I will also use this one. After all it is just a dishcloth.

Anyway I have discovered that crocheting is a good way to unwind and if I stick to potholders and dishcloths I don't get bored, so I now have a nice little supply of Sugar and Cream cotton yarn and lots of freebie patterns from the internet and I can stitch til my hearts content. My next venture is going to be some crocheted lace. We'll see!

Hey maybe we could do a crocheted dishcloth swap. I'll hone my skills first so you don't get a goofy looking one, so in the meantime.....Happy Stitching!

Beautiful Fleur-Di-Lis Pendant

2010-10-02T19:46:00.008-06:00

WOW! Look at what I got in the mail today! It's gorgeous!! And I absolutely LOVE it!

Click on the photos for a close up view...

See I told you it was gorgeous! Isn't it just beautiful! This is a sweet gift from my sweet friend Phyllis, who is an amazing talent at whatever she does.

I have never seen a soldered pendant quite like this. It's a nice big size-- 2inches by 2 inches and yes it's 3-D with a very sweet Fleur-Di-Lis vignette inside.

A really cool thing about this pendant is that the back side is a mirror. Perfect for a quick lipstick check--and big enough to do so.

Phyllis put an "S" hook on it so it can easily be changed from a strand of pearls or to a nice silver chain. I love that it can be dressy or casual and it's definitely fun! I tell you even Tiffany's has nothing this wonderful.

Betty only gets to watch it while I'm not wearing it.

In case you're wondering Phyllis sells these on ETSY, so be sure to check her ETSY SHOPPE out. If she's out then make sure to contact her through her shoppe and see what she has. I'm sure she'll be happy to fix you up.

Thank you Phyllis!!

Stone Gable's Giveaway

2010-09-30T21:46:00.003-06:00

Isn't this an absolutely gorgeous wreath! And it's a giveaway from Yvonne at Stone Gable. Hurry over and sign up, but make sure to read her beautiful blog. I just found it and I love it and I'm sure you will too!

Creating Vintage Charm Party

2010-09-25T09:20:00.006-06:00

Welcome to my little corner of the Creating Vintage Charm Party hosted by Sonia Crouse.

This is the launch party for the beautiful new magazine Vintage Charm. You won't want to miss it!

I love collecting and decorating vintage, because it is so soft and gentle and I love to think of the person who owned a piece before I did and what type of person she might have been. Would we have been friends? What is the story behind the piece and why did it end up in the thrift store--lucky me!

I thought I'd share a few vintage corners in my little cottage for the party today, so I hope you will enjoy them and make sure to visit the other blogs on the block as well. Lots of pretties to be enjoyed............

This is Mae--Mae West. Mae is my wire dress form, that I decided to have a little fun with. I had a vision in mind and then started gathering things and adding them to her and this is how her outfit turned out.........the top hat was worn by Jim many years ago, the lace was just sitting waiting to be used, the roses always seemed to be floating around looking for a home............

and the bowl--well I always wanted to add something inside her cage like body and the bowl fit, was different and pulled all the colors together.......

...then there is Betty my 1930's dress form in her current vintage attire.....

....a new little spot on my bedroom wall that a friend helped me pull together as we were pawing through stuff in boxes.....I had always intended to stitch up this lovely little french needlepoint piece, but I also thought it was pretty as is printed on it's canvas, but it was stark white, so I tea dyed it and......

then hung it with my vintage purse frame (again another unstarted project) and then added this postcard from the early 1900's. It's a work in progress. I have a pocket watch to add to it and am waiting for more inspiration to hit. Any ideas anyone?.......

....some of you have seen this photo recently....it's a little spot on the wall in the powder room..

.....and this is right next to it on the opposing wall. The lace piece is actually the top part of a ladies camisole from the 1920's or 30's.....

........two china plates that I just love and I glued together for a fun new vintage look......

....the top of the toilet tank.....an old white china bowl where I plan to collect some fun soaps. I hope to add a dress form shaped soap to it and a cameo soap too.

.....and this is what that little corner of the powder room looks like all put together.......

Thank you for stopping by and visiting with me today. I hope you've enjoyed my little bits of vintage. If you look in the next post down there are some more vintage spots from my sewing room......

........and if you'll click on the banner below you can enjoy even more bits and pieces of vintage charmings.................

Show & Tell Friday

2010-09-16T20:51:00.003-06:00

It's been quite sometime since I've done a Show & Tell Friday, so I thought I'd join in again for a change. I thought I'd share my sewing room window with you today. It also happens to be my bedroom window, but more on that another day.

Ladies boot from 1918, that was actually a sales sample--that's why there's only one. It's price was marked 1.00. I paid 12.00 and still thought it was a bargain! Wouldn't you just love to wear these today. I would!......

....instead of stockings I filled my boot with lace and antique buttons.......

........remember that little clock in the pile of frames in my previous posting. Well it found a home in the window sill and I think it's quite happy here......

...........a white china dish that holds an antique pincushion and buttons and my little Putford scissors from Stacy Nash--love her stuff!.....

.........and that is the view from the inside of my window.

Thank you for joining me in Show & Tell Friday. I hope you'll be sure to check out all the other wonderful blogs too.

Thrift Fun Finds!

2010-09-15T22:46:00.007-06:00

I've been out thrifting, having fun and finding treasures and boy does it feel good! Let me show you what I found.........

....this big rosy chic clock for only $4. I love the colors!................

......darling little old possum bellied sewing box for a whole $1.50!......

....this one was an ebay buy and when I saw the pink basket quilt piece I knew I had to have it! It's hanging on my wall--very classily (yes that's a word!) thumb tacked to my wall. I plan to put a binding on it and finish it off and remove the thumbtacks.......

.....Oh yeah! This was my super bargain score! $2 Don't ya just love it!.................

...this little dolly head actually is an old find, but I don't think I ever shared her. She's just the sweetest. I'm thinking of turning her into a pincushion. Otherwise she'll stay this way....

....and I love this fabulous shoe pincushion! A gift from my sister! Thank you Rhonda!.......

....another new clock...only 2.50 for this one............

.....a pile of frames and yes that's another clock. It was only $1. I seem to have a clock problem recently, but that's ok. It could be worse I'm sure................

........a couple of spinning wheels waiting to be reworked and sold at a later date.............

....lovely rose platter for $2.............this one hangs in my bathroom...more on it another time.....

....and finally this little picture--$2---that also hangs in the bathroom......

I think that's all for now, but I'm sure I probably forgot something. Pictures of my sewing room coming soon!

It's National Sewing Month!

2010-08-31T22:46:00.003-06:00

Can you believe it's National Sewing Month already! Do you sew? Do you want to learn how to sew? Do you need to get back to sewing? Well September is the month to do just that! Check out Sewing.Org for lots of great sewing ideas and to enter their month long drawing.

I challenge you all to do one of the following for National Sewing Month......

