Sassafrass!

Remember this?

Oh, but she's so FULL of attitude; casting her spells and causing me deep consternation. She should be ashamed but, of course, she's not. And as a WOMAN, that's her prerogative!

I sat down to finish her a few days ago.

I layered her clothing with my own design. You can't see it in this picture but I cut her sleeves wider at the end and on a diagonal.She has a pair of pantaloons, then a skirt, then the dress part that I'd sewn the apron to. I didn't think out the process throroughly and had put her head onto her body before I'd slipped on her dress...SO....I had to slit the front and back to get it on. I stitched and glued a piece of fabric down her front so I could hide the slit.

Her collar is Tulle and she has a Black/White polka dot tie at her chin. I also tied a strip on her hat and then glued the wooden black bat above it that I'd painted, previously.

Her boots have been grubbied up with some cinnamon and 2 rusted safety pins attached for her 'buckles'.

I painted on her lashes, her mole, and those wide lips that she casts her nasty spells from.

Her hair is gray sheep's roving and her hat is made from black felt. She's 32" tall and a good 'handfull'!

I've named her Sassafrass. She's sitting on her bench in front of my China cabinet and thus far, hasn't given me any trouble.

 I've got her listed in my Etsy if you want to stop by and FAVORITE her.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/157478024/halloween-witch-doll-sassafrass

She took some time to make but I REALLY enjoyed putting her fabrics together.

I've listed most of my inventory again in my shop. Slowly getting back to the 'here and now'. It's been nice having some down time.

We're getting lots of rain here and I've not been able to break out the 'tools' between the heat and the wet stuff. I did manage to get these painted up.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/157265428/halloween-treat-boxes

https://www.etsy.com/listing/76937978/halloween-trio-of-buddies

I'll have another Giveaway soon so make sure you 'STAY TUNED'!

}}HUGS{{

Vicky

....And That's How the Fight Started!!

My wife and I were watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire while we were in bed.
I turned to her and said, 'Do you want to have Sex?'
'No,' she answered.
I then said, 'Is that your final answer?'

... She didn't even look at me this time, simply saying, 'Yes..'
So I said, "Then I'd like to phone a friend."

And that's when the fight started...
______________________________

I took my wife to a restaurant.

The waiter, for some reason, took my order first.

"I'll have the rump steak, rare, please."
He said, "Aren't you worried about the mad cow?"
"Nah, she can order for herself."

And that's when the fight started.....
____________________

My wife and I were sitting at a table at her high school
reunion, and she kept staring at a drunken man swigging his
drink as he sat alone at a nearby table.

I asked her, "Do you know him?"
"Yes", she sighed,
"He's my old boyfriend. I understand he took to drinking
right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear he
hasn't been sober since."

"My God!" I said, "Who would think a person could go on
celebrating that long?"

And then the fight started...
_______________________________

When our lawn mower broke and wouldn't run, my wife kept hinting to me that I should get it fixed.
But, somehow I always had something else to take care of first, the shed, the boat,
making beer.. Always something more important to me.

Finally she thought of a clever way to make her point.
When I arrived home one day, I found her seated in the tall grass, busily snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing
scissors. I watched silently for a short time and then went into
the house. I was gone only a minute, and when I came out again
I handed her a toothbrush.

I said, "When you finish cutting the
grass, you might as well sweep the driveway."

The doctors say I will walk again, but I will always have a limp.
____________________________

My wife sat down next to me as I was flipping channels.
She asked, "What's on TV?"
I said, "Dust."

And then the fight started...
_____________________________

Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made my lunch, and slipped quietly into the garage. I hooked up the
boat up to the van and proceeded to back out into a torrential
downpour. The wind was blowing 50 mph, so I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather
would be bad all day.

I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed. I cuddled up to my wife's back;
now with a different anticipation,
and whispered, "The weather out there is terrible."

My loving wife of 5 years replied, "And, can you believe my stupid husband is out fishing in that?"

