Monday Merchant Circle Featuring Krug's Studio

Hello dear Blogging Friends!

It's Monday Merchant Circle with our PAFA Team Artisans!

Today I'm featuring Alan Krug of KRUG'S STUDIO!

Here's a little more information about him with some of my favorite pieces that he's painted!

Alan got his business name by combining his last name with his crafting interests that he made in his Studio.

He opened up his Etsy shop in Oct. 2011, right after I did!

Alan's been decorative painting for 7-8 years and oil painting for 5 years! See, I KNEW I liked this guy!!

Alan's work is influenced by the Pennsylvania Dutch Designs possibly because his father was German. He loves the bright colors of the Latino culture in his Southern California home and combines them with this interpretation of Folk Art. He does tone down the colors by aging them a bit. I think his work is beautiful!

Alan uses acrylics for his decorative painting and Oils for his Impressionistic Paintings like the one below.

He likes to paint on Wood surfaces and Bisque.

You can find more of Alan and his work at Krug Studios by following the links below:

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

http://krugsstudio.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alan.Krug

https://twitter.com/#!/search/alankrug

LOVE your work, Alan! So glad to have you on our PAFA Team!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Monday Merchant Circle Featuring The Barn Hollow

Good morning Blogging Friends!

Another Monday and a GORGEOUS one at that! 

I hope your Easter Celebrations were memorable....in a GOOD way!

My children were all here on Saturday and I was in 'Heaven'! I was still a bit under the weather as was our Twirly Girl but I still put a great meal on the table and we had a fabulous time hiding and hunting eggs with the Twins! 

Front Row: Twirly Girl, Tate, and Anna Belle. Back Row: TJ, Sam, Vicky, Cristi, & Becky

Today I'd like to introduce you to a sweetheart and a VERY TALENTED PAFA Team member.....

KIM of THE BARN HOLLOW!

Here's a little interview with Kim and some pics of her wonderful creations!

My name is Kim and my business name is The Barn Hollow. I love old barns, 

the treasures they hold and the history behind their doors. When I found the 

graphics I currently use for my blog and website name just seemed to fit perfectly.

 I have been creating for 30+ years. in the late 80's and early 90's, my business

 name was The Country Cottage. After taking a few years to step away, 

I restarted my business as The Barn Hollow in 2011.

 I am inspired by anything and everything. I seem to get most of my ideas for 

new designs after going"antiquing". There are so many different shapes, 

colors, textures and fabrics that you can't help but be inspired. 
I never leave the house without a sketch book. We make several trips to 

Tennessee to see our grandchildren and for some reason I come up with some 

of my best ideas while tooling down the interstate. I also design quilt blocks,

 and get so many of my ideas for those in nature. Last summer I put in my

 first garden in almost 20 years and designed a set of six blocks all based on

 my garden. 

My creative style is a combination of primitive, country and folk art. 

I love them all and try to create items that will appeal to all of my customers. 

I am however, creating more primitives lately, I just love the simplicity of 

their design.

I create the majority of my items using fabric.  All of my items are hand made 

by me. I am a perfectionist and take extreme pride in everything I make. We 

all work so hard to make a living and hope for that little extra to buy ourselves 

that something special. I strive to make sure that my customers' hard earned 

money is well placed when they purchase something from me and that they
are pleased with their "something special".  

You can find Kim at the following links:

My Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/thebarnhollow

Website: www.thebarnhollow.com 

Blog: thebarnhollow.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Barn-Hollow/332819286761276?sk=wall 

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Monday Merchant Circle Featuring Ninna's Attic

Good morning friends!

It's Monday Merchant Circle from the PAFA Team today and I'd like to introduce you to 

Kathy of Ninna's Attic!

Kathy's grandchildren call her "Ninna" so she decided to name her shop Ninna's Attic.

Kathy has been in business since 2006. She and her husband attend festivals and shows where he sells his woodwork.

Kathy looks to her mother for most of her inspiration as she is her mentor. I'd say THAT is the perfect example of inspiration!

Kathy loves working with wool, felt, and various fabrics as her style is primitive, country, and folk art. 

She makes mostly bowl fillers and ornies for her Etsy shop while her husband carves Santas, Scarecrows, Uncle Sams, etc. I've always heard 'behind every good man is a good woman'. How much you wanna bet me she's that GOOD woman?!!

You can find Kathy HERE in her Etsy shop!

Thanks Kathy for adding your talent to our PAFA Team!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Monday Merchant Circle Featuring Prims Gone Wild!

