Something New for me.....Gourds

I've been shopping Estate sales lately. A friend of mine got me involved in an organization that helps families sell off what their dearly departed has left behind. You'd be surprised at how many people have gourds in their homes!

This is my small selection. I've been wanting to 'play' with gourds for awhile now. I love the different characteristics they have and when I look at them, my imagination takes off. I've got plenty of patterns that I can apply to these but I took some time to look up what Etsy had to offer.

Here are just a few shops that sell patterns that I liked.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PaintingWithFriends

https://www.etsy.com/shop/appletreecottage

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Paintingonjars

https://www.etsy.com/shop/primchickpatterns

Here are some of the pictures I found in my Bing search that appealed to me.

Oh, there were more, lots more. I'm loving the look of this Snowman and the Santa in the first picture. I thought they'd be cute and fun to make for some family gifts.

So now I'm off to learn how to prep them for painting and remove those, what I assume to be seeds,  shaking around inside. If you have any suggestions or resources, could you let me know, please? My mind is always willing to be educated.

******************

I have to attend Career Days tomorrow at my Twin's Elementary school (they are 4th graders). They're excited for me to come and show my crafts and share my knowledge. 80 kids altogether: 2 different sessions (40 kids each). I may have to ask for your prayers!!

Stay tuned!!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

 

Making Pumpkins

I'm actually making more than just Pumpkins. Christmas has found it's way to my table but I DARE not show you in fear that you'll throw something at me!! Those of us in Retail/Wholesale have to stay on top of things but it doesn't keep the public from disliking the 'rush' on the holidays. I, myself, don't particularly care to hear Christmas music before it's even Halloween, however, I do find myself buying it all!

I don't have a pattern to share with you for the pumpkins. You can find a Tutorial HERE from ORP (Old Road Primitives). Kim shares her Tutorials FREE with everyone and her patterns are MARVELOUS to work with!

 

I don't have to paint these as my husband's Aunt gave me some upholstery fabric, some type of chenille/velour. I don't really know but it works great for these little pumpkins.

I DO want to show you my leaves though and how easy it is to make them. You can apply these to all of your FALL crafts and even make them as large as you need.

My daughter brought over a pair of white denim jeans that were stained on the bottom cuffs. I can always use a bit of denim/canvas for Bunny ears, etc. but my intentions this time were for some leaves.

I ripped them apart.....

...and pulled off the pocket and buttons.

Fold over 4-5 inch strip of denim and draw a shape similar to the one I have.

Take them back to your painting table and WET them with water first then paint them with greens, browns, oranges, and yellows.

Make sure you add a bit of color to the other side as these will curl up around the edges making them a bit more natural looking.

I haven't finished my pumpkins, however you can see how easy it is to place them with a dab of hot glue. A stem and a nice FALL tag will finish these pumpkins. I'm going to add a little Mouse, too.

Sales are slow right now and that's given me some extra time that I've been able to enjoy.

}}Hugs{{

Vicky

 



FB Giveaway!!

Come and join me on my Facebook page, Paintspots and Splinters! I'm having a Giveaway!

 Elvira and Winthrop

(pattern by Soft in the Head)

Sign up ONLY on my Facebook. Click on the link HERE or find my badge on the right sidebar and click on it to find the pictures above. Leave me a comment and give me a 'like' if you haven't already.

Ends Oct. 1,Wednesday. Open to US residents only, please.

}}Hugs{{
Vicky



Owl Tutorial.....Olive and her Owl

This is a little Rag Doll that I made.

I used a pattern from Sweet Meadows Farm so I can't share the pattern of the doll with you, however, I would like to share the pattern of the Owl with you as it's one I made up.

When I was in middle school, I think about 7th grade, we were given some kind of paper clay to make sculptures with. My sculpture was an Owl and my art teacher thought it to be good enough to enter in the art fair I don't remember winning anything but it was enough for me that she, my teacher, liked it.

So, when I came across this extra material that I had, I decided Olive, my little rag doll, would need an owl friend.

Here's what you will need to make your own little Owl friend!

 

Pattern

Fabric of your choice for the body. (I made this one from Osnaburg)

Felt for the pair of wings

Fabric for the tummy

2 buttons for the eyes

a Rusty nail or stick for the nose/beak

Fabric glue (optional)

Crochet Thread/Embroidery Thread

Sewing notions

 

HOW TO:

Cut 2 pieces of body fabric out. Seam allowance has already been added to my pattern. Sew all together then cut a slit where indicated on the pattern. Stuff it with fiber fill and then sew opening closed.

Cut out 1 tummy part and place over the slit. You can use fabric glue to adhere it or use a running stitch with your crochet/embroidery thread.

Place wings on the side and give them a good running stitch.

I sewed the thread into the buttons and then glued then on. I then sewed the nail in place with some dk brown crochet thread.

That's it! SEW Easy!!

I want to make a few more using different variations.

This pattern is yours to use however you'd like!

My little Olive is available in my Etsy shop.

Look on my right sidebar to see her and a few of her other little friends that I've recently made.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I'm going to have a Giveaway on my FB page soon! Look for my FB badge on my sidebar, too!

Stay Tuned!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

 

 

 

Deco Artist Giveaway Winners!

 Winners of the following pattern packets are Cucki, Lois, and Cindi! Email me your addy's girls at Vicweave@aol.com and I'll get these in the mail to you! Thanks for participating.....and have FUN!!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Harvest Happenings Celebration!

Our Harvest Happenings Celebration is in FULL swing! Our OFG (Old Farmhouse Gathering Team) has been busy creating again and we've got some awesome pieces to share with you!

https://www.etsy.com/search?q=hhcofg

Here are some of my finished pieces that you can now find listed in my Etsy.

Elvira and Winthrop. A pattern by Soft in the Head.

My "Crows Roost Inn". A pattern by Plum Purdy that I adapted.

Some "FALL" blocks that I cut from 2x4's and painted. The lettering is Walnut colored vinyl.

I also made one more Scarecrow.

We named this one Sam. Typical, yes. Especially in my home as it's my hubby's name, too!!!

Don't forget about the GIVEAWAY I'm having in the post below this one. It ends on Wednesday and there have only been a few sign ups. It's a great one for the decorative artist! Take a look-see and sign up!

Stay tuned!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

A Giveaway for the Decorative Artist!

I finally finished up my Fall goodies! I pulled out my Christmas fabric and wrote down my list of necessities to complete the ones I want. Even though I take care of our handicapped daughter (she'll soon be 28), I'm fortunate enough to have the time and ease to play with my crafts. I've always said it's my 'therapy' as some of you may know how draining it is to be a 24/7 Caregiver. So here are my latest creations.

 Mr. Snoozles! This guy is approx. 36" tall! Pattern is adapted from THE OLDE COUNTRY CUPBOARD.

 Bo Bo the kitty! Made from a pattern by THE GOODE WIFE.

 This is Ulysees the Raven. He's from a pattern by SOFT IN THE HEAD.

And a little Fall Table Décor. The tag is from EWE N ME PRINTABLES on Etsy.

I LOVE all of the wonderful 'cyber' friends I've made! One of them is a SUPER talented lady by the name of Karen Strubel. Karen is a wonderful decorative artist. She was selling some of her 'overstock' in an Etsy shop that she had. I got a lot of great things from her. She now has a shop called Karen's Painted Pieces. Anyway, over the last year or 2 she's asked me to cut her some wood. We did a swap this last time and she sent me some of her painting packets. She sent me enough that I can share 3 SETS of 7 packets. SO, here are the photos of the packets!

There is no wood cut with these, however, CABIN CRAFTERS sells her pattern packets and some cut outs. And I know some of you cut wood as I do.

To enter this Giveaway, just leave me a comment with a way to get in touch with you. That's it! I'll announce a winner next Wednesday, SEPT. 17th....well, now that's one of my daughter's birthdays!
This Giveaway is open to EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE!

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

What Happened to August??

I totally missed it! I really don't care for the month of August as it's SO HOT and busy with school preparations! However the month of September is one of my favorites as it ushers in the 'er' months and the Holidays! Speaking of which, I'm in FULL FALL MODE! Actually finishing up the last of my creations for one of our Old Farmhouse Gathering Team Celebrations.

This is my table....

Holy Halloween, Batman!! Boy, I went a bit nuts!

I'm happy to say they are all nearly completed and ready for listing. I don't know what got into me to make so much FALL décor! I guess it's the colors I like the most......and Halloween is my favorite!

Here are just a few 'sneak peeks'!

These will be available in my Etsy shop after Sept. 12th.

********************

I have a GIVEAWAY to list in a few days. I cut out some wood plaques for a fellow artist and she sent me 5 sets of a 1/2 dozen of her pattern packets! Talk about Generosity!

I've got some Garlands to put together and a few orders to cut out.

It's my hubby's birthday so I need to make his Cinnamon Buns.  

