Christmas Sale at Woodshop Shanty!!!!

Carol is having a sale at http://www.etsy.com/shop/firecrackerkid

SO my suggestion is to get on over there now an get some wonderful present for your family, friend and yourself!!!!!

Hugs
Barb

A Christmas Monday Morning Marketplace

Christmas is coming and will be here soon!

For items to decorate your home and for wonderful gifts to share visit Prim Girl at:

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

THer are many wonderful things there and i know will will enjoy your trip to PrimGirl's shop.

Have a great week and hugs
Barb

A history of the Christmas Tree in the US of A!

The tree pictured is the tree my mom and dad carefully decorate every year and one that the family loves to see and enjoy!


History of the Christmas Tree - How did the tree come to the U.S.A.?
The history of the Christmas tree in the United States dates back to the time of George Washington and his defeat of the German Hessians in the year 1776. The Hessians were exuberant because they felt they held a winning hand in the war against George Washington and his troops. The war was during the Christmas season, which for the Germans was a time for food, songs, and decorated trees. In their busy efforts to celebrate the season, they paid little attention to their military duties. Therefore, the German Hessians became easy prey for Mr. Washington. His troops were able to sneak in and defeat the foe who was ill-prepared for the onslaught.

After the war in 1776, many Germans stayed in the United States, introduced the Christmas tree, and shared their traditions. The size of the tree was limited to 8 feet, and decorations consisted of dolls, as well as sugar items.

As the years went by, the United States realized the need for a Christmas tree market. The first supplier, by the name of Mark Carr from the Catskill Mountains in New York, took it upon himself to cut down fir and spruce trees that grew in abundance. He then transported them to New York City where he rented space for $1.00, and sold small trees for .05 to .10 cents and 8 to 10 feet trees for .25 cents. He continued the business until the year 1898.

For more on this see:
http://www.allabouthistory.org/history-of-the-christmas-tree.htm

A Christmas Marketplace Monday!!! with OFG

Olde Farmhouse Gathering is a wonderful group of talented artists and craftspeople who seel their ware at Etsy- a place for wonderful handmade creations.

Getting ready for Christmas is wonderful and I would like to share some items you could use to make your home welcoming and festive.

The items are from Joan of Vintage Keepsake Trunk.

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

Joan is a Prim Folk Artist who loves creating new designs and working from her favorite Prim patterns. She has been sewing for 35 years as a professional seamstress,
doll costumer, and a self taught primitive artist. She has a home based cottage industry with a large craft room and sewing studio and many of the locals come to my house to shop for their gifts and collectibles.

T'is the season to be merry---or almost---take some time, relax (we all need more of that sort of thing!) and shop at her store.

Hugs
Barb

The Olde Farmhouse Gathering -Monday Marketplace

It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas!
Start early and start now by looking at the Christmas items available at Painted Panache located at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/JYWheeler





A bit about Joanne:

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

Painted Panache by Joann Y Wheeler. I choose that name because that's the name I have had my business under since I began painting porcelain in 1986. Panache is defined as distinctive and stylish elegance.The word seemed to fit especially with my handpainted porcelain.

2. How long have you been on Etsy?

Since February 2007

3. What type of items do you offer?

My shop features handpainted porcelain (china painting), decorative painting on wood and glass, and miniature art (ACEO's) in various mediums.

4. How long have you been crafting?

For at least 30 years.

5. Who or What inspires you?

Nature. I love to paint flowers and animals. God inspires me. I enjoy doing religious paints as well. And i'm one of those people who cannot paint unless inspired by something.

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

I can't say that I have one thing that is my absolute favorite. Every time I get one, it seems like someone buys it! However, I do tend to favor my handpainted porcelain because I believe it's one of those things that you can pass down for generations to come.

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

Blog: http://www.jywheeler.blogspot.com
Ebay: http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=heylucy1
Bonanzle: http://bonanzle.com/eclecticspirit
Artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/ArtByJYWheeler

So stop by and take a look and prepare early for that Wonderful Time of of the Year!!!

Hugs
Barb

It's never to early to plan for Christmas!!!!!!

It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas!
Start early and start now by looking at the Christmas items available at Painted Panache located at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/JYWheeler





A bit about Joanne:

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

Painted Panache by Joann Y Wheeler. I choose that name because that's the name I have had my business under since I began painting porcelain in 1986. Panache is defined as distinctive and stylish elegance.The word seemed to fit especially with my handpainted porcelain.

2. How long have you been on Etsy?

Since February 2007

3. What type of items do you offer?

My shop features handpainted porcelain (china painting), decorative painting on wood and glass, and miniature art (ACEO's) in various mediums.

4. How long have you been crafting?

For at least 30 years.

5. Who or What inspires you?

Nature. I love to paint flowers and animals. God inspires me. I enjoy doing religious paints as well. And i'm one of those people who cannot paint unless inspired by something.

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

I can't say that I have one thing that is my absolute favorite. Every time I get one, it seems like someone buys it! However, I do tend to favor my handpainted porcelain because I believe it's one of those things that you can pass down for generations to come.

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

Blog: http://www.jywheeler.blogspot.com
Ebay: http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=heylucy1
Bonanzle: http://bonanzle.com/eclecticspirit
Artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/ArtByJYWheeler

So stop by and take a look and prepare early for that Wonderful Time of of the Year!!!

Hugs
Barb

Market Place on

It's always good to think about Christmas and get ready to make the next one better. The more we do in advance, the more time we have to spend with family and friends.

Here is a wonderful item from Sweet Magnolia Farm. The true reason for the season!

