Monday October 19, 2009

Good morning to everyone, it is a beautiful autumn day in Michigan.  The weather is going to warm up this week,  a great time to finish up some fall chores before winter gets here.  Before I head outside I would love for you to visit three shops on Etsy.  They are all from the Old Farmhouse Gathering.  So get something great to drink and take a look.  I have added some Christmas music to help with the Christmas shopping we all have.  The Old Farmhouse Gathering Team has many many great artist that have something to off for everyone on your list.  So please check out the great shops.  The first is Vintage Keepsake Truck, Joan offer many one of kind items.


1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?


www.vintagekeepsaketrunk.etsy.com

I chose this name because I like the idea of searching and finding an old trunk in the attic and opening it to find vintage time-worn treasures from the olden days.



2. How long have you been on Etsy?

Since March 2009



3. What type of items do you offer?

Primitive Folk Art handmade soft-sculpture offerings featuring Art Dolls, Home Decor, Holiday and Seasonal Decorations and Collectibles, all created with that time-worn look.



4. How long have you been crafting?

35 years

5. Who or What inspires you?

I was inspired as a youth by my Great Aunt and Grandmother that taught me to sew on an old Singer Sewing machine. My crafting really took off when I was injured back in my 30's in an accident and was left in chronic pain and forced to change to a sedentary life style. Creating is Therapy for me and helps me to forget the pain and I thoroughly enjoy it!



6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?

Probably my Art Dolls. I love to dress them in vintage baby clothes from the 1920's and each of them comes out different with their own personality.



7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)

PLACES TO FIND ME.....

Home of Vintage Keepsake Trunk.....

http://www.vintagekeepsaketrunk.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7050167

http://vintagekeepsaketrunk.blogspot.com/

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/vintagekeepsaketrunk

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=32731

http://wsoapp-vintagekeepsaketrunk.blogspot.com/

http://vintagekeepsaketrunk-soatp.blogspot.com/

http://www.123websiteservices.com/~craftsho/craftbooth588/index.php?x=99&y=37


The second shop for you to check out is Painted Kreations, with hand painted gingerbread men and more.


1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?


Painted Kreations........chosen because I paint. The K in Kreations because of my name starting with a K and I wanted to be original.

2. How long have you been on Etsy?

Since February of 2008

3. What type of items do you offer?

I have hand painted items on a variety of surfaces. I paint in different styles, and also create and paint my own gingerbread designs.

4. How long have you been crafting?

Probably 25 years, more so in the last 10 years, being involved in craft shows and such.

5. Who or What inspires you? I use painting as a stress release, inspired by designers such as Terrye French, Maxine Thomas, Monika Brint, Renee Mullins, etc.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?

The angel tub with bath items.........love the soft colors and lavender scents

7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)

http://paintedkreations4u.blogspot.com, http://paintedkreationsbykris.blogspot.com, http://paintedkreations.artfire.com, http://myworld.ebay.com/

For the third shop I would love to look at is SugarMountainMercantile.  Debbie has some more one of kind items.  Each item made by hand! 

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?


The name of my shop is Sugar Mountain Mercantile, which I named for the mountain in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee on which I am blessed to have a beautiful log home getaway. I called it a "Mercantile" because I just knew I'd be offering up a wide variety of items, kind of like a general store.



2. How long have you been on Etsy?

Just over a year.



3. What type of items do you offer?

Well, it depends on how the mood strikes me! Nearly everything is holiday- themed, as I adore each and every holiday. I do machine and hand-embroidery, crochet, make primitive soaps, and I may list a few vintage items here and there. I haven’t yet filled my shop with what I really intend to sell. I also have plans to open a second shop in the near future, selling strictly baby items.



4. How long have you been crafting?

Gosh, ever since high school…I started out as a ceramics instructor in an after-school program for grade-schoolers..made me decide really quickly I did NOT want to be a teacher when I “grew up”!



5.Who or What inspires you?

Honestly, I am inspired and rejuvenated each and every time we go down to the cabin. It’s so peaceful and beautiful there, it would be hard not to be inspired. Every season has something to offer..the beautiful Fall colors, the snow-covered mountains in Winter, seeing the Spring flowers begin to bloom..and the beauty in Summer is just amazing!



6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?

I always like listing glass-blocks, because each one has a personality of its own, depending on the graphics I use, and how I choose to decorate it. Plus they seem to sell well!



7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)

I don’t yet have a blog, but can be found on the following:

http://twitter.com.SugarMtnMercant http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1639453199&ref=profile


Please as you visit each shop leave a heart, and you can mark you favorite items with a heart also.  Makes going back to find them easier.  I hope you enjoy some music and some more great shops.  The Old Farmhouse Gathering is getting the Holiday Basket ready, so stop by for updates on when you can enter the give away.  Enjoy your day today  it is present, tomorrow is a gift, and yesterday is in the past.  Remember all the good times, and forget the bad ones. 