Good morning Everyone!

I've got a wonderful Artisan to tell you about this lovely Monday morning!

She is Karen Blevins from PRIMS GONE WILD!

Karen said she came up with her name when she was standing in the midst of all of her Prim creations and stated, "dang girl, you have gone wild with all of these Prims"!!! LOL!! 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/94054516/primitive-grungy-folk-art-raggedy-easter?ref=v1_other_1

 Karen comes from a very creative and artistic family. Her father is first and foremost the best artist she has ever seen. Do you sense a bit of pride there?! She's only been on Etsy for a few years but has been selling her goods for a long time making her first sale at age 9. What a young entrepreneur!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/94844713/primitive-grungy-folk-art-raggedy-easter?ref=v1_other_2

 Karen's creative style is Folk Art and Primitives. Her inspirations come from everything and everywhere. She uses a variety of mixed media and isn't afraid of trying new techniques.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90288354/altered-art-mixed-media-wood-painting

 I LOVE this Altered/Mixed Media this piece!!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/94845738/primitive-grungy-folk-art-raggedy-annie

Here are the links that you can use to find Karen and her work!

What a wonderful asset she is to our PAFA Team!

ETSY LINK:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/primsgonewild?ref=si_shop
EBAY LINK
http://www.ebay.com/sch/kareybeths_kreations_n_prims/m.html?item=250970424243\

&sspagename=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649&_trksid=p4340.l2562
FACEBOOK: Karen E. Blevins
http://www.facebook.com/messages/1344844913#!/Kareybeth
FACEBOOK: Kareybeths_kreations_n_prims
http://www.facebook.com/messages/1344844913#!/pages/kareybeths_kreations_n_prims/124517127561840
Kareybeths_kreations_n_Prims Blog:
http://kareybethskreationsnprims-kareybeth.blogspot.com/
Prims*Gone*Wild Blog:
http://primsgonewild.blogspot.com/
WhatNotWomen Blog:
http://whatnotwomen.blogspot.com/

Please stay tuned for my Giveaway being posted tomorrow....for sure!!!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Monday Merchant Circle From PAFA

Good Monday morning Fellow Blogging Friends!

I've a wonderful Artisan from our talented PAFA Team to tell you about on this Monday Merchant day!

Meet Barb from Barb's Heartstrokes!

Barb came up with her name "Heartstrokes" because, at the time she was learning to paint, she was working as an Intensive Care Cardiac Nurse.

Her husband was in the Air Force and deployed overseas so she took an acrylic painting class at a local craft store and LOVED it! She has been painting for 15 years + and now declares it her 'Therapy'! Sounds vaguely familiar to me, too!

Barb has had her Esty shop for 2 years now and says she still likes to do a few shows a year.

She is inspired by like Artists in painting and stitcheries. Like me, she LOVES color and the whimsical! She also likes Primitive and Folk art styles, too.

Barb paints most of her creations on Black solar screen with acrylic paints. She also paints on wood, tin, and pretty much any surface she can get her hands on! YEP, I'm REALLY liking this Gal!!

She says, "If you have no paint on your clothes, they're not worth wearing"!! AGREED!!

SHe designs some of her own patterns. Her dad cuts her frames out of old barn wood and occasionally she can talk her hubby into cutting her wood pieces out! Would that be Apple Pie or Cherry, Barb, that you use for bribery??!!

 SEE?? Isn't this just lovely??!

Go see some more for yourself!!

You can find Barb here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes
http://barbsheartstrokes.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/BsHeartstrokes
barbsheartstrokes@gmail.com

}}Hugs{{
Vicky 

Monday Merchant Circle

Today I'd like to feature another wonderful Artisan from our talented PAFA Team!

Meet Rose from 

BASKETS BY ROSE!

 Rose has been weaving baskets since 1993 and held her first show in 1994. She enjoys selling her items on the web because it's to a much larger crowd. The downside to this type of selling is people can't pick up the baskets and speak to her one on one like they can at a show.

(LOVE THIS!)
 Rose says she finds her inspiration in the work of others from painters to quilters. She loves seeing the colors they use. She says, "Just have fun and your happiness will show in your work."  I LOVE her positive attitude and I know I can see HER happiness!!

Rose incorporates all styles in her basketry. She said just by changing the colors you can go from traditional to primitive.

 Each one of Rose's baskets are hand woven using hand dyed Reed and Wood. No two are ever alike. That's the beauty of hand made! She can customize any basket to match your home decor!