Sew a project that you've always wanted to make and just haven't started for whatever reason.
Finish a project that you've been putting off.
Learn how to sew!
Teach someone to sew.
Drag out that pile of mending and get it done!
Organize and or clean up your sewing room.
Go Shopping and support your local fabric store or quilt shop.

I will actually be putting together a new sewing area and I'll be sure to post pictures as soon as it's done, hopefully this week!

If you need some inspiration for your sewing room check out my LIST OF SEWING ROOMS.

Check out Ami Simms~I'll Show You Mine If You Show Me Yours

Need some fun links to find something to make. Try one of these.......

All People Quilt

Moda Fabrics

Tip Nut

Moda Bake Shop

Amy Butler Designs

And don't forget the Big List Of Sewing Blogs where you'll a bazillion sewing blogs for tons of ideas and inspiration!

How about doing some charity sewing...................

American Patchwork & Quilting's Make a Pillowcase-Make a Difference

The Pink Slipper Project

Project Linus

The Sleeping Bag Project

Latter Day Saint Charities Humanitarian Projects

Oh Sew many projects and Sew little time, Sew make the best of it! Happy Stitching Everyone!

Finally Moved In!

2010-08-29T00:34:00.004-06:00

I am finally moved into my new little sugar pink cottage...........wait! Sorry! That's my daydream. I am finally moved into my small, little very non-pink, non-cottage apartment. I just imagine it to look like the photo. Hey a girl can dream can't she. I'd love to have a darling little sugar pink cottage, but until then I'll just collect sweet treasures to go inside my sugar pink cottage someday. Don't you just love the heart details on this little house. Sigh......

In the meantime I am unpacking and trying to figure out what to put where etc and hopefully will be back to some regular blogging very soon. I also feel the creative urge simmering and ready to create something for fall and Christmas. It's getting to be the best time of the year!

Getting Closer

2010-08-15T14:45:00.002-06:00

Maybe life will start getting somewhat normal again--well not totally normal, but at least with a routine or some sort of stability. I found an apartment the other day, not a fancy one, but it will do better--better than the heavy duty appliance box I was beginning to eye AND I went to the thirft store, a junque store and a couple of garage sales Saturday--and found treasures! I haven't done any of that in at least 6 months!! I should even have pictures soon! Can't wait to get my stuff out of storage--well not all of it, because it won't all fit, but at least some of it. It'll be like Christmas--in August!

Just Joined Facebook

2010-08-09T08:32:00.003-06:00

I just joined Facebook and I have no idea why. I've always been sure I would NOT join in, but you know how every once in awhile you get a wild hare and do something anyway--well that's what I did, so now I'll see how it goes. It's different from a blog, so I'll have to figure that out--you know just what one should share on Facebook vs. a blog--which I know I need to get back to and I will. Still in the moving process---in limbo as I wait for things to gel together. UGH! But I know it'll get there, so in the meantime I suppose I'll follow wild hares and try to find some fun blog fodder--and figure out Facebook.

I'm Moving!

2010-07-27T08:14:00.003-06:00

Not my blog--just my house and as you can see it's all a little tipsy and very stressful. The lease has come to an end and so has the marriage. I didn't say anything, but I have recently went through a divorce--very sad and now for a new phase of life. UGH!

This is moving week and the house that I'll be renting isn't even ready yet and won't be for 2 more weeks, so I get to condense almost 30 years worth of stuff--and I have a lot of stuff!--into a storage unit somewhere. Oh yeah I still have to get one of those. UGH! Thankfully however my brother is coming to help later this week with the move and I will be staying with a family that I know.

I'm still packing and doing lots of stressing! We've had to sell our poor beloved donkey and get rid of the chickens, but at least I still have our dog and cat. At least the move is only down the road not very far, so that does help a lot, but there's still so much to do! But I'll get through it and onto a new phase in life and I'll have faith and see where it takes me and hopefully as soon as I get settled I can get back to blogging--regularly. I have really, really missed blogging! I can even feel the creative bug starting to emerge again, so slowly I'll get back on track and take life by the horns, but until then if I'm missing too long, someone please make sure I didn't lock myself in the storage unit or get buried under a pile of boxes! See ya soon!

Thistles, Weeds and Spent Flowers

2010-07-09T18:49:00.005-06:00

Are they beautiful or are they beautiful. I think they are beautiful. Ok, call me strange or just plain weird, but I have always liked purple thistles. They're pretty! I mean look at their gorgeous purple color and the fuzzy centers and unique bud they are before they blossom. Yes the farmer calls them noxious weeds and I call them worthy of a bouquet for my dining room table. And no that is not my dining room table, that is the front of the garage. I call it my study in contrast or bouquet of weeds.

Look at that big gorgeous puffball in the back. I only found one of those in the yard and it was short lived. A stiff breeze came up and poof it was gone!

The pods are the remains of some spent tulips from the front flower bed and those leafy things are from my overgrown rhubarb plants in the pasture, where I found the wonderful purple thistles and had to run from Miss Dixie our donkey, because she thought they were for her. Donkey's love thistles too and consider them a delicacy. I did share one with her however, so not to worry--she is spoiled.

For a pitcher full of weeds I think they are quite artful..........

I also tried to get the chickens to cooperate for a portrait with the weeds and even bribed Mildred Stubbs with a bowl full of bread crumbs. Of course all Mildred was interested in were the bread crumbs. Poor girl is missing both of her feet. They froze off this winter, so now all she has is two stubbs at the end of her legs, but boy can she run!

Mrytle has joined in now and not interested in a portrait sitting either. Silly chickens.

My new little weedy arrangement now sits on my dining room table where I can enjoy it's unique beauty. I gave them plenty of water and I bet this bouquet will last weeks if not months.

So what's in your yard?

Vintage Children Images to Share

2010-07-08T08:35:00.006-06:00

Aren't they just adorable! They are art prints by Maud Tousey Fangel from the very early 1930's. They have been scanned in and will come up quite large when you click on them. Feel free to save them to your computer and use them as you wish. Enjoy!

Happy 4th Of July!

2010-07-03T00:49:00.005-06:00

In honor of the 4th of July I'd like to share a few of my favorite things with you.....

One of my favorite renditions of the Pledge of Allegiance is by John Wayne........

Another favorite that I would like share with you is The Title of Liberty, which may be new to most. It is well worth the listen. You will not be disappointed......

Barry Hansen is one of our locals here and the awesome field of flags--Liberty Field--is right here in Idaho Falls where I live. I had the great pleasure of attending the sunrise flag ceremony this year on Memorial day and helping along with everyone else to unfurl the giant US Flag as it was raised along with the Title of Liberty Flag.

Here's a close up of what the Title of Liberty Flag looks like.......

May we all remember our wonderful freedoms and from Whom all blessings flow in this great nation of ours. Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

I'm Still Alive!

2010-06-20T08:28:00.002-06:00

Yes, I'm still alive I just haven't been blogging and I sooooo miss my blogging. I haven't done any projects or even any thrifty shopping to blog about and worse than that I haven't even been out blog hopping and reading in months and I reaalllly miss that!

