Riverwood Primitives

2010-12-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

The earth has grown old with its burden of care
But at Christmas it always is young,
The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair
And its soul full of music breaks the air,
When the song of angels is sung. ~ Phillips Brooks

A Big Day for Small Business

2010-11-21T15:45:00.000-08:00

November 27, 2010 is the first-ever Small Business Saturday.
A day to come together in support of the small businesses we love - the shops and restaurants that employ our neighbors and reinvest our money close to home, the businesses that are the heartbeat of our communities and local economies.
Take the pledge to support small business. Join the movement!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

Rusticity

2010-10-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

...the condition of being rustic.

A Murder of Crows

2010-09-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

...awaiting Halloween!

A Day at Brimfield

2010-09-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

Finally made it to the Brimfield show this year. Thousands of dealers, tons of shoppers and the best junk (aka antiques) anywhere!

Got a bunch of these.

And some milk bottles.

Wish I had a garden...oh, well!

Pumpkins for Sale

2010-08-31T11:50:00.001-07:00

*****SOLD*****

2010-08-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

“With fingers weary and worn,
With eyelids heavy and red,
A woman sat in unwomanly rags,
Plying her needle and thread -
Stitch! stitch! stitch!”
~ Thomas Hood 1799-1845

Determined This Time

2010-07-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

I have a bad habit of starting things and not finishing them - like this crocheted afghan I started about 4 years ago.

So now I'm determined to finish it before it starts getting cold and I can actually use it. Yeah, right!

My Ideal Job!

2010-07-14T23:22:00.000-07:00

"This isn't your grandmother's antiquing. Pickers like Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are on a mission to recycle America, even if it means diving into countless piles of grimy junk or getting chased off a gun-wielding homeowner's land. Hitting back roads from coast to coast, the two men earn a living by restoring forgotten relics to their former glory, transforming one person's trash into another's treasure. American Pickers (seen on The History Channel) follows them as they scour the country for hidden gems in junkyards, basements, garages and barns, meeting quirky characters and hearing their amazing stories. If you think the antique business is all about upscale boutiques and buttoned-up dealers, this show may change your mind--and teach you a thing or two about American history along the way."

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

Summer

2010-06-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

Cause it's summer
Summer time is here
Yes it's summer
My time of year

Scarecrow People

2010-06-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

The wonderful lifesize creations of Michael Melle can be seen on the lawn of Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield, MA.

Some based on classic paintings by Millet and Corot.

Made of hay, sticks, string and wire.

Did he just move?

Memorial Day

2010-05-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

Flag of the Brave

"Put your Hands to Work...

2010-05-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

and your Hearts to God." ~ Shaker Motto

How to Make an 8-Pointed Star

2010-05-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

I came across an easy pattern to make an 8-pointed star and thought I'd share. You can make them as big or small as you want. They make great pinkeeps, pillows and ornaments.

Take a square piece of paper and fold in half. Fold in half again. Turn diagonally and fold point to point.

Holding the folded end, cut the top diagonally to resemble a diamond shape.

And there you have it.

Faded and Worn

2010-05-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

I bought this tattered old quilt at an antique mall a while back with the intention of cutting it up for craft projects. But every time I get out the scissors, I just can't seem to cut it. So, it sits at the foot of my bed...for now.

And the Winner...

2010-04-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

of Country Style is Sarah. Congratulations!

Happy Earth Day!

A Giveaway!

2010-04-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

While doing some spring cleaning, I came to the conclusion that I have way too many decorating books. So, I shall give one away!

Country Style by Judith & Martin Miller. "The essence of British, European and American country style illustrated in over 400 stunning colour photographs."

Leave a comment on this post to enter. A winner will be randomly chosen on Earth Day, April 22.

Just the tip of the iceberg!

2010-04-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

Pincushion

2010-03-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

pin·cush·ion [pin-koosh-uhn] - noun

A small cushion into which pins are stuck until needed.

Can't Wait!

2010-03-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

Available April 1st!

A new magazine featuring primitive, folk, historic, and early Americana style artwork. Handcrafted art-making will include dolls, paintings and mixed-media artwork, along with teddy bears in Stampington & Company’s new publication.

2010-03-17T00:08:00.000-07:00

Going Green

2010-03-13T22:10:00.000-08:00

"The greenest product is the one that already exists."

Doing my part to save the environment by recycling these old clothes I got at the flea market. I'll turn them into pincushions, pillows and doll dresses. Can't beat the price...just 99 cents each!

This one came with the prettiest buttons, too.

Fabric Eggs

2010-03-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

...are in my Etsy shop...SOLD!

The Sunshine State

2010-02-23T14:00:00.001-08:00

Spending some time in the sunshine state. Florida! Have to enjoy this warm weather while we can, the weatherman says a "winter blast" is on the way later in the week. Going down to 65 degrees!