You can find Rose at the following links:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/basketsbyrose
http://www.artfire.com/basketsbyrose
http://basketsbyrose.blogspot.com
http://basketsbyroseselling.blogspot.com

Just a reminder that the PAFA Team Giveaway is still on. Look at my upper right sidebar to go to the Giveaway and also view the items we are currently selling in our Celebration! Just click on those buttons!
Thanks for stopping by!
}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Monday Merchant Circle Featuring Valerie Richardson!

Good Monday morning Dear Followers!

I have a wonderful Artisan, Team mate, and cyber friend that I'd like to introduce you to if you haven't had the privilege of meeting already!

Meet Valerie of Yorkie's Primitives!

Here's her interview!

How did you get your name, Val? (I call her Val 'cause I can and she hasn't shot me yet!)

I named my business after my Grandmother. Yorkie was her nickname and she was the one who inspired me to craft. She helped me make my first apron for 4-H and I was hooked!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93084167/benji-rabbit-make-do

How long have you been in business?

I have crafter over 30 years and opened up my Etsy shop in February of 2009.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/91467686/annies-valentines

Who or what inspires you?

I get my inspiration from all sorts of places. Looking at patterns gives me ideas. I also like to look through craft magazines and craft stores.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86175689/peace-angel-hanger

What is your creative style?

Primitive and Country

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93317314/lil-chick

What medium(s) do you like to work with?

My main medium is fabric but I also like to embroider and work with wood. (My kinda gal this Val!)

I like to add my own personal touch to my items by using beads, rick rack, lace, etc. I make Dolls, Make-Dos, Wood Blocks, Household Items; anything that catches my eye!

You can find Valerie at these places below. Take a minute and visit her. She's so sweet and you'll LOVE what you see!!

www.yorkiesprimitives.etsy.com
www.yorkiesprimitives.blogspot.com

Stay Tuned for more!! Lots happening this week and I've got ALOT to share with you!

}}Hugs{{

Vicky

Monday Merchant Circle Featuring Deb Bures!

Good morning Blogging Friends!

This morning I'd like to introduce you to another talented artisan from the PAFA Team.

This is Deb Bures from My Stitches To Treasure!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/89867927/prim-heart-envelope-for-valentines-day

 Here's an interview with her!

My name is Deb and my business is My Stitches To Treasure.  At the time I decided to start moving my hobbies forward to a business, I was sewing much more than crafts. I did things from wedding dresses, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, and prom dresses as well as alterations and upholstery work (I even recovered the inside of a 2-seat airplane once). I wasn’t sure where I would end up, but I decided “My Stitches To Treasure” would cover whichever venue I pursued. Crafting was drawing me in and then the last fabric store in town closed, leaving Walmart as the only source of fabric within 200 miles… sort of made my decision for me!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72141677/prim-chenille-bunny-for-spring-decor

I started doing craft shows about 1996. In 1999 I applied for a tax license and came up with my current business name.  

Deb says her inspiration comes from  looking through magazines and going to craft shows to look for ideas. Her customers also inspire her. They often ask for a custom item that triggers more ideas. And, of course, the internet is a never ending source of inspiration! However, the majority of her inspiration comes from all the fabulous pattern makers there are! She has 3 crates filled with patterns! MERCY!!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72107071/prim-daisy-angel-bunny-for-spring

Deb says she really doesn't have a single style…right now. She loves the primitive style items but enjoys trying different styles and techniques.She sounds a bit like me!

Her primary medium is fabric including warm and natural chenille, fleece, plush felt, homespun and cottons, terry cloth, and muslin to name a few. She has many items with wood frames or bases so she uses a lot more than a sewing machine during her days. She has a drill and several saws including a table saw, band saw and jig saw. WOOO HOOO! I KNEW I liked this Gal for a reason!!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79468321/vintage-stuffed-snowman-for-holiday

Her favorite item to make is snowmen. She's sewn hundreds of them over the years. She also make santas, elves, reindeer, witches, angels, pumpkins, scarecrows, cats, elf shoes, ice skates, mice, bunnies, dolls, and more. She has items from 3 inches to 4 feet tall. Variety is her specialty!

Deb sells her items online through Etsy and local craft shows. She currently does 3 local craft shows in the fall and has inventory at a gift shop. She also has many loyal customers who stop by her house to shop! Sounds to me like the BEST of every world in the craft business!