I do however have a little creative project that I plan to start working on here soon--one of those little chipboard flip book thingys--so I'll be sure to share it and maybe even do a tutorial. And I haven't forgotten about sharing my vintage embroidery transfers, I just need to get my act together.

I just finished my first quarter as a college student! Whoo hooo! I got a C- in my algebra class. I will take that grade and run! I am so horrible at math. I was thankful to even do that well! And I got an A in Success Strategies. That was an easy peasy class! So now I'll have 2 weeks off before starting up again in July when I get to start the fun classes---Computer Systems, English Comp and Medical Terminology. I'm really looking forward to these classes and I only have 5 more quarters to go (with 1 more math class--UGH!).

Since we'll be moving in July, our lease here will be up at the end of July, I'm going through all of my treasures and junk and thinning out big time (so keep an eye on my Vintage Blogtiques blog) and will be having a garage sale next Saturday, so if you're in Eastern Idaho stop by!

Oh so much to do! I'm still trying to get a handle on a decent daily schedule--one that will include blogging!--and one where I can have some sleep time too. LOL! Meanwhile in the weight loss department--not sure if I've shared that yet, but I've lost 43 pounds! I still have more to go and it's going. I'll stop and share about that sometime soon too.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting with me and as always I love your comments! I do try to answer back as long as they don't come to me as a no-reply blogger--then it won't allow me to. Toodles for now and I'll see you all out there in there Blogland!

Checking In And Sharing Some Victorian Images

2010-05-22T18:13:00.002-06:00

It's been a bit, so I thought I'd better get a post in. Life has changed for me a lot this year and I'm trying to get myself used to the changes and it hasn't left much time for blogging. In fact would you believe that I haven't even read any blogs for 3 months! See, I didn't think you'd believe it, but it's true. I also haven't been thrifting or otherwise treasure hunting and I haven't even created anything new. Sad isn't it, but someday I know I'll get back to it all. In the meantime I thought I'd share with you some beautiful Victorian images, that you may save and use as you please. So enjoy and I will have to see what kind of blog fodder I can come up with until I get my creative self back into the swing of things.

I'm A College Student!

2010-05-08T13:37:00.002-06:00

At 49 years old I'm going to be a student again! My life's course has taken a new path and going to school is part of the new path. I am going for my AAS in Medical Administration and will be taking online courses with Rasmussen College in Minnesota. I am so excited and look forward to learning and seeing what new experiences this will bring.

The only thing I dread is the math! Ugh! On my entrance tests I scored high in both the english and writing, but flunked out of the math. I could have colored all the little bubbles in a pretty little design and probably scored better that way! Needless to say I'll be taking the refresher--college way of saying "remedial"--math. Oh well I think I'll survive.

The degree will take about 18 months to complete and school starts this coming Monday. I'll be starting mid quarter, so I'll only have 5 weeks instead of the usual 11 to complete my first 2 courses--Refresher Math and Success Strategies. At least one of the two is an easy one. Then next quarter I'll bump it up to 3 courses per quarter, so I can graduate on time.

Guess I'd better get my pencils sharpened and notebooks ready--or nowadays I guess it would be fill up the printer with ink and paper and get my out MS Word and hit the books! Boy how things change!

Vintage Blogtiques

2010-04-28T00:14:00.003-06:00

What is Vintage Blogtique?

Well just click on the banner above and you'll find out all about it! It's my new Selling Blog, where you'll find lots of treasures in lots of different categories. Go ahead. Check it out! I'll be adding more things to it as time goes by , so make sure to check back often and if you feel so inclined as to add it to your awesome blog roll I would appreciate it very much.

Thank you!

It's Not The Ritz.....

2010-04-26T16:54:00.002-06:00

See, I told ya it wasn't the Ritz. It's just an old country mailbox. And what is that sticking out of the door.......

...hmmmm....a bunch of dried up, old dead grass.......

......clearly put there by the birds!

We have been going back and forth about this for weeks! I remove the nest and they promptly build it right back--over and over again! They've even gone so far as to leave bird doo on my mail!

Now I'm sorry, I hate to be mean, but I sorta need to receive my mail even if it is mostly bills. Maybe if the birds had offered to share the bills I might have offered to share my mailbox, but they didn't and after all I had to do what I had to do.......

I mean it is a federal offense to mess with the US mail. I do hope the bird family will be able to find a nice new place to relocate their pretty blue eggs to, after all we do have several decent bird houses located around the yard and no one will be poking around in those. Besides that I'm sure the mail lady will appreciate it too.

Now if we just escape wasp season all will be well!

A Walk Around the Greenbelt

2010-04-17T14:50:00.007-06:00

Spring has finally arrived in Idaho Falls where I live and we have no snow--finally! Well ok the mountains are still snowpacked, but we here in the valley are starting to green up and the trees and bushes are starting to bud. Not too long before we'll see flowers!

This afternoon my 11 year old daughter and I and our dog Boomer decided to get out and enjoy the nice day, so we headed to the Greenbelt, which is where the Snake River runs through town..........

The falls in Idaho Falls--hence the name. The Greenbelt has a walking path approx 5 miles long and since the weather was so nice today we decided we should take a walk and yes we walked the entire Greenbelt. Great exercise and beautiful scenery even if we did get rained on for just a minute or two.

More of the falls, which are used to generate energy for the local electric company.......

...a beautiful Canadian Goose who was kind enough to pose long enough that I could snap a picture. The Greenbelt is full of these geese, wild ducks of various kinds and seagulls. It's a fun family outing to go and feed all the ducks, geese and seagulls. You'll also find plenty of dogs, bike riders, roller bladers, walkers, joggers and boaters.

A view from not quite the halfway mark from where we started. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints temple in the background with the mountains beyond......

....and another view of the falls from the opposite end. Lots of pretty scenery, no matter which way you go. And that is what we did with our Saturday afternoon.

Vintage Transfers--Snooky Snail

2010-04-12T20:33:00.010-06:00

I have several vintage embroidery transfers that I thought I'd start sharing them here with you. I'll try and post a new one each week. It may not be on the same day, so if you like vintage embroidery patterns keep an eye out for these cute little freebies.

This weeks vintage embroidery pattern is Snooky Snail. It's a day of the week, but instead of Monday, Tuesday etc, it's Baking Day, Sewing Day etc.

Besides putting these on tea towels they would be darling stitched onto a child's outfit or made into blocks for a baby quilt. You could even leave off the "day" and just stitch the little snail.

Click on the pattern piece to enlarge and then save it to your computer.

Enjoy and Happy Stitching!

Here's a printing tip---to flip the mirror image of these, so that the text is facing right to be traced, when you print these out if you have a mirror image or iron on transfer setting on your printer select that and it will flip the picture around for you so the text isn't "backwards" for tracing.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T06:58:00.003-06:00

Yes, I've been MIA for awhile. Real life has taken over for a bit, but I will be back. I've been busily working on a few things. One of them is a new selling blog, which I will introduce very soon over the next couple of weeks or so, so keep an eye out.

