How It All Began

I was asked at the show how I got started doing what I am doing...took me until last night to figure it out. I guess about 4 years ago, Lee and I were in the basement piddlin' and just goofing off. We started working with some wood and what turned out was a countertop keeping bin. I loved it...it holds small needful items like enamel ware and jars and such. Sooo, we made another one along with some other small items. I came up with Prim Klips...to cute...I am trying to make some more now, I have sold roughly 100 of them. Anyhow, like I said we were just goofin' off and Lee suggested that I do the Sorghum Festival. This is a small festival in Clifford, about 20 minutes from the house. I signed up to do it, gathered all of our handmades, mind you it was mostly wood smalls and some furniture. Talk about the nerves!! I was sooo nervous. Here I was in my mid-late 40's doin' my first show...what was I thinking?? Most people start this stuff a lot earlier in life. We got it all set up and left. When we returned in the morning some of my stuff was a'missin'. Ladies had shopped after we left and had "their" stash in the back room. Now mind ya this is a 2 day show. Well, by the time Saturday afternoon was over, we had hardly nothin' left. So I came on home and grabbed some antiques that were here...nuttin' fancy just some items so have displayed...and they too sold. Sooo, we figured to expand to another show. The Apple Festival...still a local show. WOW! That to is a 2 day show and by Sunday we had one small box to pack and come home. Now ya know how we got started doin this. And it has grown...by trial and many many errors!! I got my first sewing machine 2 years ago...now this is a girl who flunked sewing in home ec. class. I received many lessons from cousin Lynette over the phone and via e-mail, and today I am still learning!! My collection of patterns tops 'prolly somewheres between 75-100. Have I made them all up you ask. Well, actually.....no. But I have them when I want them. This has become a wonderful learning and creating experience for Lee and I and it is a way for us to spend quality time together. He has been at all my shows over the last 4 years and without him to carry the big stuff...and packages when I shop...I would have been lost. I used to go under the name of Prim and Proper Antiques and Originals...but today we are Millstone Mercantile...Peddlin' Antiques, Primitive Wares and Needful Goods (our logo). I am officially known as the troll that lives in the basement...and to hear Lee tell it..he lets me out only on special occasions...like meal time. So, now we do somewhere between 5-7 shows a year and have a shop...or booth I should say, and if you read yesterdays post you know that soon I will also be at Notforgotten Farm. We stay pretty busy, I run this business and Lee runs the construction business, sometimes the two cross each other, but for the most part we manage to keep 'em separate. (Just never know who to charge the lumber to!!)... That's how it all began.


Well, my friends, the troll is off to the home shop...got lots to do and while he is in Bedford painting I may just get it done!


Have a great day...blessings to you.
Robin

Old Tool Boxes, Cookie Cutters...And BIG News

It was love at first sight!! Love the old tool boxes or seed boxes. And the BIG chippy green tool box...oh my! The cookie cutters were found in the Ohio Valley Amish country. I must have 5 or 6 of the old caddies, but I think this one is my favorite. It has been in every corner, nook and crannie of the home I think. Now it sits on the old green box in front of the fireplace in the Gathering Room.

Anyhoo...whatcha doin' today. Crafting, cleaning or just nothin'? I am going for a haircut!!! I am counting down the hours until my appointment...cause right now I am scary lookin'! After my haircut I always feel like have lost about 10 pounds and look years younger. I know though I have not but it's still fun to think that way. Makes getting older easier!

Spent most of yesterday in the homeshop, I managed to get right much accomplished. Nooo I did not get it organized...don't they say that not being organized is a sign of great things??? If that's true...I have it made!

Going tomorrow to paint my little corner of the world...the booth at Bell's Treasures in Bedford. Lee said he wanted to take up some of the bigger pieces of furniture with us...great now I have to paint and NOT get it on the furniture...I can do it.

I guess you are waiting for the BIG news huh? Drum roll please...I am teaming up with

Lori...Notforgotten Farm...and TOGETHER we hope to blaze new trials. We have sooo much in our heads...now we just have to pull it all together (some days that is easier said then done) Lori, I am sooo looking forward to this new chapter in our lives, we CAN do this girlfriend. I know in my heart that this will work and that the shop will be awesome!! (primitive heaven) Please wish us luck!! But first things first...gotta go get my hair cut!!

Talk to you later,

Blessings from Virginia,

Robin

Buggy Ride Anyone?

Good morning to ya!! We have been looking for a buggy seat for a while now and I finally found one I could afford this past weekend. This is actually what I gave Lee for his birthday. I know you are asking where I am going to put it...I am thinking at the foot of our bed. I also bought an old coverlette that I think I will throw on it...so whatcha think? I forgot to take a picture of the throw, but it blue and cream...I am not much on the seat...blue velvet. Lee thinks I should keep it that way...but I figure if I put the throw on it I can hide most of the velvet. Anyway, we are happy with it.

Justin came for dinner last night and we really had an enjoyable time. My parents came for cake and they got along nicely. It was really the first time they had met.

Oh yeah...it is RAINING here...cats and dogs to be exact!!!

Of course I need to go out today, but I will NOT complain about getting wet! We need this so bad, you can almost here the plants drinking it all in. Of course my little Tinsley was not real thrilled to get wet this morning...he hates to get his feet wet.