You can find Deb Bures at the following links so stop by and visit her! You will LOVE what you see!

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

http://MyStitchesToTreasure.blogspot.com

Facebook.com/MyStitchesToTreasure

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Monday Merchant Circle From PAFA

Today I'm featuring the "KID" from FIRECRACKER KID PRIMITIVES, a great Artisan from our PAFA Team!

Here's her interview and some photos from her shop!

1) Name of your business *and how you got your name*
Hi ya folks! My name is Carol and I'm the Firecracker Kid, born on the

 fourth of July! Married to my soul mate, Tim, we produced two wonderful children.

 We Love the Lord, our family, which includes our kitty kats, 

and our home built by Tim, of 33 years and counting. We've been wood crafting 

for over 25 years now and take great pride in our creations.

With us you'll find our one of a kind wood crafts, plus reproduction 

dough bowl keeps and more primitive, country, and cottage wood crafts all 

handmade in our woodshop by our hands for your home. You can be assured great

 attention is given to quality and detail. 

2)How long have you been in business?
We've been on Etsy since March 30, 2008, which is where we've done 

our best and have decided to stay. 

3)Who or what inspires you? 
I get my inspiration from my mind when the good Lord grants me good days.

So I should say, "He" gives me inspiration. Plus the need to pay the 

mortgage is inspiration enough in itself.

4)What is your creative style; primitive, country, folkart?
All of the above. Tim and I can do it all.

(YES, THEY CAN!) 

5)What medium do you use in creating, clay, fabric, altered art,wood etc.?
 We use wood, wood, and more wood. I also dabble in fabrics 

and altered art when the mood strikes me.

Saving my pennies for 2 of these this year!

6)What are your links (list your etsy shop, eBay, web site, blogs etc.)  
http://www.firecrackerkid.etsy.com
http://firecrackerkid.blogspot.com
http://fpwoodcrafts.blogspot.com
http://woodshopshanty.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1817572815&ref=tn_tnmn
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Firecrackerkid-Primitives/106316589410283 

Take some time to stop over and see the "Kid" and Tim's work! You WILL NOT be 

disappointed!!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Monday Merchant Circle From PAFA

Please state your first name and that of your business. 
Laura.  Cave Creek Primitives.

 How did you get your name? 

I named it after the area in Kentucky where we live.  There's a real 

Cave Creek,not far from our home in the Daniel Boone National Forest. 

There are also lots of caves around here.  It seemed to fit nicely.
 
How long have you been in business? 
I've been sewing and crafting most of my life, but I seriously started 

making primitives about six years ago, I think.  I didn't open an Etsy 

shop until 2010,and then it was Cave Creek Studio.  I changed it 

later when I decided to  

focus on just primitives and folk art.
 
Who or what inspires you? 
I receive inspiration from so many things - Nature, my own dogs and cats,

other artists, and living in this area. I also have a pretty weird 

imagination - sometimes new ideas just pop into my head from nowhere.
 
What is your creative style?
Probably a mixture - I seem to be developing my own style as I go. 

I rarely plan ahead or use patterns - more often I just get an idea, 

then figure out how to put it on paper and make a pattern I can use. 

I never know where a design is going until I work on it - then it sort 

of creates itself and I just follow along.
There have been several designs that I've completed that I still don't

have patterns for. I'm working now at making patterns that I can release

at some point. 

What medium do you use in creating?
Muslin fabric - by the bolt.  I have another shop, LauraOh Designs, 

and I save all of the fabric scraps from that to use 

for stuffing. I rag-stuff all of my primitives. I also use cheap

cotton sheets for stuffing.I make my primitive stain, and I 

also sometimes use paints and other finishes.

I use a lot of vintage buttons too - I have thousands of them all over

the place in tins and jars. 
explain here if you would like to about your business and what you

make and sell 
I have my own studio building, and I absolutely love what I do. 

I am so thankful that I can do this full-time too.  My husband is 

a musician,with his own studio too, so we each work at home and we 

are truly blessed. I give away a lot of my work to friends and 

neighbors.  I am most happy when something I've created makes someone 

else smile.
 
What are your links (list your etsy shop, eBay, web site, blogs etc.)?
 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/cavecreekprimitives
http://cavecreekprimitives.blogspot.com
http://cavecreekprimitives.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lauraohdesigns

Laura's having a Giveaway RIGHT NOW on her blog so run over

using the link above and sign up for her ADORABLE cow! Better yet, 

DON'T and save it for me!!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky