Remember our troops at this and every time of the year!!!

Carol, an Old Farmhouse Gathering Sister made tis button to help all of us remember the contribution our military makes to each and every one of us and our safety, every day of the year! It features some of Carol's relatives. Please remember these brave people and pray for them and their families. Let us never forget their contribution to our safety and security.

Merry Christmas Blessings to all of these wonderful people.
Hugs, Barb

A great loss for the Old Farmhouse gathering.

Linda Foster also known as Prairie Rose has died. Linda was one of the team leaders at Old Farmhouse Gathering which is a group I am proud to belong to. It is a gathering of primitive and folk artists on Etsy. Linda was a if not the guiding force of that group. She will be missed by so many. Prayers to her family and the many people who will miss her so much.

A fun Wreath at Etsy!!!!!

I added a new wreath at my shop on Etsy! http://www.etsy.com/shop/prairieharvestarts Take a look and there are complimentary pieces at http://prairieharvestarts.com/shop/

Have a wonderful weekend

Hugs, Barb

On a Great Etsy Treasury!!!!!

Want to THANK redneckcandles for including my blue spruce trees in her Etsy treasury today!!!! Check out all the great items there!!!!!!!!!

"http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=95030"

Thanks,
and Hugs
Barb

OFG Monday MarketPlace!!!!! Vintage Keepsake Trunk

You just have to see the wonderful pieces of Primitive art at Vintage Keepsake Trunk!
They are so creative and will add so much to your home .
See these and more items from Joan at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageKeepsakeTrunk

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

Enjoy !!!!
Hugs,
Barb

A great sale from the Firecracker Kid!!!!!!

The FirecrackerKid Primitives is having a wonderful sale!!
!!HOLIDAY SHOPPING SALE!!
20% OFF ON ALL ONE-OF-A-KIND WOODCRAFTS!
10% OFF ON ALL PRIMITIVE BOWL RACKS!
SALES RUNS THROUGH NOVEMBER 30

Find her Etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/firecrackerkid

Start your Autumn days right with this great recipe.

I love the recipes from Taste of Home and this one is no exception.!!!! Enjoy this on a Saturday! morning with your family. What a way to start the weekend!

Apple Pancakes with Cider Syrup Recipe

!!

• 2 Servings
• Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2/3 cup minced peeled apple
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg, separated
• 2 teaspoons butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• SYRUP:
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2/3 cup apple cider or juice
• 1 cinnamon stick (1-1/2 inches)
• Dash ground nutmeg
• Additional butter, optional

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine the first six ingredients; stir in apple and raisins. Combine the buttermilk, egg yolk, butter and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients. In a small bowl, beat egg white until soft peaks form; fold into batter.
• Pour batter by heaping 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot griddle coated with cooking spray; turn when bubbles form on top. Cook until the second side is lightly browned.
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and cider until smooth; add cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Discard cinnamon stick. Stir nutmeg into syrup. Serve pancakes with warm syrup and additional butter if desired. Yield: 6 pancakes (2/3 cup syrup).

Nutrition Facts: 3 pancakes with 1/3 cup syrup (prepared with reduced-fat butter; calculated without additional butter) equals 492 calories, 6 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 116 mg cholesterol, 605 mg sodium, 101 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 12 g protein.

Apple Pancakes with Cider Syrup published in Cooking for 2 Fall 2007, p31

More recipes like this... see http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Apple-Pancakes-with-Cider-Syrup

Enjoy this weather ---it won't last long!!!!

Hugs

Barb

OFG Market Monday on Etsy!!!! The Firecracker Kid!!!!!

The FIrecracker kids always has something to celebrate in her store. Wonderful workmanship and quality throughout all of her work.  Take some time to look through her store for that perfect home accessory or Christmas gift.  You will not be disappointed. 

