Saturday, May 29, 2010

ROAD TRIP!!!!

Hello to all and Happy Memorial Day Weekend to you. Well, mine started off great! And I mean that very sincerely. Lori and I hit the road early this morning for uncharted territory. She had to take a road trip for a very special gift...she will post about her gift tomorrow. Now mind you she had REALLY good directions...we just don't know where they were to. Even the mailman was confused and that got us even more confused!! Soooo, we called the lady and she gave me directions...we were a looong way from her house! So, back tracking we go...found a great new little shop with an awesome little yard sale going on...yep...HAD to stop for that. Well, by then we're hungry so we called that poor lady AGAIN and said we would be a little late...by this time were are already running an hour late so what's a few more minutes between friends? On the road again...we are finally in her neighborhood! Now were is that road again? Thank goodness there one man that actually gave good directions! Imagine that...a man that new directions!lol
O.k....we are there...all of fifteen minutes. The van was loaded up and we are off again...to one of our favorite shops...yepper...Olde Mill Primitives..well we were sorta kinda in the neighborhood...awesome...I just want it ALL. I don't think I have ever laughed sooo hard as I did today. Isn't life great with a good girlfriend? They seem to make the yucky times a little easier and the happy times that much better. We arrived back home all safe and sound...and scoped out some more new shops for our next return trip!!
Have a fantastic weekend...and tell your girlfriends that you love them!
Talk later.
Blessings,
Robin

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Olde Bench

I had planned on showing you all some pictures of some furniture that I purchased, but for some reason this is the only picture I could get posted. Oh well, look at that olde red bench.
I love it...would look great on my front porch or screened in porch, but I will sell it, either at a show or in the shop.
The past few days I have been in a funk. Could not really put my finger on what was wrong but after some much needed soul searching I think I have found out what was wrong. I have decided to make a move and grow and expand my shop. I know it will mean more work, not only for me but also for my husband. We have talked about it and decided to go for it. I do believe that everything happens for a reason and I have been asked by a very good friend if I would return to my "roots". I will be opening up another "shop" in late August or early September. I am very excited about this, but also a little nervous. Much will need to be done. But that means I get to go shopping, hunting and pilfering a lot more!!
We will have Friday night date night, this time we will be accompanied by my parents. They want to see what an auction is all about. Should be fun...interesting at least!
Well, I will leave you now, it's late.
Have a wonderful Friday and I will talk to you this weekend.
Remember to follow your dreams and your heart!
Blessings,
Robin

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

**Please Look** Before & After

I found these yesterday at Goodwill...a little bright and new...But...after a while in the home shop this is what I ended up with.
And the inside has been aged to perfection.

I shall not bore you with a lot of ramblin' today, just thought you might want to see.
I am going back to much needed cleaning.
Blessings to all,
Robin



Monday, May 24, 2010

New Fabric

Howdy ya'll. Look at the new fabric that I purchased Sat. night at Ben Franklin. I know, I know...but who ever has the most fabric wins!!! And I am well on my way. I have been told that that my home shop is a cross between Michael's and Jo-Ann's. I take that as a very good compliment!! I can't wait to start to use these...and the one's that I bought last time. I hate using the pretty fabric! I just want to organize it and look at it!! It seems awful to have to cut it.
Today was errand day...in the rain! YUK And now that I am home, the sun is out.
I just remembered that this weekend is Memorial Day!! Where has the time gone? Just
seems like we were shoveling snow the other week! And I am on countdown until
VACATION!!!YEAH!! We leave in 3 weeks and I can't wait. I have a friend doing the house sitting for me, she enjoys staying here and my house is clean when I return, that's the best part!
I stopped by Goodwill today and will show you what I bought...maybe tomorrow...after I finish working on it. I thought it was pretty cool and I am hoping you will like it. But for now I am off to go clean my kitchen and de-clutter my countertop...again!
I hope you all have a nice evening.
Blessings,
Robin