In the mean time I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Easter and share a few favorite Easter images with you that you are free to keep and download to your computer and use as you please.

I like to size this vintage Easter basket down, print and then cover in clear glass glitter to use as an embellishment. It turns our quite pretty. Enjoy!

Happy Easter!

Quiltposium and Down Under Quilts

2010-03-11T18:32:00.005-07:00

As you probably already know there is a ton of fabulous quilting info out there on the web and there's even some really great online quilt magazines--that are free! Here are two that I subscribe to that I thought I'd pass along to you. They're definitely worth signing up for.

This first online quilting magazine is called Quiltposium. The current issue has 218--yes 218 pages full of all sorts of wonderful information and lots of free quilting patterns to download. The photo above is one of the free downloads in this issue. How fun is that! Click HERE or on the photo above to read the current issue.

This next one is Down Under Quilts and it too is chock full of info and fun patterns to download. 100 pages full! I love these yo-yo projects and there's so much more! Be sure to check them out HERE or by clicking on the photo. I'm sure you'll find something wonderful to make!

Happy Stitching!

Currently Featured On Etsy

2010-03-04T20:22:00.003-07:00

I've been clearing out a few things and added a couple of items on Etsy that I thought I'd pass along, so if you wanna take a peek here is what's new..............................

Click on the photos to go to Etsy

Charlotte Becker Picture--Here We Are

And a little china Lefton angel for the month of May

Angel--Sold! Thank you!

Ruthie Rabbit--Freebie Easter Pattern

2010-02-27T11:10:00.004-07:00

This is actually a repost of a freebie pattern that I offered a couple of years ago, but I thought for any new readers I'd repost her. Ruthie Rabbit was my first and so far only published project that appeared in the Jan/Feb 2004 Country Marketplace magazine. She makes a rather large, but simple and elegant Easter ornie. I hope you'll have fun making her up.

Feel free to make her up to sell if you'd like, just please give me (hazelruthe) designer credit please.

Click HERE for the free .pdf pattern. Enjoy!

For The Love of Sewing Baskets and Boxes!

2010-02-26T11:25:00.005-07:00

I just don't know what it is about me and boxes. The sewing baskets, yes, I can understand those of course, but boxes of any kind seem to draw me in. Paper, wood, tin, fabric whatever it is--except for plain old ugly brown utility cardboard boxes--I don't have a thing for those. I mean we do need some boundries right.

So I thought I'd share a few finds of weeks past that I haven't gotten around to posting yet.......

Yippee! I found a little white wicker 1950's sewing basket. I LOVE these! This makes my 2nd one. I scored this one for 2.50! I have a yellow one, so now all I need to make my set complete is a pink one and a green one--at least that's all the other colors I've seen them in. If I find out they come in more colors I'll have to have those too of course!

And all on the same day at the same thrift store I found these four little gems. Somebody else must have had a box fettish too and foolishly parted with them. Lucky for me! See the little blue box in the background--that's the kind of box that has no rhyme or reason to collect, other than, well I thought it was pretty and I can store something in it--like fairy dust, wishes or dreams or something of the sort. The clear glass box I think I will find a collection that needs a home to put into it.

And this little dresser box tickled me pink to find. I've been searching for this type of dresser box and finally found one! Of course I'll need more, because well that's just the way it is! Don't ask questions, just accept it.

Now this one I wasn't so sure about, but I do love it and I'm glad I brought it home. It's actually a German candy tin and it's stamped West Germany on the bottom, so it has some neat history to it too.

Last, but not least is another sewing basket. Sort of a fan shape and the outside is all natural colored too and I envision it all gussied up with some ribbon and flowers at some point. It'll probably store some sewing treasures, now that it's retired from being a working basket.

So there now you know yet another one of my many weaknesses--boxes and sewing baskets.

Don't forget to visit the rest of Show & Tell Fridays over My Romantic Home.

Victorian Women & Children

2010-02-22T18:54:00.004-07:00

Awhile back my friend Trudy gave me a book called "The Language of Flowers" and it is filled with the most beautiful Victorian images of women and children and yes flowers. I thought you might enjoy a few too, so these are for you to use as you please. Make sure to click on them to see and save them larger. Enjoy!

Folk Art Painting Now On Etsy

2010-02-20T15:15:00.004-07:00

This is Lucinda and she's just beautiful! She's a big folk art painting (not by me) that I have just listed in my Etsy Shoppe if you'd like to take a peek.

SOLD!
THANK YOU!

Online Yard Sale

2010-02-16T17:59:00.004-07:00

I'm having an Online Yard Sale! I have many, many things that I will be listing, so check back as the week goes by. Right now I have some Easter decor and ornaments listed. If you'd like to take a browse around just click on the big Yard Sale sign above. Thanks!

UPDATE: Just added Primitive Dolls and some Misc. like a vintage prim bonnet, some snowmen etc.

Have lots more to add.....

OWOH Giveaway Winners

2010-02-16T17:26:00.002-07:00

Thank you to all who came and participated in my OWOH giveaway. It was a great success and I will be trying to visit everyone's blog sometime soon. Thank you!

And now for the winners......

The heart and hand wool applique goes to.... Joyce Gleason of Scrap for Joy

The Primitive Peacock cupboard tuck goes to.... Thespa McLaughlin of Vintiquities Workshop

The Dotee Doll goes to.... Marie Segal of Art From My Heart

I will be contacting you all here shortly. Congratulations and Thank You!

Vintage Valentine Party!

2010-02-13T12:26:00.009-07:00

Welcome to the Vintage Valentines Party hosted by Anything Goes Here. I have a few vintage valentine's to share with you, so I hope you will enjoy your stay. Let's get started.......

Just a few pieces of my Vintage Valentine Collection. The big heart candy box in the center was my grandmother Juanita's. It's from the 1970's. The other little pieces and hearts are from my treasure hunts through the years.

Now I'd like to share a few Vintage Valentine Cards & Images with you that you are welcome to save and use as you'd like........(click on them to view them larger)....

Ok, we're not done yet. I have a few other things I'd like to share with you in case this is your first visit here. These are some earlier Valentine posts for the month on my blog that you might enjoy as well......

To see my Vintage Valentine Card Collection for even more cards that you are welcome to save to your computer please click HERE ♥

For a beautiful Vintage Valentine Collage that you can also save and use please click HERE ♥

To see my Valentine's tree decorated with handmade Valentine's made by my friends please click HERE ♥

Thank you for stopping by my blog and I hope you have enjoyed your stay here with me this day.

Wishing you a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with lots of Love, Laughter and Chocolate! ♥

To enjoy the other party participants please click on the badge below.......

Handmade Valentine Swap Cards

2010-02-12T20:26:00.009-07:00

Here they are! The Valentine cards from my one on one Valentine Card swap and each card is just beautiful and handmade, which is even better! I am just tickled pink with each of these gorgeous creations. The pictures just don't do them justice. I have a new camera and I'm still trying to get it figured out. So let's see the pretty Valentine's......(make sure to click on the pictures so you can see them up close)....

This first one is created by M Babs of Tales From an OC Cottage and along with it came these beautiful pink roses, fun little tags and a most sparkly and prettiest star fish I've ever seen! Her sparkly starfish really are a treat!..........

And the inside of the card is just beautiful too!...........

Thank You M!

Two beautiful cards--a Valentine and birthday card both created by Kathy Link of Cottage Garden Quilter. The Valentine card paper is hand painted and oh so pretty!.....

Thank You Kathy!

Sweet, simple and classic by Samantha Pearson of Three Men and a Lady. Very pretty and I can hang it, which I think is cool.

Thank You Samantha!

Layers of loveliness in this beauty was created by Linda Freeman of Lambsworld and arrived with all kinds of fun little tuck ins. There were some I Love You cards that I used to tuck into the husbands shirt pockets while he was away on a business trip this week. ;)

Thank You Linda!

A beautiful card, music panel and wonderful wooly Valentine pocket envelope created by Margaret Bouwmeester of The French Bear. Lots of fun details and I love the little sewing machine charm.

...and the inside of Margaret's beautiful card......

Thank You Margaret!

And last but not least is this beautiful card from my creative sister Rhonda of Really Just Rhonda. The little envelope opens up with 4 little king of heart cards inside and then inside the card.......

...is even more fun! And the mailing envelope was even way cute!

Thank You Rhonda!

I just LOVE all of these gorgeous and creative cards! Thank you so much to each of you! This has been so fun and you've really made my birthday and Valentine's even more special! Thank you!

And I just realized that I sent out my cards and forgot to take any pictures! I'm very good at doing things like that!

Oodles of Vintage Valentines!

2010-02-05T20:15:00.011-07:00

Oodles and oodles of vintage Valentines! This is a pile of my vintage Valentine collection and theres even a few new repros in there too. As you can see I sorta like vintage Valentines--any Valentines really.

And so I thought I'd share a few. It's my Valentine's gift to you. Click on the pictures and they will pop up much larger. Make sure to right click and save to your computer. They've been scanned in at 300dpi and should print out quite nicely. If you'll size them down they'll print out nice and vivid.

These darling little hearts which are only 3 inches tall are from the late 1920's, so that makes them 80+ years old.

There are a bunch here, so please enjoy!

Coming February 14th at Anything Goes Here there's going to be a Vintage Valentine Party, so if you have vintage Valentine's to share I hope you'll join in and if not then I hope you'll come and have fun seeing all the pretty Valentine's that are sure to be posted. Don't forget!

Winter's Bliss

2010-01-29T09:26:00.008-07:00

It's cold and frozy and beautiful here today in Southeast Idaho. Come along let's see.......

Everything is dressed in spectacular white..............

I've seen many a harvest and many a winter....

Shh...the farm fields are fast asleep under their cozy blankets of snow, dreaming of springtime and new seedlings to come......

Did the old wagon wheel help the pioneers across the plains or maybe it was part of the old farm wagon hauling in the harvest and the hay....

With this......

You get this......

What shall we do today....

Duck a La Snow.....

A frosted donkey's mane....

Hark! I hear something! Oh a beautiful winters day!

OWOH Giveaway!

2010-01-25T09:31:00.004-07:00

It's here! The big OWOH Giveaway! This is my 3rd year to participate in the fabulous Blogland event! And I have a start of my giveaways ready and will be posting more as we go along, so let's get started!

The OWOH Giveaway starts today and ends on February 15th. All you have to do is leave me a comment and if you'd like (once I get all 3 giveaway items posted--during this week) you may let me know if you have a preference.

Giveaway #1

My first offering is this simple yet lovely, shabby, pink and white wool applique of hand with heart, which I thought was rather appropriate for this giveaway. It is all handstitched by me in wool with my favorite feather stitch and french knots.

Giveaway #2

Insert photo (when it's finished) of Primitive Cupboard Tuck with Primitive Cross Stitched Peacock

Giveaway #3

Insert photo (when it's finished) of a cute little Dotee Doll

So for a few days you'll have to use your imagination, but I'll hurry as quick as I can!

Please leave me a lovely comment and I will draw names on February 16th for the winners and international friends are welcome too! You do not need to have a blog to enter, but you do need to leave me an email please, so that I contact you if you don't have a blog. And bloggers--double check to make sure that your settings are NOT set to no-reply blogger, or else I may not be able to contact you.

Make sure to go to the official OWOH Giveaway hosted by Lisa of A Whimsical Bohemian to see all the other hundreds of giveaways. You'll find the listing in her right hand side bar.

Ready, Set, FUNNNNN!

My Valentine Tree

2010-01-22T07:42:00.017-07:00

Good Friday everyone! I thought I'd join the Show & Tell Friday hosted by Cindy at My Romantic Home and share my Valentine's tree with you today. I've collected these wonderful Valentine's ornaments over the past 8 or so years and they are all handmade with online friends that I've swapped with over the years. So let's see what's on the tree.......

The tree topper with the vintage lady made by Emily Franz of Hootinannies....

.......the darling heart doll with button arms and legs, love potion bottle, letter of love......

....big ol glittered kissy lips.......

.....love letter, button heart, friend heart and more love potion--too cute!......

....the three little girl cupids. I always say the one in the middle is me--red hair and squishy. LOL! ......

....civil war era photo and my heart belongs to a soldier and the vintage little girl.......

....and of course a prim cupid flying through the air waiting to see who his next love target is.....

NOTE--This little cupid is a design by Sweetpea Primitives and she just happens to be offering him on her blog as free pattern download, so hurry before he expires........Click HERE

....and I love this big ol heart face made from wool and her lips and eyebrows are made from potholder loops--remember the kind we used to weave on the little loom as kids.....

....heart and hand--I love heart and hands!....the darling little Valentine girl is made by Angela of The Country Cellar, and the little Love Pills--filled with cinnamon red hots--so cute!.....

....not a partridge in pear tree, but a love bird in a pine tree. LOL! Also made by Emily Franz.....

....darling valentine girl.........

......love this big heart trimmed in cheese cloth and seashells with a wonderful vintage photo....

.....love the beading on this one........

.....a delicious wooly heart with lots of buttons! Made by my friend Gayle of The Middle Sister....

....a gathering of various hearts and sentiments......

......Love and another cute primitive cupid........

......little angel peeking out of the branches. She's made from red dominoes with delicate feather wings.......

....wooly heart and prim angel......

......and lastly is this shy heart with face peeking out from inside the tree.......

I hope you enjoyed my collection of Valentine ornies and don't forget to take a peek at the other Show & Tells too.