And that's how the fight started...
______________________________

My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary.
She said, "I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 150 in about 3 seconds."

I bought her a bathroom scale.

And then the fight started......
______________________________

After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply
for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me

for my driver's License to verify my age. I looked in my pockets

and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that

I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later.

The woman said, 'Unbutton your shirt'.
So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair.

She said, 'That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me' and she processed my Social Security application.

When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office.

She said, 'You should have dropped
your pants. You might have gotten disability too.'

And then the fight started...
_______________________________

My wife was standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror.

She was not happy with what she saw and said to me,
"I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you
to pay me a compliment.'

I replied, "Your eyesight's damn near perfect."

And then the fight started........
_______________________________

I rear-ended a car this morning...the start of a REALLY bad day!

The driver got out of the other car, and he was a DWARF!!
He looked up at me and said 'I am NOT Happy!'
So I said, 'Well, which one ARE you then?'

That's how the fight started.
_______________________________

One year, I decided to buy my mother-in-law a cemetery plot
as a Christmas gift...

The next year, I didn't buy her a gift.
When she asked me why, I replied,
"Well, you still haven't used the gift I bought you last year!"

And that's how the fight started.

LOL!!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

My STAY-cation!

Good morning [[[[YAWN]]]] Blogging Friends!I can't seem to wake up this a.m.!

So much going on around here and I'm exhausted from what is supposed to be my Stay-cation!

Looks like my 'Peace and Quiet' is going to be elusive this summer.

Anna Belle had a mishap with Superman, aka her twin brother, Tate.

They were jumping on the furniture after being told numerous times to 'cut it out'. I've been teaching them about 'choices and consequences'. My kids are VERY stubborn and sometimes it takes a literal example to teach them. This was one of those examples, I guess. He jumped on her and she flung her arm out and caught the back of the loveseat at the corner where the wood joins together. She broke both her Ulna and Radius at the wrist. they were clean breaks and didn't have to be set, for which we are all so THANKFUL for. She was cast on Friday (5th). Our summer beach plans are on hold.

I've bought a few more patterns. This one I couldn't resist from Kim @ ORP.

 These are from Chestnut Junction and I can't WAIT to make them!

My sewing machine has been put away for a bit. I'm going into town this morning to pick up a new sander so I can cut out some Halloween items. I've actually listed my Halloween inventory in my Etsy shop. You can see my Etsy Mini on my right side bar.
I've got to take my little girl to the Heart doctor tomorrow along with her broken wrist. When she was born, they thought she might have Mitral Valve Prolapse (a floppy valve). It runs in my family on my mother's side and I have 2 kids with it already so I'm sure she does, too. If it isn't "one thing, it's another" right?!
Hope your summer Vacations and Stay-cations are proving to be a bit more positive than mine. At least it's beautiful here and we're getting some much needed rain. Looks like there is some kind of Tropical system out in the Carribean that we'll have to watch for. Sure wouldn't mind the rain it can bring.
I've got something FUN up my sleeve so.....
Stay tuned!
}}HUGS{{
Vicky

My Swap Package!

 Amy over at BUMBLEBEE LANE had her Summer Swap and I participated it in it! What WONDERFUL gifts I received! Linda @ COUNTRY PICKINS has such a generous heart. I was completely overwhelmed!

Take a look!

 Someone was showing his excitement!

 

 THE CUTEST KITTY!

 Smells so good!

 Lovely dish towels!

 Just perfect!

 Sweet Pea lives up to her name!

 Patriotic hot pads!

 Wonderful soaps and a Patriotic ornie!

A Tea Towel, note pad, the BEST smelling candle, an ornie pattern.....

Good HEAVENS but I've been SPOILED to the point of ROTTEN!
THANK YOU, sweet Linda and Amy for a wonderful Swap. Linda was the first person I ever swapped with and I continue to learn from her!

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

In other news, someone is getting new clothes....

I've also decided to give her a 'facelift' as I can't seem to get her to smile. I'll show you soon!

These precious dollies are from Susan at THREADBARE PRIMITIVES! They will be part of my Halloween. They just make me laugh!

My family is coming in for the 4th so I'm cleaning and preparing my menu. Looking forward to having my 'nest' full with my chicks! It's been a while since they were all here!

Wishing you a wonderful and safe 4th!

}}HUGS{{
VICKY

SUMMERTIME WINNER!

Good morning Blogging Friends!

I've a winner to announce for my SUMMERTIME GIVEAWAY!

It's BARB from Barb's Heartstrokes!!

CONGRATULATION, BARB!!

I've got your addy so I can get this off to you in the mail on Monday!

THANK YOU, EVERYONE, for participating in my Summer Giveaway!

I'm taking a break for the month of July. I'll still be painting, sewing, and generally crafting but will do it without the worry of buyers and shipping. This gives me a much needed break before the Holidays are upon us....and that won't be long seeing as we've only another day before we welcome July!!

 Besides, we have to make time for this.....

....and this.....

....and I've GOT to finish this.....

Thanks again for your support! I'll still be blogging!

Stay tuned!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Playing With Dollies!

Oh, but I've been having SEW much fun! I bought a pattern from Maureen over at SWEET MEADOWS FARM and have been 'practicing' on some new dollies!

This pattern is her BIGGEST LITTLE DOLL PATTERN for her 12" & 13" dolls.

http://clothdollpatterns.com/patterns6/id41.htm

Gosh, but she just has SO many that I want! 

Anyway, I just finished up these gals......

.....and plan to make MANY more! I think some Halloween and Christmas themed 

dolls would be so cute!

I haven't been painting much. It's too hot to cut wood and the kids are out swimming every day so a lot of my time is spent with them. I did have a friend over last Friday though and we painted this guy!

This is Simon and Skeeter. Simon gets a kick out of giving his friend Skeeter a little 'swat'. Keeps him entertained! Skeeter's  not quite sure he's in the entertainment industry but it's kind of like a 'Tom & Jerry' relationship!

I've got one more doll I'm working on. Her boots are finished and she's being assembled. I went all out for this gal so hope to show you in a few more days.

Don't forget about my SUMMER GIVEAWAY! The picture and link is at the top of my right sidebar! The winner will be announced this Saturday!

}}HUGS{{
Vicky

Are You Chicken? TUTORIAL

I've been wanting to make something like this for a while. On my FB page, I follow a 'chicken lady'. Although this picture is not of her chickens, she does have some similar....and I love to see them!

I was also inspired by an Artist on our OFG Team, Barb of Barb's Heartstrokes!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/44916060/tole-painting-pattern-welcome-chicken

I LOVE whimsy and these were just soooo fun to look at. SO, I came up with these guys!

My whimsical Folk Art Chickens!

I actually drew up this pattern months ago and set it aside.

I checked out on Etsy.com to see if there were any more like mine. 

I found this guy.....

https://www.etsy.com/listing/121187596/hand-carved-rooster-on-split-wood-egg

And this guy.....

https://www.etsy.com/listing/129645231/american-rooster-makedo

Brenda from the Rusty Thimbles is the closest I've seen to mine. Isn't this adorable?!!

I'm going to share my patten with you....and give you a 'walk through' as to how I made them.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3ZH1BVLOI4JNUtfSlRLNXNTNTA/edit?usp=sharing

Hope you can read the pattern. Just click on it and print.

1.Cut 2 pieces out of cotton fabrics for body. Seam allowance is already added. Leave the bottom open for stuffing. 

2. Glue onto bobbin and wrap with sisal or jute around the bottom. Add spots of white craft glue or Hot glue; I used hot glue.

3. Paint the beak area Antique Gold (acrylic paint).

4. Cut out the heart from material of your choice. I used red felt on one and denim from an old pair of jeans on the other 2. Sew with large hand stitches and then glue to the body.