Sunday, May 23, 2010

My Love of CROCKS

While I was working yesterday, my wonderful husband was at an auction buying me these crocks!! I have an obsession with crocks, old and newer, makes no difference to me. Aren't they pretty? Just excuse the coffee cup, he set it down as I was taking the picture. I will add these to my collection and still hunt for more!!
Soooo, whatch doin' today? I am working at the shop(earlier) around the home and in the home shop trying really hard to get some stuff finished up.
Went to dinner last night with Peter and Lori...and of course we did manage to get in a few minutes of shopping!! Had a blast. We ate until we could not move, and the meal was excellent!
I have always said that you never know what we can get into and last night was NO exception. On the way home Lori jumped out of our car...no it was not moving...and rescued 3 opossum. They are sooo little, mom had been hit by a car, so she is trying to save the babies that she could rescue. We tried to feed them last night and let me tell you..they can REALLY grip a turkey baster!! (you had to be there). I know that with Lori being "mama" they will do just fine and hopefully she will be able to release them back into the wild soon.
Well I wish you all a very pleasant afternoon/evening.
Blessings,
Robin

Friday, May 21, 2010

The Girls

Good evening to ya! How was our day? Mine was busy. Let me introduce you to some
ugly (but don't tell them!) girls. From left to right we have Hattie, Enna and Elda. They are ugly
and "wonky" 'lookin, but they are primitive dolls fresh from the attic where they were tucked away.
Did ya catch Grey's? I loved it, got rid of some characters that really had no story line anyway. I had hoped Meredith would keep her baby though and soooo glad Derick is alive. When that Mr. Clark was in the O.R. I freaked. How did he get in there...he was NUTS!
Hubby is cutting the "lower forty" as we call it and I know he will be hungry when he gets in so I guess I better go and start some dinner. I have got a great headache...maybe 'cause I am hungry. I just wish I knew what we was a 'havin.
Will talk to you Sunday...tomorrow is our double date..no time to talk then.
Have a FANTASTIC weekend.
Blessings,
Robin

Thursday, May 20, 2010

New Crow

Good evening, hope all is well with you. This is my new crow...on a stick. He is made to stick in your plants, stuck in a jar or just to put wherever you like. I have designed a new one that I like better, just have to finish it. The one in the picture is to "skinny". You know what I say...works in my head, but once I get it onto paper and then sewn up...sometimes it just doesn't work. But hopefully the few alteration that I made will help fatten him up a bit....just can't have a skinny crow. I know the ones in my backyard this year are huge!!
Sooo, tomorrow night is date night...no auction! He (Lee) will be going to one on Saturday. And then we ACTUALLY have a date! We are going to double date with the Brechlin's...a.k.a. Peter and Lori. And it WILL BE the PERFECT date...dinner and Ben Franklin Craft Store, what woman could ask for more?!! I am really looking forward to our date!!
Well friends, Flash Forward is on and then comes Grey's....which by the way looks really good. Have a great night and a wonderful day tomorrow and I will talk to you later.
Many Blessings,
Robin

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Found Treasures

This is the trunk of my car after a few hours of "hunting" with Lori. Such fun we had. We shopped and shopped and had a wonderful lunch at one of the cafe's in Bedford.
These are some of my treasures that I ran across today. I am lovin' that old bench, the beeskep, the red lookin' board is a small bench like thing for your table, the holder behind it will be used for old linen in the bathroom.

And more treasure. Look at that olde prairie dress...a little tea stain in a few places and it will be perfect!! The white bloomers beside it are to cute...but I have them soaking as we speak...to white for me, just a little age on 'em will be nice. There is also a bunch of old linen towels and table throws, some quilt squares from an olde quilt. Look at the little doll, how cute.
One or a few of the coolest things I bought were 2 Hoosier type cabinets, a couple other pieces of furniture, the top to a Hoosier...hang on the wall and use as display!!...an old large tin spice holder and an old red bench. I did manage to fit the spice holder and, oh yeah, a crock in my car, but Lee and I will go back on Sunday with the trailer to pick up the rest. I just love "treasures".
Well my friends, Idol just came on and I really want to watch to see who goes home. I have an idea, but you never know.
Until tomorrow evening...
Many Blessings,
Robin

Shopping with Lori

Today we shall blaze new trials, scavenge like no others before us, for today is "Girl's Day". Yes, Lori (Notforgotten Farm) and I are headed out for a fun filled day of "hunting". We shall dig, pilfer and rummage like hunters...for our own special treasures. What a fun filled day...laughing until we cry, a light lunch, and then back to the business at hand....SHOPPING!! It does not matter to either of us if we find a special "keeper" or not...we are enjoying each other's company.