Today, like I said is a few errands and then it is inventory all day. YUK!! I hate to do that. But I have to get it all done so I can take a load up to Bell's this weekend....maybe. I really need to clean the home shop...kinda looks like the Tazmanian Devil had a field day down there!! I do not know where anything is or what I have down there. You know how it is when you go shopping and you just kinda drop it where you stand...well that is pretty much what happened when we unloaded trailer...it is everywhere!!

Well friends, I am going to the back porch to see and listen to this strange stuff that is falling from the sky...and drink ONE more cuppa coffee before I start my day.

Have a good one...until next time

Blessings,

Robin

Be Happy...With Sunflowers

Be HAPPY!!! Don'tcha just love sunflowers? I do...they remind me of

cool fall lazy days! Of which is still FAR away! They had these beauties at the store

yesterday and they screamed to me...LOOK BUY ME! So of course I did.
Today, for me is catchup day...floors to clean, laundry to wash and you know the rest.
I have kinda neglected to the homestead...been sorta busy creating instead!! Which by the way is sooo much funner than laundry!! I still can't figure out how 2 people can create so much laundry...I still say my animals play dress up while we are away!! I am cooking dinner tonight for Lee's birthday. On the menu is chicken in gravy, mashed potatoes, green peas and birthday cake. Sounds pretty good, huh? It is!!! Of course I will take out ALL of the calories before it is served!!lol
Today he is starting the new shop in Bedford. I am looking forward to settling in and having a home for Millstone. Of course I am still looking to have another one closer to home, but we shall see what transpires in the future, you just never know what the future will hold, that's what makes it so exciting. I know I am not looking forward to packing and moving...the furniture is heavy and I have a lot of it!! My poor back!!!
Well my friends, it is that time...I hear the mop calling my name...the sooner I finish the sooner
I can get to the home shop for some creating and cleaning up one huge mess!!! But that is another story in itself!!
Have a blessed and happy day...just think sunflowers!
Robin

SUCCESS ...THANK YOU

Before I begin...Thank You to EVERYONE who made Millstone's show a huge success.

Without you and your support I could not have done it. Now.....

WHAT FUN WE HAD!!! It was so nice to see everyone and meet so many new people. I can't begin to tell you what all we sold...my chair pads are now at home in Washington, DC, needlepunches will have new homes all over as they will be used for Christmas gifts and my eagle is going to war. A very proud mama bought him for her son and he is headed into battle. I feel very honored. There were sooo many people that braved the 108 (heat index) heat to lend their support for this great show.

For those that know me personally, you know now why I always say bring a bib!! I drooled a bunch at some of the fine antiques that I saw. Bucket benches, stepbacks, stools.....and the list continues. And the hand made items...oh! what wonderful artisans.

My friend Robin came up and she was in heaven. I really don't think she new where to begin and I truly think she would still be there if it were not for the show ending!!!!...Love ya Robin and thanks for your support!!!!!

My very bestest of friends...LORI...got voted best booth!!! Way to go girlfriend!! Enjoy your chicken and dumplings at Cracker Barrell....and peanut butter pie!!!

Tomorrow is Lee's birthday and Justin will be coming for dinner. He saw his cake today and wants a piece sooo bad. NOOOO. Yeah yeah I bought it at the store today, my name is not Betty Crocker ya know!!

And then Tuesday it is off to the home shop to start working on the next show....Lori's... Gathering Of Primitive Friends. Can't wait, we have a lot of fun with this show and it's outside!!! Just pray for no rain!!(I can't believe I said that) Speaking of rain...we had almost 100percent chance here this afternoon...no clouds no where in sight...nada zilch no leaves turning over NOTHING!

Well my blessed friends, have a great Sunday evening...

Until next time

Robin

Bloom Where You Are Planted or Transplanted

Our good friends Lori and Peter gave us this Rose of Sharon on their last visit. Lee carefully planted it and it LIVED!!
We don't always have the bestest luck with plants, but we managed on this one.
I have come to the conclusion over the last few days that you just never know what will survive.
In my case it is a relationship. I know you have heard that some people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Pretty much since Monday I have become the proud step-mom to Lee's son. They are building their relationship after 12 years apart. This time he will be here for a lifetime. They have much catching up to do and so far are off to a wonderful start. Keep in mind he is now 26 years old. After many years my husband now seems complete and I could not be more proud of him. We are both very glad to have him in our lives.
Enough of the mushy stuff...I am officially ready for the show...well sorta. Just gotta get Little Bit packed up and finish 2 small items and then we will be ready to roll in the morning. Looking so forward to seeing everyone again
Hope that you can join us for Summer In The Valley on Saturday.
Blessings,
Robin

H.O.T.

Mornin', or I guess I really be sayin' afternoon to ya. I don't know 'bout y'all but where I come from it is HOT. I guess that is why I am feelin' so slow and sluggish. My get up and go got up and left! There are things that I really should be doing but the energy level is just not happening. Lee and I worked in the home shop last night and we actually are READY to pack up "Little Bit"...our trailer and travel to the show. We call her Little Bit 'cause we can get a little bit more in there. She is cute though, found her at Lowe's and she fits behind our Jeep. I wish I some long tale to tell ya, but I don't. Life has been pretty plain round here, but I guess that is a good thing.

I am headed to the home shop, got a few last minute things to finish up and I have started working on the next 3 shows that are on the schedule. My friends, have a very blessed day and if you are in the heat, please be careful.

Until next time...wishing you much success and happiness

Robin