Hugs,

Barb

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name? Firecrackerkid Primitives. I chose this name, because I was born on the 4th of July, and my family always called me "the firecrackerkid". My father said when I was born I came out with a bang, jokingly of course. Plus it's Independence Day, and I really love my country, and my freedom so it all fits together nicely.  

2. How long have you been on Etsy? One year and four months  

3. What type of items do you offer? One-of-a-kind Woodcrafts and reproduction woodcrafts of different Early American dough bowl racks and furniture.  

4. How long have you been crafting? Twenty years.  

5. Who or What inspires you? The love of all things Primitive. Plus, the economy is what inspired my husband and myself to make our own Primitives. My husband is who inspires me, because of his hard work ethics, and the fact that he can do just about anything or any challenge put before him. He's a hard working man. A Jack-of-all-trades so to speak. He was a carpenter since he was a teenager, and even built our home along with several other homes locally. Pretty inspiring and impressive to me.

  6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why? That would be our one-of-a-kind items. We like to come up with unique primitive woodcrafts that are appealing to others, and yet at the same time are functional in the home.  

7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog) http://www.firecrackerkid.etsy.com http://firecrackerkid.blogspot.com/ http://myworld.ebay.com/carola_firecrackerbaby http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1817572815&v=wall&ref=name 

A great contest at Primitive Handmade Directory--

The primitive Handmade Directory is a wonderful support for the handmade community. THe desire on the part of the creators to help promote handmade in the USA has made them a favoritie of mine for a long time. To support them in this effort, I contributed a door hanger for the coming joyful season.
http://www.theprimitivehandmadedirectory.com

So please stop by The Primitive Handmade Directory to participate in the contest. You can look at all the wonderful folk artists and more there. Give holiday gifts made in the USA !!!
Hugs Barb

Etsy Monday Marketplace-----Apple Tree Cottage

Today, as nearly every monday, I put an Old Farmhouse Gathering member's Etsy shop on one of my blogs. Today's shop is Apple Tree Cottage. I know you will enjoy her interview as much as I have. You can see her offerings at: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5554247

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?   When I was a little girl, my family moved.  I was very lonely but found a library near our home, so I would walk there every day and spend hours browsing at books.  I found a book titled Apple Tree Cottage and I was absolutely swept away by it.  The cottage was a magical place where peace and love was found.  I decided if I would name my shop in honor of this book that has such an impression on me when I was young.  

2. How long have you been on Etsy?   I joined Etsy in January, 2008.  

3. What type of items do you offer?   I offer an eclectic mix of vintage, folk art and primitive items.  I love to paint on old pieces that have a story to tell when they come my way.  

4. How long have you been crafting? FOREVER!   I have been fortunate to be surrounded by people who have encouraged me since I was small.  My husband and my daughter are my two biggest fans.  

5. Who or What inspires you?   I love things that come to me with a history.  Old boxes, drawers and coffee pots have a story to tell and I like to add just a little “prim” icing on the cake when I find a piece that longs to be reinvented.  

6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?   I can’t say I have one favorite piece.  I love everything I paint… each item in my store is something that I would place in my own home.  

7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)  I sell only on Etsy.   You may visit my blog at appletreecottage.blogspot.com. 

Enjoy your time with this wonderful artist!!!!!

Hugs,

Barb

Another Great OFG Marketplace Monday!!!!

This week's Etsy Shop is Old Farmhouse Gathering member Artbyme.

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?        Artbyme    That is my name on Ebay and wanted to keep everything the same.  2. How long have you been on Etsy?     Little over a year  3. What type of items do you offer?     Primitive Folk Art Dolls  4. How long have you been crafting?    Over 20 years 5. Who or What inspires you?     I can get inspiration from just about anything. I do get a lot from other    creative people.           6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?     Halloween items. I love creating Halloween items.   7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)      http://www.artbymecindy.blogspot.com     http://www.artbymecindy-soatp.com     http://Artbyme.artfire.com     http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/artbyme_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ      

Enjoy the beautiful items st her shop and they are so great for this time of year!