I will post later in the afternoon of my treasures that I found...some to keep and others to re-do.

Until then, have a blessed day.

Robin

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

The Gift

As a small boy growing up my husband deeply loved his "Papa Harrison". When he passed away many years ago he remembered what his papa had said..."That ring will someday belong to you". He found the ring and it became his treasure until he was old enough to wear it. As time passed he outgrew the ring and put it up. When he and I got together I made the comment about how pretty it was and it just happened to be my birthstone. He told me how he got it and that the ring actually belonged to his Great Grandfather, who passed it to his son and then Lee's grandfather passed it to him. Well, the years went by (12..10 of them married) and I really never thought about it. Then out of the blue, 2 weeks ago he gave it to me for an anniversary gift. He was going to try and keep it a secret and give it to me on our vacation, but decided not to. He took the ring to the jewelers and had it sized down to fit me. What a precious gift he has given me. I feel very honored to have been given such a treasure, not only of his, but also his family's. I wear this ring with such pride. Gifts do not always have to be store bought "things", they can also treasures of the heart. This ring will now be passed down to someone in his family when the time comes, but for now, I will enjoy it.
What gift of your heart do you have that may be given?
Many Blessings,
Robin

Monday, May 17, 2010

Dirty Linen

Do you remember your mother telling you not to "air your your dirty laundry on the line"?
Well, I DO! These are extra large flour sack towels that I have hand dyed and hand stenciled. They are not showing up that "stained" in the picture...sorry. I cooked up 12 more of these this morning and I am getting ready to stencil 'em up. I have many different designs...from a really cool "Olde Crow Homestead" to "The Simple Country Life". I also take antique linen, dye it up and stencil on that also. These are big enough for a tablecloth on a small table or I use them as the centerpiece on a large table, usually with an old bucket filled with bittersweet. These "Dirty Table Throws" ...as I call them...are pretty neat.
It's raining here today and I am kinda glad...means that I will not be heading out and can head into the home shop instead of running the roads. Let's see...so far this morning I have cooked the table throws, cooked my Liberty pillow, cooked Elda, made grubby tags, spent time chit chattin' with Lee before I sent him off to work, done dishes and cleaned a bathroom...I don't know where I got the sudden burst of energy...I just hope it will last till bedtime!!!lol
Well my friends, I am off to paint...I actually found time last night to make 2 Noodle Boards...I love working with wood also and together Lee and I have drawn up several new pieces of furniture to make and take to the show in July!!
Stay happy...and dry.
Blessings,
Robin

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Learning Can Be FUN

Tails and a mat...how cute. The post is not in the best order, but you get the jist of it!!
This is the rug braiding group...no today we were not hookers, we were braiders!
Don't let anyone tell you that learning can't be fun...we had a ball. It's so fun to gather
with a group of ladies that you know...but not that well...and then by the end of the day you feel as if you have known them forever.
This is us "tying our tails" onto chairs. The hardest part is deciding on what colors to use, it is all like eye candy. We learned how to braid with wool and strips of cotton cloth. I guess the second hardest part would be sewing that little thing together...and not having your stitches show! Sorry Lori, I really tried to hide 'em...maybe just a little more practice! But they all turned out really nice. I do not for see doing a large braided rug anytime soon, but the little mats are great...for candles, candle warmers and what not.
I hope that everyone has a nice Sunday, I am working the shop tomorrow, so I will
not talk to you again 'prolly till Monday.
Have a blessed day.
Robin