Swap A Handmade Valentine Card With Me

2010-01-18T22:22:00.005-07:00

This swap is now closed and I look forward to seeing what everyone creates.
Thank you!

Valentine's Day is one of my very favorite holidays! It's also the day after my birthday! So I thought I'd like to do a special Handmade Valentine's Day Card one on one swap with my blogger friends.

Here's what we'll do------- Get out your pretty papers, scissors, glue, glitters etc and you and I will make each other a Handmade Valentine Card to swap.

Sound fun!

Please make sure to mail your card to me no later than February 5th.

I will share them all here at a Virtual Valentine's Day Party on February 12th for all to see.

If you'd like to swap a handmade Valentine's card with me then please email me at hazelruthe@yahoo.com with your Name, Mailing Addy and a link to your blog (if you have one-but a blog is not necessary)--(that way I can post a link back to your blog along with a the picture of your beautiful card on Valentine's Day).

I will send you my mailing address in my reply email back to you, so you know that I received your info. I will also have my cards mailed to you by or before February 5.
I will swap with my international bloggers too, but you must have a blog.
Get ready, get set, create!

A Valentine Collage To Share With You

2010-01-14T23:11:00.003-07:00

I keep meaning to post, but I just can't seem to quite make it in for some reason, so I thought I'd share a couple of Valentine pretties with you, that you can right click and save to your computer and then print out to use.

I'm still working on my OWOH giveaway AND I've just made it to 200 plus followers WHOOO HOOO! Thank you all my dear bloggy friends! I do appreciate you and I am also working on a special little giveaway coming soon that will be drawn just from the followers. More on that as it materializes. So for now.......

Click on Photos to Enlarge

....I absolutely LOVE this collage sheet! I had it printed off onto white cardstock at my local Staples store today and it printed out beautifully! I have a little project to use it in that I'll be sharing with you all later and I hope you can use it too.

And what is Valentine's without a perfectly wonderful Victorian Cupid! He should print out nicely for you too. Enjoy!

PS--Watch for a little one on one swap with me too in the next couple of days. I'll give you a hint--it has to do with Valentines!

OWOH Giveaway and PIF

2010-01-06T16:10:00.005-07:00

So what in the world is all this OWOH and PIF stuff, why it's the One World One Heart Giveaway and my Pay It Forward!

First is the One World One Heart Giveaway hosted by Lisa of A Whimsical Bohemian. If you're new to OWOH let me tell you it's one of the largest--maybe the largest--giveaways in Blogland. Last year there were well over 1000 participants! A great way to tour Blogland, find new blogs and hopefully make a new friend or two along the way not to mention participating in the giveaways as either a giver, a receiver or both!

If you would like to participate and enter your own giveaway hurry, because all the fun starts January 25th. I'm busily planning mine out.

Now for the PIF--Pay It Forward. When you do a PIF you have 365 days--which I had planned to do it in a much shorter time, but no the person with all good intentions, but that gets sidetracked too easily that I am has waited til near the final hour--but then again I do work best under pressure!, so I am also busily working on those too--but hey I need something to stitch on in the evening while I watch the husband watch tv. I'll keep you posted on my PIF progress too. And if you'd like to do a PIF, but haven't found one to participate in then why not start one of your own. It's a good thing!

Gotta run--I have a lot of stitching and creating waiting to be done........

January-New Beginnings

2010-01-01T14:43:00.003-07:00

January, the month of new beginnings and cherished memories, beckons. Come, let winter weave her wondrous spell; cold, crisp, woolen-muffler days, long dark evenings of savory suppers, lively conversations, or solitary joys. Outside the temperature drops as the snow falls softly. All of nature is at peace. We should be, too. Draw hearthside. This is the month to dream, to look forward to the year ahead and the journey within.
--Sarah Ban Breathnach

Place your footprint for all to see. You may find it is filled with wondrous little treasures you hadn't realized were there. Go forth and seek the treasures of the bright new beginning this new year has to offer.

Happy New Year--A Year In Review And A Peek Into the Future

2009-12-31T10:19:00.005-07:00

Come and join me for a look back at 2009 and a peek into 2010........

A look back at a few of my blog postings for the year.....a year that was spent like a lot of Americans--no job, thankfully however that has been fixed-a year of thrifting, creating, a few road trips, a new donkey, pretty sunsets and rainbows, and so much more.....

I learned something new! How to make a photo mosaic! I always wanted to know how to do that and it was easy as pie!

And now here we are on this last day of 2009 and I am ready to tell it goodbye and to open the door to a brand new wonderful year! A year that has......

"... three hundred sixty-five bright mornings and starlit evenings; fifty-two promising weeks; twelve transformative months full of beautiful possibilities; and four splendid seasons. A simply abundant year to be savored." (Sarah Ban Breathnach)

This is my wish for you also!

I am looking forward to working more on my sewing and needlework, creating some new patterns, learning new things, getting healthier (losing weight!), journaling, going to new and interesting places, finding new junking treasures, meeting new friends, blogging more and enjoying each and every day!

I have so enjoyed all of your wonderful comments throughout the year and I do hope you will please continue. I may not always answer them back (something I hope to do better at this next year!), but I do always read them, enjoy them and appreciate them.

Thank you!

Happy New Year Everyone! May it be a blessed one!

And don't forget to join Cindy at My Romantic Home for a trip with our fellow bloggers through their past year too.

The Last Treasures of 2009

2009-12-29T13:39:00.004-07:00

I hit a few thrift stores yesterday and today and found the last of the treasures for 2009 and I think I I did pretty good........

3 Santa mugs--.25 to .50 each, 1 resin santa head to craft with 1.00 and Whooo Hooo! Another Santa pitcher! And he was only 3.00! Yeah! Oh Yeah!.....

....a rose covered heart tin for .75. I have always had a love for anything hearts and roses--I say it's because I was born the day before Valentine's day. And in case you're wondering what to get me for my birthday this year--anything roses or hearts (besides a long list of other collections! LOL!)..........I have another tin just like this only in black with roses......

...does anyone remember these---tin can pincushion chairs. I found both of them for .50 each! I plan to refurbish and update them a bit--new paint, pretty pincushion seats, maybe some beading or embroidery added. You can see the tin can lid in the seat of the gold chair and when I looked at the bottom of the white chair it appeared to be made from a soda can. I even found a link on how to make these. Click HERE. .........

...and last but not least are my gorgeous new curtains that will be going in my sewing room. I just fell in love with these! There are 2 fairly long valences, so they should be quite useable and I only have one window in my sewing room, so I'm thinking of creating a faux window somewhere in the room just so I can use them both. My shabby rose sewing room is starting to come together!

I put together a little slide show of some of my 2009 thrifting treasures and I think I had a great year!

I wonder what wonderful treasures 2010 holds? I can't wait to find out!

Merry Christmas One & All!

2009-12-22T14:08:00.007-07:00

Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas

Filled With Much

Love And Joy!

