Thanks to Brenda at the Rusty Thimble, and some Christmas tree photos.

I was lucky enough to win this sweet ginger grater created by Brenda over at The Rusty Thimble.
Brenda is very talented and very generous with her giveaway.  Thanks Brenda!

 Charley wanted to show you his new favorite spot to sleep.  I seriously don't know how he does it!  It is nice and toasty warm. 

 My tree took 4 days to decorate with our crazy schedule over the weekend.  Hubby brought home a beautiful blue spruce and set it in the living room on Thursday evening.  Friday he was going to put the lights on while I went out to a Girls night.  Instead, he took the tree out and got a new one.  The blue spruce had dropped so many needles, we couldn't risk using it. UGH!!  Friday evening, in came the new frasier fir.  Saturday between a wedding and Christmas party the lights were put on.  Sunday it finally got decorated.  Every year I swear I'm going to buy a prelit artificial tree.  Maybe next year?

 The reason the tree skirt never stays put.

Some close ups.  I feel the need to pile the ornaments on my tree.  Someday I'll count them.

I'll post more decorations later. I'd love to see everyone's.

Happy Thanksgiving and a peek at my new Etsy listing

Happy Thanksgiving all.  I'm blessed to be surrounded by loved ones from home here in NJ, MI, and OH!!
I hope the 24lb turkey is big enough!!
It's a beautiful day and the sun is shinning.  The perfect day to entertain.

While here, take a peek at my new little Santa in the vintage jello mold.  He's one of my favorites!
I'm keeping one for me.

I have him listed over in my etsy shop.  Stop by and take a peek.  I made more than one using a pattern by Vicky at Homespun hugs and calico kisses.

The finished wreath

I've seen these beautiful sheet music wreaths all over blog land.  I had to make one. In the last post I showed the partially finished wreath.  It's now complete.

The wreath is a monster!! LOL.. I'm not sure where to hang it yet. I think a wall space will be best. It's almost as big as the door!  I really like the different colors of the music.

I'm spending the weekend doing major cleaning.  I like the house sparkling clean before I put up the Christmas decorations.  I want to get them up early this year, then sit back and enjoy.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone. I'll be taking time off to spend a few days with loved ones

.

My new creation that's off the norm.

I just had to do something new..  I've been blessed with a zillion etsy orders, but have the need to do something new and out of the norm.
My daughter Kate and I spent the evening burning our fingers making this sheet music wreath.  It's far from done, but I'm loving it!
I was inspired by Miss Mustard Seed's blog.  She has the best tutorials.(Not that I follow directions!) LOL...

It's still sitting on the floor. Needs to be glued etc.  It turned out so much bigger than I  thought it would.
I hope Hubby doesn't stomp on it early tomorrow morning!
I'll post the finished wreath.  In the meantime, I need to hunt for more sheet music.
Today, I did my Grandmother duty, and went to Grace's Kindergarten recital at the local Senors center.  I was blessed to see my 92 year old grandmother there, along with some of my Mother's old friends.
They were all so happy to see Grace and all the little kindergarten children perform. 

Grace and her classmates were dressed as Indians and sang to all the elderly at the Senior center.(Was I one of the seniors?) UGH!!! 

  They passed out Thanksgiving favors that they made to all that attended.  I gotta  love Life's simple pleasures!!

And the Winner is...................

But first folks, I have to show you my darling granddaughters in their trick or treat outfits.

My precious Ava the strawberry, and Grace the good Witch.

Drum roll please!!!

Gen from Ewenique treasures.  Congrats Gen!!!
I added all the names to my old top hat and pulled Gen as the winner. Thanks to all who entered.  It means a lot. I hope to have another giveaway soon.

Sweet Gingerbread will be on sale at the Old Fashioned online Christmas Craft show.

 Mark your calendars. The Old Fashioned online Christmas craft show hosted by Old road primitives will be Nov. 11, 12, and 13.  This sweet ginger will be one of my offerings.  I have 4  finished and listed on my website and Etsy.  I'm holding one back for the on line show.  All my items for sale will be discounted for all my blogger friends.  Please click on the right for all the info.  This is going to be lots of fun!
I made this Ginger using a pattern by Kats Country prims.