Thursday, May 13, 2010

A Small Part of The Shop

Good evening to you. How was your day? I actually got a bit accomplished today. I made "Elda"...a prim doll of olde, I finished "Amie" the sheep and finished my Americana pillow...all of which are original designs. I will post them
in a few days. I guess tomorrow I will be working on my Sampler and some new needle punch designs. The picture is a small sample of the shop, the "dirty" table throws have all been hand stenciled and stained and are one of our best sellers in the shop and at shows.
Sooo, tomorrow is Friday night...you know...date night. I am not sure that I am going, to much new stuff and plus I really want to save my money for the next auction. They will have antique horse drawn buggies and sleds. I would love to get my hand on one of those!!
Well, I am going to get ready to watch Gray's and Private Practice, so have a nice evening and I will talk to you tomorrow.
Blessings,
Robin

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Memories


My father came to dinner last night and brought in a bag of "stuff", or so I thought. I know to most it does not look like much, but when I opened the bag and saw this...it was a treasure. These are all part of my childhood and memories of my mother. I remember her wearing that apron we we made Christmas cookies and how it used to hang at my ankles if I wore it...she used to get sooo mad at me when I played with the handmade acorn s&p shakers, the little wood bowl would hold her rings while she was kneading dough. He called it junk in a bag, for me it was a flash back. Mom has been gone for a very long time, I was twelve when she passed away, they did not have all the cancer treatments out that they have today. My stepmom, whom I dearly love, has been clearing and cleaning and when she runs across anything she sends it my way. I am very thankful for that and for her.
O.K. enough of that...we were not able to go scavenging today do to unforeseen circumstances, however we do hope to go next week. This Saturday is the rug braiding class and I am so looking forward to that. Hubby will work the shop for me, he has a looong tail about everything in there. You are going to think I am lying but he actually cut back a bush, tied up the twigs with homespun and put a tag on there that read:"Grandma's Best Switches" and he sold them!! I swear he could sell ice to eskimos!! I think the customers come in to hear his tales and to decide if he is telling the truth or not...he can be pretty convincing.
Well my friends, I am off to the home shop to try and get something accomplished today, the past few days have been spent cleaning the olde homeplace.
Have a beautiful day
Robin

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

A Little POT

Greetings my friends, how are you? I was in hopes that this post would contain all of the goodies that were to await me from my travels yesterday...guess what I found? Nothing, nada, zilch. I could not believe I found nothing of use to me. Oh well, that just gives me more "play" money to use for Girl's Day Out tomorrow with my dear friend Lori(NotForgotten Farm) and Felicia. Now there is a trio if I ever saw one. We shall have such fun, I am looking forward it. Put the three of us together and you just NEVER know what can happen!!
The little pot? Oh yeah, I almost forgot...that is a fireside pot, used in starting the fires of long ago. One would start a fire, say in the kitchen, and when the coals were good and hot they would fill the HEAVY pot with hot coals and go from room to room with the hot embers to start additional fires in the fireplaces. I think it is pretty cool little pot and it just sits beside our fireplace in the eating room...of course our fireplace has gas logs, but it looks cute justa sittin' there. Our fireplaces in our olde home have either been converted, blocked up or are fake. We actually have 2 fake, 1 blocked and 2 converted to gas logs. I am thinking about turning them back on today 'cause I am freezing!! It's cold, damp and raining...where is my 80 and 90 degree weather??
Tonight my Father is coming for diner, my stepmom is at the beach(Nags Head) and of course she called to say it was sunny and warm there...I did not need to hear THAT! Sooo...I better go and start the homemade potato salad and with that were are having hot pastrami and melted swiss cheese on onion rolls and fresh fruit and yogurt parfait. But, with winter back me thinks I shoulda made just hot potato cheese soup with fresh croutons for topping!!! YUMMY.
Well, I will tell you all tomorrow evening of our travels and wares that I found while shopping with "The Girls".
Until then....Many Blessings
Robin

