Brush Strokes and Stitches

Wynter Snow Angel Giveaway

2009-11-16T19:38:00.002-05:00

Isn't she the most darling little Angel you have ever seen? I just love her! She is a giveaway by Marilyn at http://whimseythoughts.blogspot.com/ . The drawing will be held on December 5th, so HURRY.

Old Farmhouse Gathering Holiday Giveaway

2009-11-09T19:43:00.005-05:00

WOW! If you are looking for some of the BEST handmade Prim items to decorate your home for this Holiday Season, look no farther! Just type ofg into your browser and you are in for a treat! In the meantime, why don't you drop by their blog and sign up for their wonderful Holiday Celebration Giveaway? They'll be glad to see you and YOU will be happy you did. Here's the link to that wonderful basket full of beautiful Prim items. http://oldfarmhousegathering.blogspot.com/ Good Luck!

Not one but TWO Giveaways

2009-11-02T08:34:00.004-05:00

OK......this is the biggest Giveaway that I have been priviledged to enter! Just look at all those goodies! Makes you heart skip a beat to think you could be the winner of one of them! You have a choice of the beautiful tea cozy group.....or the Stitchery kit and several handmade ornaments! To get all the details go to http://blushingroseboutique.blogspot.com/ and register. This fantastic giveaway ends Nov. 9th, so HURRY. I would love to win the stitchery (#2) prize!

Christmas Raggedy Giveaway

2009-11-01T20:47:00.002-05:00

Who wouldn't love this face? Isn't she a cutie? She will be given away soon, so hurry over to Wilmas Wimzees and sign up. http://wilmaswimzees.blogspot.com/

AIR-O-SWISS giveaway

2009-10-31T10:45:00.003-04:00

I am entering this giveaway http://mkokopelli.blogspot.com/ to try to win it for a gift! I know someone whose health would most certainly improve with an Evaporator AOS E2441 . Humidification reduces the dust in the air of your home, and for respiratory patients this is so important.

Giveaways Giveaways Giveaways!

2009-10-31T10:22:00.002-04:00

I just love ALL these items, and would be thrilled to be the lucky recipient of this giveaway! The giveaway expires Nov. 7th, so no time to hesitate. Isn't that Santa a delight?

All you have to do is leave a comment and if you Blog, post the giveaway on your blog for extra points! EZPZ! http.//willowbendprims.blogspot.com/

How cute are These?

2009-10-29T20:10:00.004-04:00

Who would think that a scrap wood from your stash could become something so cute?! Go see what else Tamara does on her Blog. http://bridgewayprimitivesforsale.blogspot.com/ You won't be disappointed!

Christmas Signs Giveaway

2009-10-27T09:27:00.003-04:00

Hurry over to Amy's blog and sign up for these cute signs she is giving away! Drawing will be November 6th!

http://irishcorkiesprimitives.blogspot.com/2009/10/irish-corkies-primitives-first-blog.html?showComment=1256649550682#c5683054625319064847

Just TOO Cute!

2009-10-24T21:14:00.003-04:00

Isn't this the cutest thing you've ever seen? I love it! If you'd like a chance to win it, get on over to http://whitesheepprimitive.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-first-blog-give-away.html?showComment=1256433092498#c7175291027291924519 and sign up!

KitchenAid Mixer Giveaway

2009-10-23T12:51:00.002-04:00

My Wooden Spoon is giving away my all time favorite wished for stand mixer by KitchenAid! Hurry on over there and enter!!

http://mywoodenspoon.com/2009/10/22/kitchenaid-stand-mixer-products-and-giveaway/

Has Fall Arrived?

2009-10-22T10:37:00.004-04:00

When the leaves start to turn and the South Carolina temperatures begin to lower.......it is usually a sure sign that Fall is on the horizon, and I couldn't be happier to welcome it! I love cool days that let me start baking and simmering big pots of homemade soups and chowders. Fresh baked breads with our suppers and lots more home baked desserts as well. I even get a head start on some of my holiday gift items. Yesterday I took advantage of a beautiful cool day and cranked up the old oven to bake some requested Apple Dumplings, (one of our all-time favorites), and before ya knew it, I had also whipped up a batch of Cherry Bread!

(See that poor little fellow on the back row.......he never had a chance!) And he was so good, the other small loaf met the same end. They didn't go alone, they were accompanied by hot cups of coffee and huge SMILES. The rest are snuggled safe in the freezer for later. For us, one mini loaf makes 4 modest desserts or 2 large servings. We don't mess around when it comes to eating.

I'm thinking about a batch of Dish Pan Cookies for my next bake-off.....Film at 11.

Painters giveaway

2009-10-21T20:49:00.004-04:00

Now this is a painter's dream come true...More surfaces to paint on! We never seem to have enough different surfaces. MamaB is having a super giveaway that will add lots of new surfaces to your stash. Just check it out! http://mommabsfrontporch.blogspot.com/ . Hurry 'cause it ends November 8th ! I sure hope I win..........

Candle giveaway!

2009-10-12T14:07:00.004-04:00

Don't these look divine? They come in several different fragrances to choose from too! I would love to win them. If you'd like to enter this giveaway, go to

http://sugarcreekhollow.blogspot.com/2009/09/halloween-candle-trio-giveaway.html

Another Giveaway!

2009-10-12T10:49:00.003-04:00

Just look at this beautiful old rusty scale! Isn't it grande? If you'd like a chance to win her, get on over to http://rosepetalsandrustprimitives.blogspot.com/2009/09/give-away_13.html and sign up. I would love to win it!

Jody's Giveaway!

2009-10-08T22:13:00.003-04:00

http://primgalsprimitivepalette.blogspot.com/

Somehow I messed up getting this giveaway posted, but it is SO worth the wait! You need to go enter, if you haven't. Jody does the most spectacular work, sure hope I win!

Another Great Giveaway!

2009-10-08T11:37:00.003-04:00

You better hurry over to Cinnamon Berry Lane and check out her fantastic giveaway. I DID!

http://cinnamonberrylane.blogspot.com/2009/10/santa-blog-giveaway.html

A Fantastic Giveaway

2009-09-17T14:42:00.003-04:00

Holy Smoke everyone, don't walk, but RUN on over to http://firecrackerkid.blogspot.com/2009/09/firecracker-kids-first-blog-giveaway.html and sign up for her giveaway! She does the most beautiful work. I sure hope I WIN!

LOOKIE what WE got!!

2009-05-20T19:34:00.003-04:00

I seem to get busy and all else takes a back seat, that includes coming here to write. Right now it is strawberry picking time everyday, and being a slowpoke, it takes me forever, not to mention the gallon of linament it takes to get me out of the muscle cramps from stooping over while doing the picking. I have many more strawberry plants to thin out too. I've already given away over 100 and probably have that many more to thin out. Need any strawberries?? OK, maybe not, hahaha.
Today we had another errand to do before the garden chores. We went to pick up our 'New to Us' Motorhome! We are SOOOOO excited!! It isn't new by any means, but it is in very good condition for it's age, and runs really great. It is custom designed for just 2 old duffers like us and we can't wait to get to really try it out on the road. Just have to find enough time to DO IT now. I have been sooo wanting to go for a vacation, and that is now a real goal! I'm gonna try to get a few pictures in here, so hope this works.

The REST of the story...

2009-03-22T10:46:00.002-04:00

Well..........it has been yet another busy week around here. Retired or not..the work never seems to end.....it just gets put off a little longer sometimes.
I promised to reveal the reverse side of the Swap gourd once my secret swap partner received her gift, so here it is. This is definately a OOAK gourd. Whenever possible I love to personalize gifts to let the recipiant know that it was made JUST for them! Unfortunately I forgot to 'title' this gourd....but had I remembered it would have been 'HARMONY'.
I had the BEST time yesterday. Got up and was having my coffee and chatting with Sis Doris when she said.."why don't ya come over and spend the day with me and the Grands?".....Hmmmmmm why NOT..so off I went to Rock Hill! I was a bit early for the 'roundup' of grands and we made good use of the time going to our old haunts...the THRIFT STORES....yeahhhhh!! Doris came to a screaching stop at a yard sale on our way, and found the cutest bookstand for $1.00! Hey Sis I want to take a pattern off that before you paint it!! I can see a few more of them in our future!
We finally made the kiddy pickups and headed to the park to have a 'snack' and play on all the glorious jungle gym equipment! I could only wish for that much energy to course through my veins in a WEEK.....let alone an hour! How DO they do that? Thank goodness there was a wonderful bench swing there for us old grannys to sit on while the kids played their hearts out! Once they had their fill..........it was off to 'DuckVille' with stale bread to feed the ducks and whoever else decided to grad lunch. Seems they have nibble fests with the wild Canadian geese and seagulls, not to mention the Crappie and leatherback turtles. There must have been 100 turtles that we SAW.......so surely there were many more that we missed. Each one of us took a loaf of bread.....(gotta have them carbs)..and the grands had a BALL. (OK........so did I !) We strolled around the good sized pond and even had to wade thru a little stream that overflowed one part of the path. It was great fun and I hope we get to do it again........once we grannys recooperate a little! Youngins can wear old folks OUT! But WAIT.....we weren't done yet!
Once the duck pond activities played out, we headed to the house for quick showers and fresh clothes.......and off to Pineville,NC for a grand time at Chuck E Cheese's!.... oh YIPPEE! In all honesty...I did have a great time, as wearing as it was on an old woman! You have to remember, I am NOT accustomed to wrangling 3 energetic youngin's in a packed arena of 500 other kids and adults! But all in all I think they had a great time,,,,,,and so did Doris and I! I still have to manage the photos, and if Doris approves perhaps I will sneak a few of them in here. WHAT A TRIP! I got back home a little before 10pm and was all to happy to just put my feet up for a much needed rest.
THANKS Doris AND Taylor, Brett and Riley.....I had a BLAST !

Spring Swap is on it's way!

2009-03-14T20:39:00.008-04:00

YIPPEEEE....For once I am NOT late finishing an exchange. I big ol'girl! I had the best time preparing and executing this project! It is always nice to make something you feel is special for someone you 'know'.
I belong to a great group of Prim and Shabby Chic artists called 'Old Farmhouse Gathering' and every so often they hold an exchange or swap. Everyone that wants to participate lets the hostess know........and then the hostess draws randomly to place each player with another player, secretly, and the fun begins. As the projects are finished the artist posts a photo in a special group album so we can all drool over them and HOPE we get our favorite item. It is HARD to just pick one.....I would like to have them ALL.. Then on or about a pre set date we all mail our items to their new homes, and hope our Surprise partner will like it.
This being a Spring Swap, I Pyroengraved 3 of the cutest bunnies, on a big gourd. It just says "Spring" to me. And with Easter right around the corner, what better than bunnies? I intended to title the finished piece "HARMONY"....but I forgot. Never the less........My offering is on it's way. Once my Swap partner receives her gift, I will let you see the other side of the gourd. This gourd is DEFINATELY a OOAK!!! Film at 11...........

Where were we?

2009-02-26T09:43:00.004-05:00

Oh YES!
I was telling you about Christy Jordan and her fantastic blog Southern Plate. Christy has been exclaiming about her Apple Dapple Cake for weeks (that I know of) and I haven't had the chance to make it yet.Welllllllllll.... I am planning a 2 day visit at my sister's this weekend, and WHAT has she done? You guesses it. She has baked this cake for a wonderful welcome! We tempt each other often by sending photos of what the other is 'missing out on'. She wanted me to know that I was missing the fabulous aroma of fresh baked apples this morning. LOL
Now she didn't mix this all up by herself......oh no...she has the culinary expertice of her youngest Granddaughter Riley. Riley is 4 and already quite the expert cook/baker! She does a magnificent job helping with whatever task you assign her. Now understand, these chores must be accomplished before she goes to school.....so they started baking long before I even cracked my eyelids open for the day. THANKS Riley...you are a keeper kiddo!
I am going to surprise Riley with the fabulous Peanutbutter Brownies/Peanutbutter Fudge Icing, (also from Southern Plate ), between her and GrandPa Reggie, I'm not sure who will eat the most. Film at 11.... I can hardly wait to get there.....See ya soon Sis!

Have I told ya Lately....?

2009-02-24T16:24:00.006-05:00

Wellll no, I guess I haven't! Beings how I haven't made an entry here since last JULY! My how time flies.
ANYHOW......let me start off by saying it is always hectic around here, and we are retired........not sure exactly what that has to do with anything, but I thought it meant I could just sit back and relax......NOT quite. There always seems to be something I need to do or somewhere I have to rush off to. Ahhh the good life. Now where was I? OH YEAH!
I have a 'new' best blog friend! I usually don't follow anything for very long,,,,,,,,(havin' a short attention mode)...LOL......but I can't get enough of Christy Jordan at Southern Plate! She has the best darn recipes and tips! and I want to cook or bake everything I see on her blog! She is a down to earth simple does it gal, and I just LOVE her attitude! She cooks good ol' country Southern style dishes...the kind you would find on any supper table in the deep South on almost any given day. Christy can do a step by step tutorial as good as any of them out there.....and once ya read it, ya just HAVE TO get up and go do it yourself! Great Job Christy!!! I look forward to her posts every day. Right now she is having a wonderful giveaway...so git on over there and sign up for it! Ya hear!?

JULY a Time to Celebrate Freedom

2008-07-01T15:19:00.007-04:00

Here it is July,,,,and the celebration of our Independence is upon us. We should all thank God for what we do have and take a moment to reflect upon what others throughout the world wish they did have, Freedom.

Freedom to follow our dreams and the freedom to go where, do what, and be who we are, without fear. Throughout the history of our great country, many have sacrificed dearly so we can have that freedom. Not only the military personnel, but the families that wait for them and pray for their safe return home. Often times those prayers are answered, but not in the way desired. Many a flag draped casket has been brought home because that soldier paid the ultimate price so we could enjoy freedom. Not only did the soldier pay the price, but so did that Mother, Father, sister, brother and/or child of that soldier. Look around you........How many of you have been personally touched by the loss of someone that fought for our freedom? Most probably......

Some of these soldiers come home alive...but are scarred for life both physically and mentally. It isn't an easy job they undertook, but they do it bravely, knowing the hazards could be great. So when you see a soldier anywhere...take a moment to shake his hand or even hug his neck, and say "Thank You, for your service, I appreciate it!"

While we all celebrate the Fourth of July....take a few moments to remember...
FREEDOM is NOT free....bow your head and say a prayer for the soldiers that are at war right now...and all those that have gone before. THESE are the Heroes of Independence Day! I Salute them, one and all.

God Bless America!!

Long Time No See

2008-05-30T08:33:00.002-04:00

And so goes the story. Seems I can't get here as often as I would like, nor do I feel like I always have something to jot down here. However when I do start I can ramble on for quite some time...go figure.
This time of year is especially busy for me. No matter what I start it is interrupted numerous times, which frustrates me and just lose the drive needed to get back into it. Having a distraction pop up, just pulls me onto a different path and I lose sight of where I was going in the first place...and so goes the normal day of this old woman, doing lots and never getting anything finished. Eventually something will fall off the end of the 'finished' assembly line, and it never fails to amaze me that something got DONE.
The last such item where these cute little soap cakes. I hand painted one for a RAK to a wonderful member on the Old Farmhouse Gathering group. She brightens every one's day with her delightful glimpses into her younger days. She always had a chuckle in her 'voice' and is so helpful to all the members and especially the new ones. So to her I sent a small token of appreciation. THANKS CAROL!
Carol had mentioned that she would like to see a bar of soap painted with a 'chicken' (she has this thing for a chicken, hahaha)...and have the bar be in a crocheted 'sock' so it could hang on the wall. Soooooo... I put on my thinking cap and after a couple trial runs I produced what I thought was acceptable. I decided the red sock was a little too much, and went on to crochet several socks in Ecru, which I thought blended better. Laced them with red ribbon and HURRAY...Soap in a sock! That and a lot of chocolate nibbles, and a RAK was born for Carol. I couldn't have pulled this off without the help of Doris, Jody and Ms. Linda...I needed advise AND help finding Carol's snail-mail address. THANKS ladies. You are the BEST!
Hope to see y'all again soon....

Busy Busy Busy

2008-05-07T08:00:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone... I have been so darn busy lately, what with the garden going in and roses that need to be tended, not to mention thinning the peaches off our 3 little dwarf trees. Oh how painful that is, but there are so many small fruits on these little 5 foot trees, the limbs are in danger of breaking off. This is the first year that we will actually have fruit from the peaches, last year they froze off when a cold snap hit here the first part of April. I haven't mentioned the strawberry patch...If all those berries keep coming, I will have to start a truck farm.....ok, so that is an exaggeration, but there are gobs of fruit ripening right now. Has anyone got a secret to keep the Mocking birds away from the berries? They are the biggest problem we have with damaged fruits.
Besides the everyday tasks that need to be done, I have also taken my paint box back out. It has been way too long since I did any painting. I just listed another Hen and Chicks wooden platter on Etsy yesterday. I also finished 2 flag and Eagle painted bottle lamps. Miles drills the holes through the glass for a strand of mini lights and it turns reclaimed bottles into great little accent/night lights. I love to use reclaimed items that would otherwise go into the landfills, and make usable attractive decorative items out of them.
Today I hope to get 2 more bottles completed and I still need to complete a doll I have had in the works for weeks. Yeah........I hit a wall every so often, and projects get put on the back burner until I can get a mental fix on them again. I have plans for several other projects also, so guess I need to get in gear. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you day is as productive as you want it to be also.