5. Tear strips of fabrics, pieces of raffia, jute, sisal, other fibers. Gather them in your hand and tie in a simple knot. Glue to the tip of the point on his rear. Leave different lengths and widths but not too many. You don't want him to fall over.

6. Now make some smaller strips for his funny little hair do. Hot glue it to the top. OR, cut out the comb from some red felt and hand stitch it. Leave it open at the bottom and glue to the head.

7. I added a strip of homespun at his neck with a spot of glue.

8. Also added a rusty safety pin with a rusted jingle bell.

I had a blast making these. Hope you do, too!
 ****************
Don't forget about my SUMMER GIVEAWAY!

Ends June 29th! Still plenty of time to sign up!
GO HERE for the post!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

2013 SUMMERTIME GIVEAWAY! (CLOSED)

It's that time of year! School is out and Summer is upon us!

 The sun is shining for the better part of the day and our rainstorms are present in the late afternoon evenings. It's our Florida Summertime pattern and we NEED it to keep up our water levels! I LOVE a good Rain Storm!

It's also the time of year when my favorite Fruit is in abundance!

Already had 2 of these so far so it didnt' take much for me to think of what I'd like to have in my Summertime Giveaway!

A fun Summer Welcome sign! Measures 20" in length by 12" tall.

Watermelon wedges made from Muslin and painted brightly with acrylic paints!

A set of Watermelon Measuring Cups that I found at Tuesday Morning!

These and anything else I might deem acceptable will go into a box and get shipped to a super, lucky WINNER!

RULES for this Giveaway are simple and 3 chances will be yours if you:

1. Are or become a Follower of my Blog !

2. Leave me a Comment on this post!

3. Share, SHARE, Share on FB, your Blog, Twitter, or any other social media you have access to!

This Giveaway is open only to the US. It will be a big box and I like sending my mail Priority. The winner will be announced Saturday, June 29th. 

Good luck to one and all!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Come on Over and VOTE!

Something's happening over at The Farmhouse!

Could you take a minute to go over and see?

 http://oldfarmhousegathering.blogspot.com/2013/06/americana-challenge.html

Some of the OFG Artisans, including ME, have made something special for our AMERICANA CHALLENGE! We'll need your vote to see who wins + you might win, too!

And, of course, you won't hurt my feelings one bit if you choose to vote for my Millie!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/153302963/reserved-americana-primitive-millie-the

Glued to a Mache Box that I've painted with acrylic paints.

She's primmed up and smelling great!

There are some great pieces so you'll want to take your time and visit the shops to see which one you really like!

 http://oldfarmhousegathering.blogspot.com/2013/06/time-to-cast-your-vote.html

But seriously, Paintspots and Splinters and Miss Millie will be hard to pass up, right?!

Thanks for stopping by!

GO VOTE!
}}Hugs{{
Vicky

Future Projects

I'm so excited! I'm working on Halloween! My FAVORITE season of all!

I've bought some wonderful patterns and wanted to show you what my future projects will be!

 LOVE Pam Gracia from SOFT IN THE HEAD! Those Froggettes are ADORABLE!

Another favorite pattern maker of mine is Stacey from THE GOODE WIFE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY!

I've also got my material together for a certain 'unfinished Witch'. I'm hoping her colorful clothing will change her attitude! 

I've cut out 3 of the 13" dolls from this pattern by SWEET MEADOWS FARM and will be putting their faces together in the next few days. Wish me luck....I'd hate for them to have an attitude problem, too.

I've deactivated most of my stock in my Etsy shop. No custom orders right now. I'm finishing up an Americana piece for our OFG challenge. I'll be able to show you next week.

School is almost out, YIPPEE! Not a whole lot planned for the summer but I'm sure a Beach vacation will be in there somewhere!

Stay safe in these storms! Hurricane season is upon us, too! Sure hoping for some wet weather. This drought has taken it's toll on our Lake.

Stay tuned for my Summer Giveaway this next week!

}}Hugs{{
Vicky