Monday, May 10, 2010

My First Sampler

Good morning, see I told you that I would be back. Are we speaking yet? The sampler above is My First Sampler..not nearly finished...and very "old school". The picture is a little fuzzy as my hands were shaking when I took the picture, it is sooo cold here this morning. What is up with the weather?? This is truly my first sampler that I have ever done with no pattern to follow, hopefully it will turn out like I want it to, but you all know how things in the head do not always turn out on paper..or in this case fabric.
We actually had a very light frost last night, my poor tomatoes! I did not know that it was
going to do that, hopefully they will be o.k. Yesterday was a very relaxing day, we truly did nothing...really nothing. Thought about it though, just could not make myself do anything. And today it is off to do the errands...which means that I HAVE to pass a few Goodwill Stores...I wonder what may await my visit? And then it is off to the mall, another dreaded bathing suit top must be found along with some shorts, I much prefer skorts!! Maybe I shall find a couple of them instead of shorts!! Then I will return home and retreat to the home shop and try really hard to get some work done. I know that July will be here before I know it and I am by no means ready. Until tomorrow,
Have a great day.
Robin

Sunday, May 9, 2010

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY...a "new" cabinet

Please tell me that we are still on speaking terms!! I have not been here for a while and I do apologize, things have just been crazy and by the time my night ended, it was bedtime.
Check out the cupboard in the picture, neat huh? Made that the other day and just took it to the shop. I love it!! I really wanted to keep it, but you can't keep EVERYTHING!
Sooo, whatcha doin? I am working on a cross stitch sampler, covering boxes, needlepunch, doin'
some painting and cleaning the house!! My plate is full at the moment. Seems like a woman's plate is always full!
We had the BEST time with Lori and Peter last night!! Did some cookin' out and just relaxed at the farm. The two new peacocks are beautiful, but I think Sky has eyes for Indy and that is upsetting Billie!! Thank you Lori for your wonderful hospitality. Next time I will do all of the cooking!
I want to wish all of the Mom's out there a very Happy Mother's Day...please enjoy your day. I am planning on doin' nothin' today, hubby is cooking today...wish me luck!! I am going to piddle (there's that word again!!) around with a few things and that's about it...nothing stressful and hopefully find a good movie to watch...remember tomorrow IS another day and I can work really hard on stuff then!!!(yeah right).
Again, have a blessed and Happy Mother's Day and I shall talk to you tomorrow.
Robin

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Newest Little Mat

I wanted to show you the latest little mat, finished yesterday, I know I said I was gonna paint but you know how things change!! I worked on inventory all day...got lots accomplished and ready to go to the shop or show.
I am having one of "those" days. I do not feel like doing anything pertaining to crafting, sewing or painting. Actually, I do not feel like doing anything at all!! Do you ever have one of those days? I guess it is because I have sooo much to do, I don't know where to start. So I figure..."Why start at all"? I hate this feeling, but to be honest I usually get this feeling about 3-4 times a year. Generally my solution is to Go Shopping!!!! But I really do not need anything, so I am electing to stay home...with the exception of a quick trip to the tanning bed...and "piddle" around the house. I remember my Grandmother used to say she was "piddling 'round and I used to think "What is that?" Now I know...oh no, I am getting older!! To think I now know what she meant is a definite sign of aging...but gracefully mind you!!lol And to add my favorite quote of all time
"Tomorrow is another day"
And so with that, I shall leave you to go and "piddle"
Have a blessed day
And I hope that you accomplish more than I plan to!!!
Robin

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

What will they be??

A mystery shall unfold. What will they be? For now they are just plain old cork circles, but they shall not stay that way for long. As many know, I love taking "stuff" and making other "stuff" out of it. I did not know what to do with them after I bought them, but a light bulb went off in my head and I now think I know what I am going to do with them. Actually, after they are finished you will be able to use them in several different ways. It will take a couple of days before they are finished, but I will show them to you when they are done, hopefully you will like them. I am ready to get back to painting (hint), I am getting a little tired of punching and hooking, although I am still working on several projects, I just need to do something a little different for a few days. No what I mean...do you tire of doing the same thing everyday? I like changing things up a bit, so for a few days I will have paint brush in hand.
Here in Va. we have a beautiful day starting out, can't wait to get the sheets hung out on the line. I love going to bed on crisp, fresh air sheets...the hard, crackly feel!! And the wonderful scent they have...aint nothin' better, well except maybe fresh in season homemade peach ice cream with little bits of frozen fresh peaches, that's pretty good too!!
Well my friends, my coffee cup is empty, so I shall leave you now. Have a blessed day and
remember...Your fingerprints are not erased on the lives that YOU touch.
Blessings to you from me.
Robin