Body parts and a giveaway

It's been a while since I've posted. I've busy making, shipping and listing stuff.  This pile was larger on Monday!  

I want to thank all my wonderful customers and blogger followers.  I'm going to give away a set of my best seller.  Three of my  Prim Santa hat tucks.

The rules are simple.   Reply to this post for one entry,  and post it on your blog for a second entry.  Make sure I know where to find ya!
Winner will be chosen on Nov. 5th.  My sons 30th birthday.  I should be able to remember that day.

My new fav. antique, and craftshow update

First I want to say that my craftshow was a huge success. I broke my all time record for sales.  So much so, that I was too busy to get my camera out and take pictures.  Needless to say,  I'll be going back next year, as long as my son doesn't get married on that day.
Next,  I want to show you my new favorite antique.  My father gave this to me on Monday.  I just love it!  He's had it forever, and I always wanted it.  My siblings would poo-poo it anyway! LOL.... I think it will be my new favorite Christmas decoration.  It would make an awesome tree topper, or sit on my antique desk with a prim h/c carrot and old mittens.  It's out now, and will stay on my desk.

It collapses!!!

Wouldn't Frosty would be proud to wear this hat?  The spectacles were my Grandfathers, the clock was from an old light house that a distant relative lived in.  The Ladys desk came from our old historic church. They were throwing it away in the early 1970's and my father rescued it.  They used to serve communion from it.  It still has the tack holes all around from where they would tack a skirt to it.  The top is one board, which shows how old it is.

Just a few of my favorite things!!  I love things with history.  New just can't compare.  I'm getting to be that way too.  I'm full of history.

Thank's for visiting. 

My Helper and I have been very busy.

Charley and I have been busy getting all the office work finished. 

Then we had lots of laundry to do.

After that the family came for a small dinner.

Feed them and they will come!

We had to work off all that food, so we played football.

Tomorrow is my craft show.  It's been crazy getting ready.  I'll post pictures of that next week.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!  If you live close by, come to Dutch Neck Village for shopping and lunch Saturday.  I would love to see all of you!

Ho-Ho-Ho, I'm working on Santa's.

I'm on a Santa kick.  I just finished 6 of these using a pattern by Cindy of Country-Friends.

There are 6!,  One must be hiding behind the front right one!

I also finished up 15 of these Santa ornies. 

I need to get them listed in my Etsy shop soon.  Most are going to my craft show on Oct. 1.

I must have over 100 ornies ready to sell.  It's been a busy two weeks sewing for the craft show, and filling my Etsy orders. 

Tomorrow is my Daughter's Birthday.  It's hard to have a 9/11 Birthday.   We always make the best of it. 

We are having a family dinner here to celebrate.   I ordered a bushel of cook and cleaned blueclaw crabs. Yummy South Jersey/East Coast feast!! We always have to have Jersey corn, and  mac'n cheese to fill us up while picking the crabs.  Crabs are so much work, but worth every bite. We just sit back with a nice drink, talk, and pick, and eat, and talk, and pick, and eat!!!  You can't hurry eating crabs.

Have a nice cool rest of the weekend. 

The best Barbecue chicken recipe for Labor day

My camera usb cord broke, so I can't post any new photos until the new one arrives. 
I thought I would share my favorite barbecue chicken recipe.  It looks more complicated than really is.  I use Sweet baby rays bottled sauce, and regular store bought italian dressing to speed things up.
This recipe came from the Neeleys over at the foodnetwork.  Just click that and it will be ready to print.

Prep Time: 10 min Inactive Prep Time: 8 hr 30 min Cook Time: 1 hr 10 min Level:


Easy Serves:

6 to 8 servings Ingredients

2 chickens (or 4 whole bone-in chicken breasts) halved lengthwise

1 1/2 cups Italian dressing, recipe follows

1/4 cup Neelys Barbecue Seasoning, recipe follows

1 cup Neelys Barbecue Sauce, recipe follows

Directions

Rinse chicken halves in cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place chicken in a large bowl or baking dish, coat with Italian dressing and evenly season with Neelys seasoning. For best results, allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator overnight.