Hugs,

Barb

An Etsy shope to peruse.........."to consider with detail!"

This is a fun place to shop. Give meaning to the walls in your home! Share the sentiments you feel with others by using wall graphics. It is a fun way to enhance and decorate your home.

Vinyl decals are a trendy and versatile way to add personalization to your residential dwelling, commercial office and vehicle.

HouseHold Words vinyl decals are Made To Order in your choice of 42 matte finish colors.

Matte finish has a no shine, no glare when applied to a clean, smooth flat surface to look like it's hand painted on by a professional!

They are Easy to Apply and Remove. A DIY project in under 10 minutes! (depending on size)

See this and more at: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5842289

Stop by and say hi to Mandie from me!

Hugs,

Barb

It's been canning time around here.

In spite of the weather, the garden ended up being very successful. The result is that I have been canning forever. Ok that is an exaggeration. But I am tired and still not done. WIll post some pictures as soon as I have energy.

Greeting from canning central

Hugs,

Barb

P.s.

Se a pic of my wonderful daughter at my other blog: http://christmaswithprairieharvestarts.blogspot.com/

My youngest went off to school!!!!!

I think I'm back again!!!!

It's been so busy around here with kids coming and going. Made me dizzy!
But three are back at school and one is waiting to start a new job so I think there may be some sort of order around here but that is no guarantee.

But when I saw this sign I had to share it with you. It shows where my thinking is and where my time will be spent today.

This sign is from Old Farmhouse Gathering member: curvednoodle at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29788017&ref=sr_gallery_9&&ga_search_query=ofg&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

This and many other great signs to add to your home can be found there.

So have some tea and browse for a while.

Barb

It's been a while!!

I have been busy helping the kids get back to school which means moving out, but more on that later.

Checked my mail this morning and found that some of my hearts were featured in a great treasury on Etsy. Wanted to share this with you and thank Sarah from Brisbane, Australia who has the Etsy shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6377433

Enjoy the treasury!!!! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=76305

Just finished a new pattern !

Just finished these ornies. The angels have banners of faith, hope and love. They would be great on trees, a cupboard handle. They have have quilted wings that can be machine or hand quilted. They are available at my website or Patternmart.

Happy Wednesday.

Barb

Primitive Decor

Decorating in the Primitive, country or colonial styles allows so much for for individual personality. Maybe that is one reason I enjoy it so. Maybe that is a reason I was so attracted to making a 100 year old barn a home for my family. The barn has presented us with challenges --- and I keep telling myself that is what makes us strong. That may be true.

This is a photo of how I use antiques, my ornies and hand painted items to decorate my home. I enjoy the symbolism of the bountifulness of the farm we live on and that is shown in the apples and beans. The mortar and pestle are antiques pasted down through the generations. The pestle bowl is an item I painted and the horse (love my horses) photo was something I was able to pick up at a local farm auction.

When decorating your own home, surround yourself and your family with things you love and make you feel content, safe, warm and proud in those who came before you. That is part of prim decorating - making yourself comfortable and your home inviting to those you love and those you have yet to meet. Life is good!


Hugs,
Barb

the Old Farmhouse Gathering on Etsy

My Etsy shop of the week is: Apple Tree Cottage!

This listing for a vintage lunch box that the artist describes.
Description I love this old vintage lunchbox. I like to think of how many times it was carried to work or to school and what it held to eat for all the years it was used. This lunchbox has been given a new life and would be perfect to hold your autumn correspondance, remote controls or even trick or treat candy! I painted a blackbird on a wagon whose pockets are filled with a little jack o' lantern and bittersweet vines. He holds an autumnal medallion in his beak. Orange pennies with star buttons border both sides. Two curly stemmed pumpkins are painted on the bottom of the front. I wrapped the handle of the lunchbox with orange and black checked homespun and a rusty bell is tied on with novelty yarn. The inside is in great condition and I gave it a spray of rust preventative paint to seal it.

©Martha Smalley
AppleTreeCottage Designs
2009

You can this this great piece of art at:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28617233&ref=sr_gallery_2&&ga_search_query=ofg%2C+autumn&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title


Happy Monday,
Hugs,
Barb

It's been a fun summer!

It's been almost too much fun. Having a hard time getting back to work. The garden is doing well and the kids pop in a lot and I love the noise and confusion.

Here is a fun a healthy tip for a midday snack. Easy to prepare and no refined sugar.

Put 2 bananas into the blender. Blend until smooth. Ad two cups of frozen (preferably organic) berries--we love blueberries and blend until the mixture is thick and smooth.

This has the consistency of a sorbet, and is O SO GOOD!

I don't get pictures because it goes right away.

Staying healthy on the farm
Barb

Firecracker Kid Presents.........

Firecracker Kid, aka Carol, is a wonderful prim artisan as well as a great online friend. Always something positive to contribute. So in honor of both her fine craftsmanship and more, she is my Etsy pick of the week.

Get a cup of tea, some time and enjoy her shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5748075


This item is described as: This OOAK(one of a kind) wooden, handcrafted, 4-pin rolling pin rack, or as I like to call it a rolling pin keep, will display your early old antique or vintage farmhouse rolling pins, and primitive related items. This 4-pin rolling pin rack is new and made of 3/4 inch pine wood by my husband and handfinished by me.
I sand it to give it a worn look and rub it with paste stain for an added effect. NOTE: This rolling pin rack can be custom made with measurements to fit your rolling pins. Give us the length of the barrels, and total length of each of your rolling pins at checkout. This listing is for the 4-pin rolling pin rack only. The other pictured items are for decorating ideas and are not for sale.

Since this is a one-of-a-kind item, no two are exactly alike so the measurements are approximate and according to your rolling pin sizes...

Top shelf...
14&3/4" W x 4&1/4 D

Below the top shelf...
13" W x 3&3/4" D x 22&1/2" H

Happy Monday,
Hugs,
Barb

Super giveaway at Creating from the Heart, Keepsakes by Melissa !!!!

Melissa from Keepsakes from the Heart is having an incredible giveaway on her blog. Please check out how you can win a Cuttlebug. Go to: http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/2009/07/are-you-ready-for-giveaway.html
for all the details. Plus her blog is a lot of fun!!!!!!!

Hugs, Barb

Etsy shop of the week....

Bette has been an online friend of mine for a while. She makes wonderful items, many of them very useful. Sse is offering this e pattern for one of her bags at her etsy shop. You can see it at: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21868629&ref=sr_gallery_5&&ga_search_query=ofg&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=4&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Here is the heart and star version of my very popular rag quilted purse pattern. The finished size of the bag is 8“ x 11“ x 2“. Strap is 39" long.

You will receive a pdf pattern emailed to you when I receive your payment.
Enjoy shopping with Bette.

Hugs, Barb

Entry way Mural nears completion....

Finally I took some time to work on my house. The entry way really needs to be finished and that is what is finally happening. It is still not finished. I am going to put a blue heron in the pond on the right side. I love seeing them in the area. Again, the buildings are very similar to the buildings that were on our farm at the turn of the century.

The doors are the stall doors that were from the days when the barn was actually a barn. Fun stuff!!!!

Talk to you soon!!!!
Barb

What a Summer!!!

Family always comes first and maybe soon I will be able to work on new projects in sewing and painting. As soon as Dave graduated, Ted went back to school for the summer session. Then Annie had her orientation at the University this last Monday. Every mom should have a daughter like her. Incredible person! And Ted is bringing home a friend for this weekend! A girlfriend!! I like her.

The top pic shows my daughter with Representative Manzullo. She played at a meeting he was a speaker at earlier in the year. Next she is shown at her last Phi Theta Kappa meeting which is the National Honors Society for 2 year colleges. She was president. The lower picture shows her not wanting her picture taken at summer event. She can get crabby when her picture is taken.

She also got a call from the University asking her if she was interested in applying for the honors program. cool!!!!!!

She is a great farm girl also. She can do almost anything here and is a wonderful equestrian and is nearly a botanist with all that she knows about the plants in our garden.

I think one of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child is the desire to work hard and living here on the farm is a way of doing that. The 4 grown kids here can bale hay, fix fencing, ride and gentle horses, study hard and have fun with family and friends. Not bad.

Its been more than a busy summer, its been a lifetime and a great one at that!!!!

Hugs from a tired but happy mom,
Barb

Our friend returns to China today

The last couple of weeks have been very full. Dave graduated and then invited one of his friends from China came to spend some time with us. It was a wonderful time. Our guest was so sweet and we will miss her a great deal. We wish her all the best on her return to her home and want her to know that she will always have a another home here when she returns to the U.S. She is on the plane now and on her way.

Now that things are maybe retuning to a dull roar, I am looking forward to getting back to swing of sewing and painting. Today I will clean my studio as therapy and prepare to get back to work.

Life is an adventure and I love it!
But I could use a little more energy right now!!!!!!

Etsy Shop of the week!!!!!

Rabbithollowprims is a great place to shop!!!!!! Love this cabbage that has so much personality. This would look great in a kitchen, dining room, porch or sun room all year round.'

Made from muslin and up for your consideration are cabbage heads. They roughly measure 10 inches across and vertically also. They can be made in green or red. Each one has a sculpted face and hand-painted eyes and mouth with separately attached eyelids. Great as bowl fillers or cupboard tucks and more. Pattern by R & K Creations.....

You can see this item and more at the Etsy store by Rabbit Hollow Prims:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22115528

Sue does great things, You will enjoy your visit.

Hugs,
Barb

I'm back and Graduation is Over-A wonderful Week!!!!

Dave's graduation ended up taking the whole week. It was a strenuous and exhilarating week. We drove back and forth the whole week because we had to make sure all the animals here at the farm were taken care of. That went well.

The ceremony was on Saturday. It rained buckets but it went well anyway. I posted a picture of Dave. He has the red stole on because he was one of the students that studied abroad in China. He had to make the cut which was difficult.

It is funny to think of him showing his cattle in the show ring (won Midwest champion for his breed) and also remember how much time he spent with his horse. We will keep that horse forever. Stormy and Dave have been such a team. There are so many great memories of him growing up. He is adventuresome and I am sure there will be many more wonderful memories to come.

He is back on the farm for the summer! Yea!!!!!! Then he will be off on a new adventure. Dave is that way. He has always been great at setting a goal and reaching it. I'd like to think part of it comes from living here and working so hard.

We are so proud of him. He worked hard for this and earned it.
Now back to work here on the farm and looking forward to getting more things done around here.

Big and happy hugs from the Midwest,
Barb

Thank You, Thank you to Blockhead Radio!!!!

A big thanks for Block Head Radio for making this blog the featured Artisan of the Week on their site.
Please take time to visit them at http://blockheadradiolive.com/

It is a wonderful site and you can spend a lot of time exploring there.

Again A hugs thanks to Blockhead Radio.

Hugs Barb

What ya workin on Wednesday!

Today, will work on another prim doll, try to finish another pattern for the ocean series. Need to work on the garden, and plant some trees, pick up the suburban---so need that thing here on the farm.

Will try to post pics of everything soon!!!!

Hugs, Barb

My etsy fav of the week......

These stars looked like something I would have in my home. Love them. Simple, colorful and always appropriate.

They are made by homespunannie who is also a member of OFG or Olde Farmhouse Gathering, a group of folk and primitive artists on Etsy.

They are described as:
Three large Americana stars in coordinating cotton prints. They have been stained in a coffee/spice mix and baked. Each has rusty wire with stars garland wrapped around them. Measures 7 inches by 7 inches. Set of three. Caramel scented.