Monday, May 3, 2010

Simple Pleasures

Welcome to Simple Pleasures...my olde homestead. As I have no new finished projects to show you, I thought I would show you my home. Here...on most days...you will find a simpler life and a much slower pace. Believe it or not she is almost 100 years old, but it does not show the age either outside or inside. Decorating has been a very big challenge as she looks almost "new" on the inside. I am very comfortable here and just love all her windows, however that means less wall space to hold "things" and furniture placement can be a bit tricky. But we have managed to fill her to the brim with stuff of olde. The den and deck are the only additions added to the house, the den was added in the 50's and I am not sure 'bout the deck, I just know I love sitting on it and looking out over the"lower 40" as we call it and into the woods. I had been a city girl all my life until 3 years ago when we bought this. After living out here I hope never to have to return to city living. The peace and quite I have found is amazing. I have found out a lot about myself during some much needed soul searching at night under the stars. I feel blessed to be her "keeper" during my journey here.
O.K. enough of the "gushy" stuff, how are you all doing? What is everyone working on? Today I am not sure what I am going to be working on as it is Errand Day...yuk...but I am putting it off as long as possible, I hate going out in the rain. But we need the essentials like toilet paper so I really must go. I will go into the home shop later and try and work with some of the old clothes that I was gifted yesterday...never know what I may end up with!!
Many blessings to you for a wonderful day.
Robin

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Be Still My Heart

Good Sunday Evening to you! Today was an amazing day!! I got to go and visit the oldest house in Lynchburg(about 300 yeras old) built by John Lynch. A friend of mine lives in it. I was in heaven. For those that do not know me, I LOVE OLD. Just to touch a piece of history that old was amazing, the original doors, window, moldings, and stairs. Just to think about walking up the same stairs that the founder of Lynchburg did was truly amazing. It still had some of the original milk paint on walls! Oh my heart was a poundin'. I know your are wondering about the pile of stuff in the picture. Looks like a pile of junk, right? Wrong...those are all old clothes from the 170o and early 1800's. Nancy gifted me 2 bags full. They are not museum quality so they were not wanted. You guessed it, I wanted them!! I am looking forward to creating with these wonderful pieces of history. I am going to hand a few pieces in my home, the rest will be used. I am hoping to get Lori over to the house so that she may teach me how to make some women's pockets and maybe some children's pockets as well....did you hear that Lori?? I did learn that women back then were small, I mean SMALL. They don't even look like a size 0 they are so tiny. Skinny little arms and teeny tiny waist. I know that I am not fitting into them!! No way no how.
Oh well, Lee and I had a wonderful day reliving history and actually being
able to touch it, I can't wait to go and visit again..hint hint Nancy!! We truly had a good time and thank you for your hospitality.
Talk to you all later.
Blessings to all,
Robin

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Finished Doodle Pattern

I see lots of sunshine this morning!! And the temperature is suppose to be about 85 today, my kinda weather!! Above is the little doodle pattern completed, well not completely finished, but you can see what it will look like when punched. Mine measures 5x3.
We had date night last night, no...no auction, we went to Wintergreen Ski Resort to look at a house...not to buy, but to paint. It had been a while since I had been up into the resort, and some of the homes up in there are really BIG and expensive. We then went to a local brewery for dinner. It was great to get out for a while and Thomy and Jan are always very good company. But today it is back to work...today is soap pouring day and then I will finish yet another little mat. This one I have done in retro farmhouse...you know the little cherries and bandanna like squares, it is turning out pretty cute.
I would like to extend of very big congratulations to my husband for passing his Building Exam!
This is a very hard test, but must be passed for Contractors to upgrade to a higher class of licensing...way to go Lee, I am sooo proud of you.
O.K. guys, I am off to start my wonderful day.
Hope your day is filled with smiles.
Blessings,
Robin