If Cooking Inside:

Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and brush chicken with Neelys Barbeque Sauce.



Place into a preheated 350 degree F oven for 45 minutes.



If Grilling Outside:

Thirty minutes before you're ready to cook, take the chicken out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. Preheat the grill to a medium temperature, about 275 degrees F preferably over hickory and charcoal.



Place the chicken halves on grill, meat side down. Cover grill and cook for about 50 minutes. Flip chicken over and let it brown until the chicken becomes golden, about 15 to 20 minutes. The wing and the drumstick should become very tender and will easily pull away at the joints. Brush the chicken with Neelys Barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.



Neely Italian Dressing:

2 tablespoons ground mustard

2 garlic cloves, smashed

1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons Neelys Barbecue Seasoning

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1 cup canola oil

Salt and pepper

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, except the oil and salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.



Yield: 1 1/2 cups



Neelys BBQ Seasoning:

1 1/2 cups paprika

3/4 cup sugar

3 3/4 tablespoons onion powder

Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir until combined. Keep in an airtight container for up to 6 months.



Neelys BBQ Sauce



2 cups ketchup

1 cup water

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

5 tablespoons light brown sugar

5 tablespoons sugar

1/2 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper

1/2 tablespoon onion powder

1/2 tablespoon ground mustard

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.



Yield: 3 1/2 cups

Christmas crafting is taking the back burner again.

I thought I would be well into making Christmas by now.  There's plenty of things cut out!

Then, the pumpkin orders started, and haven't stopped.  I think I have two more sets in me. I really want to move on. LOL.
Next I wanted to show you the sweet gingerbread that I made with a free pattern by Sandy over at
The olde country cupboard. 

They look so real!! I just love them.  I think they will be hanging all over my prim christmas tree this year.

Bracing for Irene.

We are in the midst of Irene's terror.
  It's raining like crazy and the wind is starting to pick up.  My Son and Daughter are already w/out electric.  My Daughter, Erin is here with my two granddaughters.  Her hubby had to stay over to work at the nuke plant.  He's a Nuculear operator.
 Her Dog is here too, along with my Father.  
I live on the East Coast 35 miles from Atlantic city on the west side toward Delaware.
It's going to be a long night.  We are in the red zone.  UGH!
Please say some prayers for us, and all that are in the Hurricanes path. 
The NJ people have never had this bad a storm in history.
Hugs,   Pat

Say a prayer for us on the East Coast.

I live in South Jersey.  One hour from Ocean City, Atlantic City etc.  They are being evacuated.
This Hurricane storm is serious.  I'm scared to death. Please pray for the people on the East coast. We've had thunderstorms and rain all day.  Measuring 13" of rain in Aug. so far.  The land is saturated.  The hurricane storm winds and rain are expected to uproot trees and power lines.
We were lucky enough to purchase a generator today. I hope we don't need it. We are spending the next two days getting ready and supplies in. 
I sewed my butt off today, so I'll have handwork/stuffing to do.  You can't take the crafter outta me!!
Hugs,
Pat

Happy Birthday to my Dad, and new pumpkins listed

Today is my Dads 83rd Birthday.  It's also sadly one week to the day that Mom passed.  We have to celebrate our first special occasion without her. I know with time it will get easier.
 I'm cooking Dad a nice dinner,  and we are making homemade ice cream.
 My family purchased a new 42" TV for him.  His favorite pastime is watching the Phillies.  (I hope he still loves them after lastnights loss!).  The kids are so excited to update his old console T.V.! LOL...

I have this pumpkin set listed in my Etsy shop.

Moms passed away Monday August 15 at the age of 80.

 Mom passed away peacefully on Monday.  Tomorrow we will be having her service and saying our goodbyes.

  I found this recent photo that looks like shes waving goodbye.  She really showing off her new hair do.

Now that I am gone,


remember me with smiles and laughter.

And if you need to cry,

cry with your brother or sister

who walks in grief beside you.

And when you need me,

put your arms around anyone

and give to them what you need to give to me.

There are so many who need so much.

I want to leave you something --

something much better than words or sounds.

Look for me in the people I've known

or helped in some special way.

Let me live in your heart

as well as in your mind.

You can love me most

by letting your love reach out to our loved ones,

by embracing them and living in their love.

Love does not die, people do.

So, when all that's left of me is love,

give me away as best you can.



How do you make iced tea?

Sorry I haven't blogged lately.  My life has been turned upside down with my Mother being ill,  and my Father and I having to place her in a nursing home. 
Last night my Son in laws brother passed away.  It's been a difficult Summer.

On to something that so many people ask me.  How do I make my iced tea.You might think there was a secret recipe or something. Everyone loves it! If I run out I'm in trouble. LOL..  I know we all have our own method, or buy it ready made, or in a mix. 
To Cyndie, Dan, Alan, Steve, Chip, and all the others that want to know how I make it  here goes.

1.  Bring a 6 quart pot, (not quite full of water) to a boil.

2.  Throw in 6 tea bags.  Let it bubble for a minute.  Turn off and let sit for at least 6 hours.

3. Remove teabags.  Add one cup of sugar and the juice of one lemon.  I never use the bottle stuff!
4.  Pour into a gallon pitcher and stir well.   It usually fills one gallon perfectly.

I have some crafts almost finished,  I'll get them posted soon.
Enjoy your tea!

Santa Mouse on Etsy

Little Santa mouse is up for auction on etsy  I used a pattern by homespun hugs and calico kisses to make him.

Keep Cool Folks

We are supposed to top 100 today.  The humidity makes it feel like 112.  
I'm so thankful for my AC.   When I was raising my children we didn't have AC.  I would take them down to our lake and we would hang out all day in the water.  I don't miss not having AC, but I do miss those lake days with the kids.
I've been thinking about a giveaway.  I just have to decide on what.  It will be announced soon. 
I will say this, It's going to be something for Fall or Winter. 

Boo!

I just finished an awesome Ghost doll pattern by the Vintage Polkadot.  He/She "who knows?" is going on Etsy soon. 

The doll is darker than pictured.  I love to create, not photograph! Hee-hee...
I also finished this prim green witch doll. She's already listed on Etsy.   I used a pattern by Homespun hugs and calico kisses to make her.

Thanks for stopping,  and have a wonderful cool week.  We are in for a steamer!

Sisters, sisters

There were nevers such devoted sisters.  Never had to have a chaperone, no sir!  I'm there to keep an eye on her.

Oh my,  This set of Sisters has keep me very busy the last few days. Now I can't get that darn song out of my head!

  They were so much fun to make. Each one has her own personality.  I'm getting ready to make the Ghost that came with this Vintage polka dot pattern.  It should be a bit less time consuming. 

We are in a bit of a heat wave today.  It is great for drying crafts.

I had an order for a set of bats.  I went ahead and made a bunch along with some top hats. These are made from black flannel that I stiffen and sprinkle with cinnamon.   Mother nature helped out with the drying.

Keep cool everyone!

Back from the Beach

It's been a while since I posted.  I recently spent two weeks in Avalon NJ...My favorite shore town.
Avalon is only 50 miles from my home, but feels like a world away.  My family can shoot on down whenever they want.  The house we rent has 5 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths,  two decks and a hottub.  There's plenty of room for visitors. We have a 1 block walk to the beach. 
I must say I got a bit lazy and spoiled. 

As you can see, my little granddaughters had fun!

One evening my my Hubby and I went out to dinner.  When we arrived home we found our daughter, Kate and her BF, Mark dressed in our clothes!  What a hoot that was.  They were even wearing our glasses and reading our favorite books! LOL.... I'm still laughing about it.

I

I'm still trying to get back into crafting now the vacation is over.  I'll be posting pictures soon of my new projects.