The stockings are soon to be hung, fudge and peanut butter candies still to be made. The Christmas ham to be baked, presents to be wrapped, the shopping is done and a very few cards have been sent. Now it’s time to slow down to enjoy family and friends and to partake of the true spirit of Christmas.

To continue my Christmas wishes for you please click Here for my version of Joy To The World

and Here for a heartwarming video.

Christmas Joy! A Wonderful Giveaway I Won!

2009-12-20T08:27:00.003-07:00

I am so excited! I won these gorgeous cross stitched bowl fillers made by Jenny Hoffman of Country Rustic Primitives in a giveaway she had recently.

The stitching Jenny has done is so fine and perfect! I so envy her being able to stitch on linen. My eyes just can't seem to see well enough to stitch such beautiful fine stitches, so I will enjoy and treasure these all the more! I absolutely LOVE these Jenny! Thank you so much!

Jenny does such beautiful work and she has patterns as well as finished goodes. You can see more of what she creates at her ETSY shoppe and on Lemon Poppy Seeds too and of course don't forget to check out her BLOG.

Creating A Centerpiece To Go From Season to Season

2009-12-17T11:10:00.008-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I ran across a tutorial for a beautiful centerpiece by Applestone Cottage. I knew I wanted to recreate one for myself only with a bit different style, so I rummaged around and gathered up what I had and someone else had mentioned using canning jars and so it went from there.

Here is a bit of tutorial on how to get one started using things that you have around the house that suits your style. I've also decided that I'm going to keep this centerpiece out year round and tweak it up differently for each season, so keep an eye out as we progress through the year.

Supplies:

3 canning jars--varying sizes if possible. I used blue, but clear would look great or look for other interesting glass containers that you might have floating around.

Tray--A tray or base to hold everything. I had an old enamel tray that I found at a thrift store years ago. Other things might be an old frame with glass in it or add a piece of thin, but sturdy board to it. You could even use a cardboard flat and drape it with fabric.

Epsom Salt
(Kosher, Rock or Sea salts will work too)

Candles
Candle Cups
Cinnamon Sticks
Greens
Strips of Homespun Fabric
Rusty Jingle Bells
Wire
Cranberries (fresh)

This is the tray that I used for my base it measures 11 x 16

Fill the jars with Epsom salt--add about 3 inches or so.
Kosher, Rock or Sea salts will work too. Epsom salt just happened to be what I thought of.

The jars are filled and I tilted them a bit so the salt would look uneven. It's supposed to be snow ya know.

Then using a pair of kitchen tongs I lowered the glass candle cups into the salt and pushed them around until they sat stable.

NOTE: I highly advise using the glass candle cups, because otherwise your votives will melt right into a big puddle and mix with the salt and make a mess. Ask me how I know. What was I thinking!

Add the candles to the cups

Scatter the cinnamon sticks around the tray.

I plan at this point to keep this as my very basic centerpiece that I will build on for each season through the year--but of course that may change too.

I had also considered adding salt around the tray before adding the cinnamon sticks, but I wasn't sure if it would react with the tray and pit it or not, so I skipped over that thought.

Add a few sprigs of greenery over the top of the cinnamon sticks.

I cut mine from the ugly juniper bushes right outside the front door.

This step I probably should have done earlier and you may want to, but it works either way. Cut some thin wire long enough to dangle the jingle bells on---I slipped the bells onto the wire and with my finger just curled and squished (it's very technical I tell you) and made a little curly cue, so the bells wouldn't all fall together.

The I placed the wire around the neck of each jar and twisted the tails in back and then squished the wire around until it hung nicely. We're not going for perfection here--otherwise I would have said to manipulate the wire instead of squished. It's more fun that way.

After the bells are added take 3 strips of homespun--ripped about 2 inches or so wide and however long--at least 10 inches I'd say. Wrap the homespun around the neck of each jar and either knot it on the front or just do a criss cross of the piece and depending on if you have enough either go around the back side and knot or just tuck the ends up underneath itself. Told you it was very technical.

Now sprinkle on some cranberries for a spark of Christmas color. These can be changed out if they start to shrivel and dry up.

And voila!
Light the candles and enjoy!

I liked this so much that I'm thinking on ways to change it up for each season and holiday and I'll post each seasonal change as the year progresses.

Simple and cheap! I spent 6.48 on this:
Candles and candle cups at the dollar store 3.00
Epsom salts 1.00
Cranberries 2.48

If you make a centerpiece I'd love to see it and if you post a photo on your blog I'll add your link here, so everyone else can enjoy it too.

Giveaway Winners And New Review Blog

2009-12-15T17:11:00.003-07:00

And the winners are........

The winner of both the angel ornie and the Martha Stewart CD's is Esther of Shabby Cottage Collectibles! Congratualtions Esther!

And for the Rowenta Rebate I will be sending one each to Connie Of Living Beautifully and Westside of Straight.

I have also opened a new blog for product reviews called Review Chat, which is where I moved my Rowenta review to, (had to keep in compliance with my blogher ads) so you may see it there. Right now that blog is pretty simple and I'll be working on it a bit more after Christmas, so hope to see you there on occasion too.

Thank you everyone!

Vintage Christmas Monday

2009-12-13T22:37:00.005-07:00

It's Vintage Christmas Monday, so don't forget to visit Anything Goes Here and see the rest of Vintage Christmas out there in Blogland.

This week I decided to share some very vintage photos of Christmas when I was growing up. They aren't the best photos, but they are the only one's I have, so here goes.....

I am the oldest of the 3 of us--the redhead. The blonde is my younger sister Rhonda and the baby is my brother Greg. This would be 1966. I was 5 years old, we lived in Capistrano Beach, Calif and these would be our Christmas outfits for 1966, purchased with Green Stamps. Does anyone remember Green Stamps and also Blue Chip stamps? I remember my mom used to collect them--I think they "earned" them at the grocery store by how much they spent each trip and the little stamps would go into books that you then turned in at their stores to purchase things.

Here we are in about 1967/1968. I was 7 or 8 years old and we lived in Escondido, Calif, where I spent the rest of my growing up years. Don't you just love the ugly tv on the even uglier tv stand. It was black and white and no one had heard of remote control. That's what kids were for! LOL! Oh and that lovely non-descript tan carpet was later replaced with just as ugly new and fashionable green shag carpet--the kind you had to use a special rake to run through it. Thank goodness it is now the future. LOL!

This would be that same Christmas on Christmas morning, still lots of presents to be opened. The lady in the white suit is my Aunt Barbara, next is my mother, me, my sister, brother, Grandma Long and my dad fixing something. Notice the lovely pole lamp in this photo. Thankfully my mothers taste of decor improved greatly later on! LOL!

The year is 1971 and I am 10 years old and my sister and I are wearing matching dresses that my mother made us of swiss polka dot, with bell sleeves. Very stylish for back then! We are at my Aunt Debbie's house and since she had twins that were crawling she put the tree in a playpen that year.