All my ornies and tucks are made to order, taking 3-5 days to ship. They all stain and bake up differently and no two are ever the same. All my items are handmade in a smoke-free environment!

See them at: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25844513&ref=sr_gallery_5&&ga_search_query=ofg&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=5&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Happy Tuesday and Hugs,
Barb

Winner of the Name the New Kids on the Farm Contest

The winner is in!! I truly wish everyone could have won..... The names submitted were all wonderful!!!!

We put the names in a wooden bowl and my daughter pulled out the winning name. I didn't want to touch them. I really felt bad only one person would win.

Drum Roll......The names pulled out of the hat are Hope and Faith. Cheryl please let me know what your address is and then they will be in the mail.

You can email me at: prairieharvestarts@yahoo.com

Thanks everyone for entering. A new contest starts in a couple of days so stay tuned.

Hugs,
Barb

Yea and thanks to bellasbowtique for featuring some flags I made on a Memorial Day Weekend Etsy Treasury!!!!!

Here's the link! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=59648

Please visit bella's shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6470098

Have a great and safe weekend.

Hugs, Barb

A Red White and Blue Dessert

Stars and Stripes Forever Dessert

I am going to make this on the weekend. If you try it, please let me know how it goes for you!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY Weekend to you!!!!

From Taste of Home http://www.tasteofhome.com

Served with a creamy, full-bodied dip, sugared puff pastry stars and a fresh berry medley make a festive dessert. “It’s pretty, delicious and easy to prepare for the Fourth of July or any summer gathering,” says field editor Gail Sykora from Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

SERVINGS: 8

METHOD: Baked

TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 10 min. + cooling

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 to 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 1-1/2 cups fresh raspberries
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon Domino® or C&H® Granulated Pure Cane Sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream

Directions:

On a lightly floured surface, roll out pastry to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with floured star-shaped cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks. Brush lightly with water and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Cool.
In a large bowl, combine berries and 1/4 cup sugar; set aside. In a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add remaining sugar; beat until soft peaks form. Place sour cream in a small serving bowl; fold in whipped cream.
Place bowl on a serving platter. Spoon berry mixture onto platter; top with pastry stars. Yield: 8 servings.

The greenhouse

Spring is especially busy around here. These are pictures of the greenhouse, which my sons built. (Yes, I am a happy and proud mom-most of the time!) The greenhouse has done exceptionally well this year and the herb garden should double in size. YEA!!!!!!!

Today, must get DD ready for her 5 day camping trip for a medieval re-enactment. This is going to be very stressful as she is the ultimate perfectionist. Getting ready for son #2 to come home for the weekend-that's good. He said he would appreciate a break before he graduates. Sheep should be getting sheared today and about the llamas. They too need shearing. That should be interesting! The guys are taking the chainsaw out to the back tree line where a lot a trees went down during the storms this spring. I always worry.

Hopefully, this afternoon, I will be able to sit down, have some tea (my crutch) and do some sewing or painting. I think I will need the therapy.

Enjoy your spring. talk to you tomorrow.
Hugs,
Barb

What ya workin' on Wednesday

Today I am going to finish up some primitive items for the home. Pictured here is a wall mirror with hooks (I have to put the hooks back and add the mirror) a desk organizer and a letter organizer. They are all done in black and distressed. I am continuing to work on Prim Patriotic dolls. Again, so much to do and so little time.

There is still still to enter the Name the New Kids on the Farm Contest. Please add your suggestions in the comment area. So far the names are terrific. The little goats are female twins and they are pictured in a previous entry. Drawing will be on the last day of the month!!!!!!
Be creative and have some fun with their names.

Happy Wednesday,
Barb

Happenings in the House Tuesday

Well, I have been working on the mural in the entryway, but it is not ready for viewing yet. I did decide on the grey to paint the wainscoting. Maybe it will be ready next week.

