It pays to water flowers.

My mother entrusted me with watering her orchids while she and my father were away.  They went on a road trip to Florida and back, with a few stops along the way.  While they were gone, she picked up a few things for me.  She knows how much I love Billy Jacobs prints, yet I don't own one, so she brought this one back for me in appreciation for watering the plants.

She picked it up at great store called Country Primitives & Homespun Crafts in Winter Haven, FL.  I let Nikki know ahead of time that I was sending my mom there.  I had run across her blog and knew my mom would love her shop.  Here are a few things I had her pick up for me.  Aside from being there shopping, doing it over the phone while looking at pics of the shop, was the next best thing.

She also picked up this sugar sack, for me, at an antique store.

My mom has had some pine pieces that I told her I would prim up for her and I finally got them done.  Here is one shelf that we hung in her bedroom.  I forgot to get a before picture, but it was just plain pine.  The other piece isn't decorated yet, so I didn't get a pic of it.

The next project I am taking on for her is this little bench.

This is the trencher I talked her into agreed that she should buy on our road trip before Christmas.  I've got some more oranges dried to fill it up a little more.

And one of the Billy Jacob prints she bought herself.

I've got a quick and easy wood project planned for my next post.  The kids are home on March Break this week, so hopefully they let me get to it sooner than later.

Spring is officially one week away!!!  Lets hope the weather reflects that.  I noticed tulip and daffodil leaves poking through the dirt today and a robin too!  Such nice things to see.

I am a Winner!!!

This is my very first win in blogland!  I am very excited about it too!  I won these beautiful earrings made by Dreamy Vintage and the giveaway was offered by Kate at Primitive Post.  They will be perfect for spring!  Thanks so much Kate!!!

Antique and Prim Shopping

I spent a great day today with Heather.  We had a lot of laughs, which is just what I was needing lately.  A little pick-me-up. Our first stop was at an Antique Mall were I found a few treasures.  I didn't spend a lot though which is always a good thing.  Each of these items were under $5!  This is the first time I have found a spool with the wool still on it and they were 35% off!  The tin piece in the top right corner I am going to use for some homemade prim soap I made. (I've got to remember to blog about that)

The next stop was another little antique store.  I kindest old man runs it.  He took us into the mysterious back room, that has a warning sign, "Do not enter".  Those who do get scolded.  I think an aunt of mine had that happen to her. lol  So back to the story, he had this large crock back there that he sold to me, cause I didn't give Heather a chance to get it too, for $5!!!!.  She got one the same size for the same price, so don't feel too sorry for her. lol  It does have a crack in it, hence the price, but that doesn't bother me, it looks good from far.

Our next stop was to visit Marylin at The Old Country Cupboard.  This is really the only prim shop we have in the area and she has just about everything we could ask for.  If she doesn't, she's always willing to try her best to get an item in.  As well, she is the nicest person.  Here is a picture of her shop from the doorway and Heather making a purchase.

Thanks for another great day Heather!!!!  The skies were gloomy, but our spirits weren't.  We also spent the drive time doing a little brainstorming.  More about that later. :D

I've been busy with a few other things as well.  I have been wanting to try making penny rugs.  I researched and found a few tutorials.  There isn't a lot out there though.  Here is what I have come up with so far.  The most time consuming part is cutting all those circles.

Also, I made up a batch of pantry cakes.  My Aunt Sharron ordered two from me and I had enough to make three extra.  They smell so good!!!!

I've got a few more things to blog about, but I'll save that for another day.  This one was on the long side. LOL  Have a great night!

And the WINNER IS........

First, we want to thank everyone who joined in this giveaway.  We wish we had a gift for each one of you.  And also, we are very appreciative of all our new followers.  So, without further ado, the first place winner is

Oops, is that part of the prize in the bowl? hehehehe

Me pulling the names.

Brenda from The Rusty Thimble!!!!!!  Congrats Brenda.  And we added a second prize.  The winner of that is....

Linda at Meadowbrook Cabin Primitives.  We just need your mailing addresses, Brenda and Linda, and the packages will be on their way.  When you get them, we need you to post a picture of what you received so that everyone else can see too.