Christmas eve 1972 modeling our new Christmas jammies in the living room--the room no one was allowed in except for special occasions-which was ok, because it was ugly--again with decor for the time--red shag carpet, gold velvet furniture with a mediteranean style--a couple more years down the road yet before mom finally got some good decorating taste--she eventually went antiques and victorian and has stayed that way ever since.

Can you see the white tree on the table top--it's made out of toothpicks poked into styrofoam balls and sprayed with the fake canned snow. I remember it came out of the Family Circle or Women's Day magazine and I remember the three of us kids helping to poke the gazillion toothpicks into those styrofoam balls--ouch! Boy am I glad we are in the future! Hey some vintage is just meant to stay in it's own time! LOL!

And last but not least is a picture that finally had it's mystery solved for me this year thanks to Aunt Barbara--who I need to email and no I haven't forgotten you--just keep getting sidetracked. Anyway this is about 1967, so I would be 6 years old. I knew there was a photo of Aunt Barbara modeling a bathroom rug--why I had no clue. My mom kept telling me that couldn't be so, but here it is--Aunt Barbara modeling a bathroom rug and shower cap. How chic! LOL! She said my sister and I had gotten matching stoles that year--I'm wearing mine as you can see and so she decided to model her new bathroom rug just to be silly. I knew my memory wasn't off. LOL!

A little different for Vintage Christmas Monday, but that's how my vintage Christmases were in sunny, southern California way back when.

Oh and don't forget there's still time to sign up for my little giveaway--HERE

Home for The Holidays Tour

2009-12-11T10:07:00.008-07:00

Please join me in Southern Hospitality's Home for the Holiday Home Tours. I'll be sharing my country primitive side of Christmas for the tour................

HO! HO! HO! Welcome Everyone!

I thought we'd start in the laundry room, since this is where we enter the house--through the back door. A small tree decked out in homespun bows on old clothespins and rusty jingle bells....

....a little old fashioned looking doll.....

...a prim santa on a candlestick.....

....a bit of Christmas cheer for the dryer. I borrowed the candy cane in the mason jar lamp idea from Aunt Amelia's Attic....and the snowman cookie jar I searched and searched for and feared had gotten lost---he was hiding in the box marked--Snowmen. Imagine that! LOL!

....My Prim tree filled with handmade ornies that I've swapped with friends over the years. This is by and far my very favorite tree! I usually put up 3 full sized trees, but this year I only put up 2, because this house just isn't configured to my way of decorating....

.....a few close ups to follow of some of the wonderful ornies made by friends on the prim tree......

....my new little vintage Dancing Santas on the fireplace....and no it's not dusty, it's just the way it looks no matter what I do to it......

...The big ol' nutcracker in front of the "regular tree"......(the family is not fond of my prim tree--I just don't get it!)...

....little miss annie and Ted E Bear (handmade by my dear friend Donna Balfanz)...enjoying the season all snuggled in their little red sled enjoying the glow of the candlelight.

Don't forget to see all of the other wonderful homes over at Southern Hospitality

Oh and don't forget there's still time to enter my Giveaway!

A Little Bloggy Giveaway

2009-12-09T21:21:00.002-07:00

I made up a bunch of these altered paper angels for a swap recently and decided to make one for a little bloggy giveaway as well. We'll make it a quickie giveaway, so the winner will have it before Christmas.

Her dress is made of pale cream crepe paper, with a gold netting underlay, lace collar, vintage music wings and she's about 17 inches long.

A close up of the pretty little girls image. I wonder what she thinks of herself as a paper angel.

And to go along with the Christmas angel are 2 Martha Stewart videos--one for New Year's idea and the other for family dinner ideas. You'll have to try the mustard chicken!

This is a simple quick giveaway. All you have to do is leave me a comment here on this post and I'll draw one lucky winner on December 15th.

Vintage Christmas Monday # 2

2009-12-07T08:54:00.004-07:00

It's Vintage Christmas Monday again hosted by Anything Goes Here. And today I thought I'd share one of my newer vintage Christmas collections--little china angels.....

It all started rather innocently when I received the 7 darling itty bitty little red and white china angels in a stocking swap I was in a couple of years ago......

...and then I found the larger angel trio at the thrift store earlier this year and the collection began!...........

Aren't they so sweet. These itty bitty angels are actually bells and are barely an inch tall! And they are singing their little hearts out. Who could resist such a collection!

Ok, not angels, but part of my Santa mug collection (that I found packed away in another box)---are the 4 Noel Santa mugs behind these darling little winking Santa salt & peppers.

I don't know about you, but I am off to see the rest of Vintage Christmas Monday and all the beautiful Christmas treasures. Hope to see you there!

Bleaching Bottle Brush Trees

2009-12-04T22:55:00.003-07:00

Have you ever wondered how to get those cool looking cream and colored bottle brush trees. Well I finally tried it this year and it worked!

First of all they come that dark green with the white snow on them and usually a bag full of them. I got a bag of 16--assorted sizes--at Big Lots for 6.99.

This is what I ended up with after bleaching and dyeing. I think they turned out quite pretty!

To bleach your little trees fill a sink about half full or so of water and add a good cup or so of bleach and then pop your trees in. See the dark green one--that was their original color. Let them sit and soak for a long, long time! In fact you'll probably wonder if it's going to even work, but it will. It took my trees each a good 2 hours before they bleached out and sometimes the little white snow won't come off--don't worry about it. You can try and pick it off too.

After the bleaching process was done I then drew up a sink of cold water and added a cup or so of vinegar and rinsed the trees in this. The vinegar will nuetralize the bleach.

The light green tree in the top photo is one I took out part way through bleaching. The pink ones I dyed using Easter egg dye. Just mix up the dye tablet per package instructions--I put mine in a mason jar--then add your tree and shake and voila! A colored tree. And they take the dye quite well, so don't leave them in the dye for very long. Then you can add glitter and baubles if you want.

And that's all there is to creating your own beautiful vintage looking bottle brush trees! See I told you it was easy!

Frozen Turkey Update

2009-12-04T22:42:00.003-07:00

I've had a few requests for an update on how my frozen turkey turned out and I'm very happy to report that it turned out fabulous! And it was so easy and I didn't have to take up valuable space in the fridge or have a mess of melting turkey juice.

I put it in my roaster, covered it with foil--it was too big for my lid to fit--and then I popped it into a 325 degree oven and after about 2 1/2-3 hours I wrangled it's goody bag of lizards and gizzards out of it. It wouldn't give up it's neck, so I just left that and tossed it out later. I never use any of those parts anyway. Oh and I cut off the turkey butt--can't stand to cook the turkey butt!

Then I brushed it with olive oil, rubbed sage, poultry seasoning and garlic powder and let it go for about 8 hours (it was a 23 pounder) and basted it every so often. It gave me a ton of juices! More so than if I had thawed it. It was not dry anywhere and it tasted great! So from now on, I'm doing all my turkeys this way. I thought it was so much easier and less mess with great results.