So I thought I would show you a part of my studio or work room. When you live in a barn, it can be daunting or a great adventure to turn an area that was once used for milking into a family friendly home. It also helps when your sons are talented and can do the things you ask them to do even if they groan while doing it.

The lower level of our barn was total open space which is great for seeing everything going on in the family but not so good when desiring some peace or privacy. So after showing the guys the "brilliance" of my idea, they built a wall of closets at the back third of the barn. It allows me to attempt to hide my fabric and other items I am working on. They still spill over onto the dining room table and more. But they are great to do this and it does make life a little more livable in our fun home.

There are three boys and one girl in the family and they will soon be home for the summer. The list for this summer includes more closets, new bathroom ceiling and other indoor projects as well as the never ending fencing in and around the pastures. I hope they will be happy to be home.

Hugs, Barb

Etsy Shop of the Week

Every week I try to share a wonderful shop on Etsy with you. These are members of a great group of artisans from Olde Farmhouse Gathering, a great group of people. Love them all!!!!!

Today, you can visit the shop at I play outside the box. She has a free recipe for you. SO generous!!!!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17323585&ref=em

Also check out her great blog at : http://iplayoutsidethebox.blogspot.com/

Happy Monday and it is a great start to the week.

Hugs,
Barb

It's Armed Forces Day-USA

Today at the grocery store the veterans were taking donations and giving the traditional poppies in return. The veteran I talked to said the money would go to help service people returning from Irag, Afghanistan and other places we have them stationed around the world. Presently they are trying to help a young man who has returned from Iraq and is in need of help paying his mortgage because he can't find a job. There are so many people who do such wonderful and needed things. It's an honor to help them, even if it is in such a small way.

These patriotic ornies are available at:
http://prairieharvestarts.com/shop/ornies/americana/saltbox/pieced-american-flag-ornies/prod_46.html

Have a safe and happy weekend.

Barb

A give away at Momma B's

MommaB is making a beautiful and useful napkin holder available as a giveaway at her blog.

It is great for the spring and summer for all the picnics, cookouts and for your kitchen...holds large size napkins....
Rules...
post a comment on her blog...please leave email address...she can't contact you without it.. holder available to a random winner at her blog.

See her blog at: http://mommabsfrontporch.blogspot.com/

And good luck to all of us!!!!!


Hugs,
Barb

The entryway continues.......

Here is the right hand side of the entryway mural. The kids think I should put a lone black sheep in the top pasture. Not sure. The barn is the building we are turning into a home. It's where we live now. It was white for years and is now tan. I prefer the white but, so it goes. Sadly the building in the lower left section burned down several years ago. I had hoped to turn it into a shop and studio. It was so old and deserving of care to keep it going. But ........

The little building with the chimney is still there but in need of TLC. A tornado years ago made it look a little tilted. Friends said they would help make it right this summer.

There is an Amish wagon because I enjoy my Amish friends north of us. Again, years ago, there were Amish in the area but they moved across the border into Wisconsin. They are wonderful and helpful. Two years ago, my son brought 11 foreign exchange students to the farm for Thanksgiving and we showed them the sights in our rural area. They loved their time with the Amish who fed them fresh bread, let them help cover strawberries and explore their wagons and farms. It was a wonderful experience for them and gave them another bit of insight into life in our country.

SO much work and not enough time. But Rome wasn't built in a day and this place will shine!!! It truly is a labor of love.

The land here had not been touched for years and we now graze sheep, llamas and horses on it.

Stayed tuned for more home improvements......

Hugs,
Barb

Still time to name the New Kids

The name the new kids contest is still going on. Name the two new little baby goat girls and win a set of Americana kitties ornies. If you have names to contribute, please add them to the comment section of this post and become a follower of the blog.

The names so far are great!!! Very creative and funny people in this world and happy to know some of them come here. Laughter makes the world go round or at least helps give us all some relief and down time. Thanks for the entrees. Have enjoyed them all.

Barb