Just another quick note, with all of us trying to get the most from our money, and making it stretch further and further.  You can also shop by dollar amounts.  Have a great and happy Monday!

October 16, 2009

Good Morning!  It is Friday, and on Friday I introduce you to some of the great artist from The Sunday Artisan Market.  We have 70 days to Christmas, these artist offer something very different for you shopping enjoyment.  Everything listed today can not be found at the local mall.  Each handmade and most can be made to order for the special someone on your shopping list.     I would love for you to meet Jean Wolter who makes felted hats and bags designed and adorned using lovely combinations of colors and textures. Most bags are lined. Some matching scarves and hats using ultra soft and warm yarns such as alpaca and silk. Comfortable and luxurious accessories. Some items embellished with beadwork. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Also I would love for you to meet Mary Coscia who is also a basket weaver.  Her baskets use driftwood, and antlers.  One of the baskets with the antlers, with some handmade goodies would make a lovely gift for the hunter on your shopping list.  Mary makes some wonderful basket that are very different then mine, and her work is just wonderful.
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The last artist I would like for you to meet is Christine Robertson, who is a  paper and mixed media artist. My products are unique and whimsical picture frames, greeting cards, gift tags, notebooks and original collages.  Some of her frames have school, or sport theme papers, add a picture of your son or daughter playing a sport, or school picture for a wonderful gift to someone.  We all have those on our list who are hard to buy for and a frame picture is quick and easy.  Christine has an etsy shop and the link to her shop is:

http://www.christinecarol.etsy.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look at what I found this week!

This chair was in very good shape, some one love this a lot and took very good care of it.  I found it at a resale shop for $10.00, all I did was clean it up with some Liquid Gold (Thanks Linda from Prairie Rose for the tips).  I am going to use this in the bedroom for putting on socks and shoes.  It is not a very big chair just the right size for my bedroom.  I also found some other great goodies that need a little clean up and will use to make the Holidays festive.  I will post pictures of those in the next couple of weeks.  We all need to save some money, and this fit's in the budget nicely.  Please check back to see the other goodies I will be showing off.

I won! I won!

I won a Boo block sign from Primgal Primitive Palette!  What a great surprise I received this morning.  Then my son called home from Afghanistan!!!  Two wonderful things this morning, I am truly blessed.


Congratulations to Rose of BasketsbyRose!! You are the winner of my Halloween Giveaway! Please send me your email address so that I can get your prize mailed off to you in time for Halloween!



Wow this giveaway was so much fun! I want to thank everyone who took the time to enter, and to leave such wonderful comments! I have the best followers in blogland! In the next couple of weeks I will be holding another giveaway just in time for Christmas, so be sure to stop back by. Hope everyone is having a great week....until next time.......Blessings to All

I am one very lucky lady to win these!! :0)

Monday morning with Old Farmhouse Gathering 10-12

Today is Monday October 12, Columbus Day!  On Monday I feature some great talent from the Old Farmhouse Gathering Team.  A great group of very talented artist, that I'm very lucky to be part of. So get something to drink, and put on your favorite slippers and check out the following shops.  The first is Barbara King from Prairie Harvest.  She make the most amazing ornies, primitive and Americana Folkart I have ever seen.  Something for each season, to add some wonderful prim charm to your home.  Also she has a couple of blog filled with wonderful stories and information for making a house a home.  You will sign up to follow all of them for sure.

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?


Prairie Harvest Arts is the name of my Etsy shop as well as my website. I am so lucky to live on a farm and the harvest time is when we see the fruit of our labor. I love seeing the leaves turn color, the scent of autumn in the air and the few quiet moments when you look at the harvested fields, the full pantry and the feeling of accomplishment, knowing that you did the best for your family. SO I live on the prairie and love the harvest and art, thus Prairie Harvest Arts.



2. How long have you been on Etsy?

I have been a member since February 1, 2008.



3. What type of items do you offer?

I enjoy offering primitive and Americana folk art, sometimes in a form to what our predecessors created and sometimes with my own interpretation of what they did, appreciated or how they lived.



4. How long have you been crafting?

I have been sewing and painting since I was a child. We were always encouraged to be creative, play outside or at least “do something.” Sitting around was not part of our way of life.



5. Who or What inspires you?

I am so lucky. Every generation has been an inspiration to the following members of the family. Great Grandma Amelia came to the US at age 11, in the 1800s, by herself, worked hard and eventually married Julius Kringle (As in Santa Claus). As homesteaders, they worked hard and she was known for her beautiful handwork. She also made the best soap, from what I was told. Her daughter, Alice was superb knitter and did crocheted items we still enjoy. My mom was and is incredible. She encouraged us to create and always to gain new skills. She considered every part of life to be a piece of art that deserved your greatest attention and effort. She’s a od mom and my best friend.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?

Right now my favorite item is the Pumpkins and Bittersweet. I think it would be considered to be a fabric sculpture. There are three pumpkins with a quilted crow sitting at the top. Bittersweet (which used to grow along the roadside everywhere-but no more) is made from hand painted muslin and beads. There is a great deal of detail on every part of the sculpture.



7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)

I can also be found at:

Website: http://prairieharvestarts.com

Artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/PrairieHarvestArts

Old Primitive Sisters Marketplace:

http://www.oldprimitivesisters.com/shops/prairie-harvest-arts/aff_5.html

Patternmart:

http://patternmart.com/patterns/search/section/All/Barb+King,+Prairie+Harvest+Arts/All

The Pattern Cupboard: http://www.thepatterncupboard.com/shop/index.php?act=viewAff&affId=44

Crafty Avenue: http://craftyavenue.com/store/index.php?osCsid=88977039831ea2dd512330ac2171a26e&manufacturers_id=35&osCsid=88977039831ea2dd512330ac2171a26



And I enjoy blogging at: http://prairieharvestfolkartprimitives.blogspot.com/

http://christmaswithprairieharvestarts.blogspot.com/

http://thanksgivingwprairieharvestarts.blogspot.com/

http://prairieharvestpatterns.blogspot.com/


The second shop I would love for you to visit is Dorreen from Privies and Prims.  Dorreen make dolls, rugs, patterns, stitchery, and anything she can think of.   One very talented lady who enjoys everything she makes.  More wonderful prims for you to use in your home. 

When you are done looking at there sites on etsy, please type OFG into the search bar, to find some more great artist.  Also keep checking the Old Farmhouse Gathering blog for the new giveaway that will be happening soon.  It will have a great collection of Christmas items for you to use in your home
http://oldfarmhousegatheringblogspot.com/




. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name? Privies & Prims has been my business name for about a year. I started out in a shed at my home on Blue Rock Rd., so I named my little shop Blue Rock Country Crafts. I had my first storefront in Burnsville, NC in 2000 and named the store Privies & Perches. I was making lots of outhouse bathroom decorations and my dad was making lots of prim birdhouses, so I changed the name. Inspired by God is all I can say. It just popped into my little brain!




2. How long have you been on Etsy? Had to go look at my profile for this question.  Seems I started in February 2008.



3. What type of items do you offer? Penny rugs, prim stitcheries, primitive & folk art dolls, punch needle embroidery & patterns, outhouse stuff, candlemats, prim wreaths, Americana prim t-shirts, wood signs, ornaments, & photographs of old barns and outhouses. I think that’s it. 



4. How long have you been crafting? As long as I can remember. I used to sit at the kitchen table and trace the designs on the napkins. In high school, I made a macramé hanging large enough to cover a window! We also did pottery and leather working. My special leather project was a framed image of a Michelob beer bottle ad. We used wood carving tools and I stuffed the “bottle” from the back with sawdust to give it dimension. At the time, it was my boyfriend’s favorite brand. Personally, I can’t stand the taste of any kind of alcohol. Just give me my McDonald’s sweet tea!



5. Who or What inspires you? First, I must give God the credit for my talents. He puts ideas into my head as I go along. I start out making a doll like the pattern photo, then God gives me ideas to make it my own. Sometimes, I think it’s a curse.  I’m always seeing stuff and thinking, “I can make that!” So, that’s why the list of things I make is so long. I just recently added punch needle embroidery to my list and I’m “hooked”. I’m designing patterns that I will sell as kits and will soon be designing prim doll patterns also that will be modeled after the mountain folk where I live.

I get inspired by PatternMart.com’s monthly newsletters, looking at others creations online, visiting prim shops, looking through catalogs, and the list goes on and on. Gosh, everything I see inspires me! I look at people in restaurants and think of making a doll to look like them!



6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why? My favorite creations are my primitive dolls cause I love giving each one their own personality. The favorite ones I’ve made are 46” dolls from a Prim & Proper folks pattern.



7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog) I don’t sell on ebay too often. Seems I just pay them money and don’t have much luck there anymore. For Privies & Prims, my main website is www.PriviesAndPrims.com, my etsy shoppe is www.PriviesAndPrims.etsy.com, blog- www.PriviesAndPrimsBlog.blogspot.com, and at my brick & mortar store located at 110 West Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714.

I also do wedding photography, www.AffordableMemoriesNC.com, and sell photographs of old barns and houses that I find here in the mountains. www.ThenAndNowArtPhotos.etsy.com. My pattern blog is www.SimplyPrimPatterns.blogspot.com, and I’ll soon be teaching classes in my store, so I have a blog for that. www.StitchersPunchersAndHookers.blogspot.com

And yes, I do find time to sleep.



My name is Doreen Brannan and you can contact me at PriviesAndPrims@yahoo.com



Have a blessed one!

Friday October 9, 2009

Welcome !  It is Friday and it is raining! :0(  I will be in Ann Arbor this evening for the second ArtWalk.  Hope the rain ends soon, and we have a lot of visitors.  I will be in Kerrytown, but the ArtWalk covers a large area of Ann Arbor.  Come out visit the art galleries, shops, start some Holiday shopping, and enjoy some good food.

On Friday I feature two the artisans from the Sunday Artisan Market.  Today I would love for you to meet Carol Fletcher, who is a great photographer, and president of our wonderful market.  Under Carols watchful eyes the market has doubled in the last couple of years.  Carol takes pictures of nature, some up close, and some are the big picture.  A lot are matted and framed, take one home and add something wonderful to your home.  Other are in greeting cards, journals and books.  Her pictures are from Michigan and the world.  She can tell you a story about each and every picture she has.  What a treat!  Carol is working on a web site and blog at this time, soon the world will find out what a wonderful person she is.

The next artist I would love for you to meet is Dawn Foerg, a fused glass and slumped glass artists.  The colors in her work are just lovely to look at and used.  Her display is always a treat to look at, and the sun coming through her art work looks like a big stain glass window.  If you love color stop at her booth, and your breath will be taken away.  Down does not have a web site at this time, but one should be coming soon!

I will be back on Monday to feature two more Artist from the Old Farmhouse Gathering.  If you have time please check out the new cooking blog they have.  Not only do the make wonderful items, then can cook as well!

                                                                                                                                                    

I will be back on Monday with two more great artist from the Old Farmhouse Gathering.  If you have time check out the Farmhouse new cooking blog.  Some great cooks along with being great artist.

Monday October 5, 2009

I can not believe it is the first Monday in October!  I spent last week in PA helping out my mother in law, and Christmas shopping for her.  Had a great time with my husbands family, and enjoying the colors changing up in the mountains.  The weather started to cool down, and it was just nice sitting on the front porch watching the world go by.  So I did not get a posting down last week, but I'm back with some more great shops for everyone to look at.  So get something good to drink, and get your holiday shopping list out and let see if can not some one crossed off your list today.  While you are shopping for people on your list remember yourself, and what you could add to your home.  Bring back some good old fashion memories this Fall and Holiday season.  When you are done looking at these shops, please type OFG into your search bar for some more wonderful shops to look at.  Enjoy your day!

The first shop I would love for you to look at is Rabbit Hollow Prims  offer a great variety of Halloween and Fall items for your home.  Each handcrafted from a very talented artist.  Also visit the blog http://rabbithollowprims.blogspot.com/ 

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?
Rabbit Hollow Prims because my mom had the name for her shop when it was open and wanted to carry on the name.
2. How long have you been on Etsy?
About 2 years

3. What type of items do you offer?
primitive dolls. vintage patterns, fabrics and turkey calls

4. How long have you been crafting?
17 years

5. Who or What inspires you?
All the other doll artists out there.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
I couldn't pick just one but I love Halloween the most.



7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)

http://www.rabbithollowprims.blogspot.com

http://www.spookyspells.blogspot.com

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/rabbithollowprims_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_ipgZ

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5125705

http://www.lemonpoppyseeds.com/shoppes/psrabbithollowprims/

http://wsoapp-rabbithollowprims.blogspot.com/

http://www.countrycraftshowonline.com/craftbooth489/

http://www.ksgpshoppe.com/RabbitHollowPrims.html

http://rabbithollowprims-soatp.blogspot.com/



The second shop is Holly Ridge Creations with some more great on of kind items for a gift or your home.  All handcrafted from another great artist.  Also visit her blog at
http://hollyridgecreations.blogspot.com/  for some great stories about growing up. 

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?
The name of my shop is Holly Ridge Creations and all I can say is that we live on a ridge that has lots and lots of holly...hmmmm, not so creative, huh?

2. How long have you been on Etsy?
I joined the OFG group in the spring of 2008 but I have to confess that I haven't been very diligent in keeping my shop filled. I am trying really hard to correct that.



3. What type of items do you offer
Most of my items are handpainted and one of a kind. I love doing snowmen and santas and will be adding those to my shop along with more trash to treasure items and gourd head dolls.
4. How long have you been crafting?
I have been crafting since the mid 80's...I know, I'm old!! :-)


5. Who or What inspires you?
I am always inspired by and in awe of God's creation. His color palette amazes me.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
The favorite thing in my shop right now is my Lily and Jingle Bear primitive doll. But, that will change when I start adding my santas and other holiday items.



7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)
http://hollyridgecreations.artfire.com

http://hollyridgecreations.blogspot.com




It is that time of year for making our home special for our family and friends, making memories, and past on to the next generation that love is what holds us together.  Have a great and wonderful Monday and enjoy the day.