Thanks again ♥♥♥

I'm Rag Quilting Again

I think the method of rag quilt is 'my thing'.  I put together a bunch of Rag Quilt mug rugs.

I made them with two layers.  The bottom layer is a flannel, so they are absorbent, and soft to protect furniture.  I couldn't stop making them and have extras so I'm going to take my first step in the direction of selling some of my wares.  (I'm not sure why, but it makes me a little nervous) I am offering these up, $5.00 for the pair and shipping is free.

Blue Ticking ~SOLD~ 

 If anyone is interested, you can email me lorisimard@gmail.com

Also, one last reminder for our giveaway!!!!  There is only one day left to sign up.  Heather and I can't wait to draw the name of the lucky winner.

Grubbied Up with Wax and Spices

Oh, yet another morning of crafting fun with Heather.  She treated us to homemade banana bread!  One of my favorites.  To my surprise, she put together a little gift for helping her with her blog!  It was a great surprise.  She gave me some of her salt dough ornies, bunnies and eggs, a bundle of clothes pins, a rusty star, blown eggs, an old hanger and a jar candle!!!  Carmel drizzled popcorn!

This is what I did with hanger.  The dress that is hanging on it is a Christening gown that has been in my husbands family.  All three of my sons wore it for their Christening.  Between the colour of the walls, the wood and the fabric, I think it looks good here.

I went to Heather's with a purpose, to make grungy tapers and clothes pins.  I have to say, it's not one of my favorite things to do, but the results were good.  It took us a few tries to get just the look we were both happy with.  Heather seemed to have just the right technique, so I let her take over and I manned the camera. I kind of disappeared on her a few times. LOL  Here is the link to her post about it.  Grubby candles  Here are a few photos of the ones I brought home.  And they smell delicious!

Just another reminder of our giveaway.  The count down is on.  5 days left to get in on it!

Another Rag Quilt

I finished up this one for a Christmas gift for my mother.  I couldn't post it at the time because she visits my blog and that would have spoiled the surprise. lol  And surprised she was.  She had been hinting she wanted one for a long time.
The squares on this one are two layers, (you can see the 'x' I sewed through them).  The solid colours are flannel and the printed squares are a cotton.

I'm off to Heather's again.  Today we are doing something I have been wanting to do for a while.  We are going to wax and grubby some candles and clothes pins.  I've been putting off doing it because of the mess.  It will be more fun making a mess when you have someone else to help clean it up. LOL 

Running Rabbit Make -Do

I finally got around to making up this make-do.  I saw the tutorial for it, as well as the pattern at Lynne's blog, ♥ A Simpler Time ♥  I love her blog!  I made him out of some vintage fabric and have him on my mantel.

Displayed with him are some of the eggs I made with Heather yesterday.  These are small plastic eggs that we coated in craft glue and rolled in a coffee/cinnamon mixture.

I couldn't decide were to display them.  They look good here and I also had them on my windowsill above my sink, right next to the sunflower my sun planted and grew at school and gave to me for Valentine's day. *Ahhhhh*  I think I will have to make more to put in both places. (sorry about the back light in this picture.  But the sun is actually shining today! Yahoo!)

I put the some of the fabric wrapped ones on my stove board.  I cut up an egg carton, grubbied it up a little and put them in there.  We first found this idea at Libbie's Home.

One more thing I wanted to share with you.  Back in the fall, when everything was dying off, I cut my (already dried and dead) sunflowers and tucked them away for when inspiration struck me.  I put a few stems in this jug.  I am also going to cut some of the heads off the stems, shower them with a prim scent and use them as a bowl filler.

Ok, I lied. One last note, don't forget to sign up for our first ever giveaway.  I know there are a lot of exciting ones out there right now.

A Whopper of a Giveaway

It's going to be like Christmas in Spring for the lucky person that wins this giveaway.  The
Primitive and Folk Artists Etsy Team has gotten a "few" (21) handmade items together for this giveaway.  Click on the picture to take you to their blog and giveaway.