Hope you all had a great Labor Day and are starting to 'Feel the Fall'.

}}Hugs{{

Vicky

 

 



My Box Runneth Over!

I have been a BUSY girl!! Good thing I took some time off for the summer because I wouldn't have been able to get all of this sewn up!
 

 13" Rag Dolls, Elves, Candy Corn, Sunflowers, Crows, Halloween Cats. Santa's.....this doesn't even show the 2 large Scarecrows and my Stump Witches! My fingers are numb from holding the needle! The good news is I'll be way ahead of my Holiday crafting!
I've got Inventory to do but I'll be ready to open back up at the end of July. I've been pre-cutting some wood for Teacher gifts and some popular Pumpkin Garlands. It's been a nice break and I've enjoyed the time to 'sit and sew'. Now it's time to get the paint brushes out and put some color on all this muslin! I'll have pictures to share with you this month and a cute little Owl Tutorial! Everyone is making them so why shouldn't I?!! I'm even going to try my hand at some paper clay crafting. Wish me luck!
Enjoy your Summer sewing!!
}}Hugs{{
Vicky
 

Taking Off a Little Time

I usually take off this time of year. The kids are out of school and I normally need a break from all of the orders. This year has been especially demanding with my Etsy. I said I wouldn't let it get to be 'work' so it's important for me to recognize when I need to stop and take a rest.

Now that doesn't mean I'm being idle! I've been working with some 8-11 year old girls (like Girl Scouts but we call them Activity Day Girls) and they've been keeping me busy. We had a great time last Friday at our Daddy/Daughter "GONE FISHIN" Activity.

I should've taken a closer pic. The 'Fish Bowls' were made up with the glass marbles from the $ Tree and some fun little ugly wooden fish I made (my 8 year old daughter painted)! It all set on a green burlap mat with plastic sea creatures and a GONE FISHIN sign. Each table had a pack of GO FISH cards.



"SHARKY" --the photo booth! He ate a lot of heads!



$ Tree nets for the table and some of my own décor at home. These tables were filled with 'Chicken' dishes as the girls said they didn't want ANYTHING 'fishy' to eat. Watermelon, salads, green beans, and rolls completed the menu.

I've also cut, sewn, and prepared dolls for Fall and Christmas sales, and am currently working on some Women's 'clothing accessory' pieces to sell this year.

These were the last pieces I'd finished before shutting down.

I sold the Bee Skep right away to a return customer. Guess I'll have to make another one. It's made from a pattern that I adapted by Oodlekadoodle.

I've already cut some small wooden plaques for the girls to paint tomorrow. Going to teach them a little Decoupage. Should be fun and educational.....for me, too!

Hope your summer is going well. We're getting LOTS of rain but that always a good thing when you live on a lake!!

 

}}Hugs{{
Vicky



In the Merry Month of May

WOW. I obviously just skipped over April.

Over a month has passed and I don't know where it went. And now it's May. Where did 'in the merry month of May' come from?

I've been busy with 'school' orders. These name plates are very popular.

 They're actually easy to make, however, take time and I only make these 'to order'. This is my busy time making them......and in August......and again right before Christmas. It's a good thing!

Our OFG Team is getting ready for it's summer promotional. I've pulled out the Red, White, and Blue and a couple of great patterns from some very talented people.

This is Bouncing Sammy.

It is a pattern by Pam Gracia of SOFT IN THE HEAD. She is so talented and her patterns are super easy to read and follow. He'll be available in my Etsy shop after the 19th of this Month.

I've also made another Garland. Have had MANY inquiries for a Birthday Garland so here is my take on one.

Lots of fun to make and it is so festive with all of it's bright colors. It also will be available on a 'Made to order' basis after the 19th.

I'm finishing up this Bumble and his home today. It's a pattern from Oodlekadoodle.

I found this in the closet. This is from my 'One Stroke' days. I think I'll put a quote or scripture or something there in the blank corner. Add a pretty satin ribbon for hanging. Well, I'll think about it anyway.

Looking forward to school being out. I enjoy the summertime mode and playing with the kids in the pool.

Maybe I'll have a Giveaway on my FB. I've made a few of those Bouncing Sammies......yeh, I'll post a Giveaway today so look for my FB badge on my right sidebar and come by and visit. I'll post a link up at the top of my blog, too.

I'm spending the weekend with my Girls. They're spoiling me on Saturday. Wishing all of you a Happy Mother's Day.

}}Hugs{{
Vicky