2010-02-11T20:40:00.000-08:00

I claim there ain't
Another Saint
As great as Valentine.
~Ogden Nash

Think Spring

2010-02-04T13:36:00.000-08:00

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb

You Know You're into Primitives When...

2010-01-23T10:01:00.000-08:00

You stain or tea dye everything because it looks too new.
You practice making your handwriting look crooked.
Your family has to ask if they can drink from the pot of coffee that's on.
The inside of your dryer has a brownish tinge to it.
Your laundry hanging outside looks dirty.
You actually bleach something to get the color out so you can stain it.
You have to apologize for something not being dirty and tattered enough.
Someone tells you the item you are buying is ripped or stained and you say "that's OK."

Yup, been there.

Fabulous Flea Market Find

2010-01-17T13:14:00.000-08:00

Look what I found at a flea market last weekend! And for only 10 dollars! A metal server that was used in a church kitchen. Think I'll use it as a bookcase or perhaps it will hold my sewing supplies or my LP record collection or ...

I Won Again!

2010-01-14T13:09:00.001-08:00

Guess I must be doing something right. I won another Giveaway! This is Shaker the Snowman made by Laurie of The Whistle Stop Country Store. Love him, Laurie!

Trying Something New

2010-01-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

Sand art: Gluing colored sand to paper.

Next up: Learning to knit.

2009-12-31T17:00:00.000-08:00

Wishing You a Merry Christmas!

2009-12-22T13:45:00.000-08:00

O Christmas Tree!

2009-12-17T15:38:00.000-08:00

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There's only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!

A Busy Week

2009-11-29T19:26:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving and a craft show in the same week! Had lots of fun, but I'm pooped!

Think I'll unpack the car tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T08:48:00.000-08:00

10 More Days!

2009-11-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

Just 10 more days until the Old Deerfield Christmas Sampler Craft Fair! I'll be in Booth 221. Hope to see you there!

Feedsack Fabric

2009-11-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

I love fabric. All kinds. Recently, I've started to collect feedsack fabric. Initially feedsacks were plain unbleached cotton with product brands printed on them. Around 1925 colorful prints began to appear. Women would use them to make everything from quilts to dresses. Eventually it became cheaper to replace the fabric with paper sacks.

I love the coarse weave and colorful prints of these fabrics. Perfect for making pincushions!

2009-10-31T04:42:00.000-07:00

The only Ghost I ever Saw

2009-10-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

The only Ghost I ever saw
Was dressed in Mechlin -- so --
He wore no sandal on his foot --
And stepped like flakes of snow --

His Gait -- was soundless, like the Bird --
But rapid -- like the Roe --
His fashions, quaint, Mosaic --
Or haply, Mistletoe --

His conversation -- seldom --
His laughter, like the Breeze --
That dies away in Dimples
Among the pensive Trees --

Our interview -- was transient --
Of me, himself was shy --
And God forbid I look behind --
Since that appalling Day! -- Emily Dickinson

Having Fun with CelluClay

2009-10-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

Most of my time these days is spent getting ready for the Christmas Sampler show. This week I've been making papier mache ornies using CelluClay. It's great stuff - you just add water. Messy but fun!

Rag Balls

2009-10-12T13:02:00.000-07:00

A great way to use up all your fabric scraps and No sewing required. Just lots of glue!

Gingerbread Men

2009-10-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

I've been busy baking, I mean making, gingerbread men. They (almost) look good enough to eat.

I Won!

2009-09-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

I won a Giveaway from primitivebettys!

This sweet little doll, yummy smelling candle and some cute little pumpkins have found their way to a new home. Thank you Betty!

A Mistake

2009-09-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit of a perfectionist. I don't like making mistakes especially when it comes to sewing. So, why did I make the mistake of buying one of these?

Now I can see my mistakes up close and personal.

Pumpkins

2009-09-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

A sure sign of Fall.

Great display at The Picket Fence...

and the Farmer's Market.

Made by me!

The Winner

2009-09-15T09:40:00.001-07:00

...of the Giveaway is (or I should say are) Twyla and Lindsey. Congratulations!

Thank you to everyone who entered :-)

A Giveaway!

2009-09-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

This primitive sign and crow ornie can be yours!

Last year I was the lucky winner of a Giveaway. Now I want to have one, too. Just leave a comment to enter. The winner will be randomly chosen on September 15. Good luck!

Cape Cod, MA

2009-09-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

What I love most about the Cape are the miles of beaches and tons of antique shops.

Chatham Beach

Brewster Windmill

Dennisport Kayakers

Truro Vineyard

The best primitive shop on the Cape is The Picket Fence in Barnstable.

Rustic Roosters

2009-08-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Barb, for hosting a great Roosters Party!

2009-08-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

Woodstock

2009-08-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Has it really been 40 years? How'd that happen?

The Raven

2009-08-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

"But the Raven still beguiling all my fancy into smiling." ~ Poe

Tag Sale Saturday

2009-08-08T14:02:00.001-07:00

It was a perfect summer day for a tag sale or two.

My favorite find was this soup mug for 50 cents!

Collections

2009-07-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

"That perfect thing that I've always needed though didn't realize it until now." Love this quote from "Collections" by Mary Engelbreit.

Some things I need:

Make-do Pinkeeps

Wooden Bobbins

Metal Stars

Dogs Rule!

2009-07-23T11:54:00.001-07:00

There is no such thing

2009-07-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

...as a bad day at the beach.

Christmas in July

2009-07-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share a few things I've been working on for the Old Deerfield Christmas Sampler show in November.

Santas with antique cotton batting trim and beards.

Skinny cat with wool hat and quilt scrap nose.

Christmas tree with old hose nozzle trunk.

2009-07-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

Land of the Free. Home of the Brave.

The Little Things

2009-06-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

The historian Ken Burns remarked that history lies not just in the world's 'big events' but also in the little things that go on all around us every day.

This little sewing kit got me wondering about its history. Barely visible on the leather case are the words 'U.S. Marine Sewing Kit.'

The stories it could tell.

Bowl O' Berries

2009-06-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

I found these wonderful old bowls at a flea market recently. They came from the estate of a 92 year old woman. They were marked down from $90 to $75. Way over my budget. Well, it was the end of the day and starting to drizzle. Seeing how much I liked them, the seller offered them to me for $25! She even wrapped them up in pretty cloth napkins. I couldn't resist.

Repurposed Junk

2009-06-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

Except for a little cleaning here and there, I use my junk "as is" - I just try to find a new purpose for it.

An oil can is now a vase.

A rusty tin bucket holds soap.

An old post is a candleholder.

A glove mold holds jewelry.

A metal carrier is perfect for CDs.

Farmington Antiques Weekend

2009-06-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite shows is Farmington Antiques Weekend held on the Polo Grounds in Farmington, CT twice a year - June and September. Not as big as it once was, but still a great show. Here are just some of the goodies I came across this year.

The Frog

2009-06-07T16:13:00.001-07:00

...is finished at last! Started her weeks ago, but kept forgetting to buy green paint :-) Anyway, I think she was worth the wait.

Rocky

2009-05-30T18:55:00.001-07:00

He's a good boy!

A Taste of Primitive

2009-05-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

Doll by Little Country Loft

The term "primitive" is freely used to describe one style of dollmaking. There are many categories for the current primitive look, but most need one or more of the following qualities:

...Look of age - a deliberate aging by use of dyeing, fading, staining or distressing of fabrics. This gives them a time-worn, even dirty, appearance that something old might have.

...Innocence - crooked stitches, unproportional features, mismatched fabric and buttons are used. The look is generally simplistic but uninhibited.

...Intentionally ugly - big button eyes, bald and misshapen heads, rusty wire for hair, and a dominance of muted colors are used.

...Embellishments and fabrics - the fabrics chosen might include homespuns, wool, and other naturals. Often, vintage fabrics find new life on primitive dolls. Clothes are sometimes embroidered with decorative stitching or verses.

There is no right or wrong with primitive cloth dolls, they just are. Truly, primitive is in the eye of the beholder.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

Freedom isn't free.

Antiquing in Madison CT

2009-05-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

Great finds to be had at the antique show on the Madison Green.

Very retro!

Love her!

Aren't these the sweetest little dresses?

So cute!

Grungy Sugar Cones

2009-05-18T21:41:00.000-07:00

In Colonial times sugar was sold in solid form - often in blocks or cones. This recipe makes 2 sugar cones or 2 small cakes.

6 Cups of brown sugar
6 Tablespoons of water
Cooking spray
Deep cooking non-stick pot
Candy thermometer
Sugar cone mold or small aluminum pie pan
Wooden spoon

Spray mold or pie pan with cooking spray including sides and rim. Wipe out excess. Spray pot with cooking spray. Place sugar and water in pot. Stir well. Put pot on medium heat. Wait about 2 minutes then turn heat on high. Sugar will foam up. Continue to boil and stir well until sugar is dissolved. Place candy thermometer in pot and boil to 220 degrees. Remove from heat. (Optional: add 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon, allspice or cloves) Cool for 4-5 minutes. Pour into molds. Let sit until completely hard and then remove. (If mixture gets hard and sets up too soon, add 3 tablespoons of water and place back on heat until you reach 220 degrees.)