You can see this and more at the Esty shop located at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetMagnoliasFarm


Hugs,
BArb

Christmas with the people of Prairie Harvest Arts

Christmas with the group! We gathered at Grandma and Grandpa's house for a wonderful traditional Christmas. Food Family and a minimum of gifts to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Hope you all had a safe and loving Christmas. From our farm to your home--a late Merry Christmas.

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

During this wonderful time of year when we celebrate the birth of Christ, it is important o remember the troops stationed around the world who help provide the peace and security that we enjoy.

I got this link from an OFG (Old Farmhouse Gathering) sister and want to share it with you. There was ways we can let them know we care and appreciate what they are doing for us, our families, our nation and the world.

http://www.beliefnet.com/Love-Family/Holidays/Support-Our-Troops.aspx?source=NEWSLETTER&nlsource=10&ppc=&utm_campaign=Inspiration&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=newsletter


Thank you to Deb T. for sharing this.

Thanks to all of you for caring.

Hugs
Barb

Scoop style Christmas Candle Holder added to Website

New products are being added daily so please take some time to check out all the new goodies.

http://prairieharvestarts.com/shop/christmas/christmas-wall-scoop-candle-holder/prod_187.html

Hugs,
Barb

New Products on my Website

New Fun items at Prairie Harvest Arts

Be Prepared for a Wonderful Sale staring November 25 at http://prairieharvestarts.com/shop/

Time to think about decorating for the holidays!!!!

There are great ornies available at Prairie Harvest Arts. Time to order now for decorating. Christmas comes early this year!!!!!

For these and more see prairieharvestarts.com

It'll be here sooner than you think!

The snow has not started flying yet, but the signs are here. Days are getting shorter and the mornings are so much darker. It's getting a little more difficult to get up in the morning for chores.

When I say this snowman, it made me remember the fun things that the snow brings. Remember when you tried to built the largest snowman you could. Maybe ther was a contest between siblings. Fun...fun...fun...

Take a look at this great snowman brought to you by the Etsy shop Snowman Collector. Visit the shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7213607

There are so many greta creations there!!!!! Enjoy!

Hugs,

Barb

The kids are back in school and I think I am back to work!!?

This is my youngest child and and last two weeks have been spent getting her to college. She came to us as a 3 week old baby from Korea and has been a wonderful part of our lives from the day I saw her picture at the adoption agency. She is my wonderful daughter and I know her big brother Ted will keep a watchful eye on her at the U.

I sometimes wonder about how wonderful it is that I was given four such great kids. Love you guys.

She got help from grandparents, brothers, friends and mom and dad on the move. It has been something. She is roommates with my son's girlfriend and another sweet girl. It promises to be a wonderful year for her. I hope the best for everyone this year -- including my kids.

Hugs,

It's never too early to plan that perfect meal!

Looking forward when everyone gets together and the house gets loud again!!!!!!

Enjoy this pie and each other!

Cranberry Apple Pie


A touch of color and tartness sets this apple pie apart from the classic standby. Mixing the crumb topping makes a fun job for young helpers.

Pie 1 refrigerated pie pastry 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and quartered 2 cups fresh cranberries (thawed if frozen) 2/3 cup sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons flour Crumb topping 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

Step 1
Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a 9-inch standard (not deep-dish) pie pan with the pastry, fluting the edge.

Step 2
Thinly slice the apples crosswise and combine them in a large bowl with the cranberries. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and flour, mixing well. Transfer the filling to the pie shell, smoothing the top of the fruit. Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 3
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Add the butter, rubbing it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4
After 30 minutes, remove the pie from the oven and reduce the temperature to 375 degrees. Spread the topping over the pie and bake it for another 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden and the fruit thickens and bubbles around the edges. Allow the pie to cool for 2 hours before serving. Serves 8.

Christmas for Kids Monday

Found a great website for keeping the kids busy on those upcoming cold winter days and evenings. You know the evenings when it gets dark early and bedtime stays the same. What to do with those hours. Every Monday I will have some ideas for you and the kids to sit and relax. enjoy the season and the weather.

http://www.merry-christmas.com/coloring/index.htm#

Here is a link for a fine selection of pages to print and color. So get out the crayons, colored pencils, some hot cocoa, and pretzels and enjoy the family.

Have fun getting ready for Christmas!!!!!!

A star made with cardboard

For this project you will need: - Cardboard boxes - red yarn - scraps of red material - scissors - cookie cutters for templates (if desired) - buttons - tacky glue

Instructions: 1. Cut different Christmas shapes out of the cardboard box. 2. Following the method below for stitching on cards, stitch around the shape with the yarn. Leave a longer piece for hanging and tie it off into a loop. 3. Tear out a small piece of fabric and glue it to the center of the shape. Repeat for the back side of the shape. 4. Glue a button on the fabric to embellish it. Repeat on the back side of the fabric. For stitching on cardboard see: http://www.craftideas.info/html/stitching_on_cards.html Merry Christmas Barb

The wonderful scent of Gingerbread

Years ago, in the land before time, I was on a college choir tour. We gave a concert in a remote part of western Nebraska, during a very harsh winter. After the concert, we were divided up into groups of three or four students and went to host homes. For my group the ride to the house was long and cold. The winds were howling and the snow was blowing across the road and the visibility was nearly zero.

We finally got the the remote farmhouse, and when we walked in, we were greeted with warm gingerbread cake with lemon sauce. It has been so many years, and I still remember that home and the thoughtful people who made us welcome on a very cold night.

There's always a place for gingerbread. These ornies are available at:
http://prairieharvestarts.com/shop/ornies/ornies-winter-christmas/primitive-folk-art-gingerbread-men-ornies-w/-rusty-bell-buttons-set-of-4/prod_28.html

Looking forward to that wonderful time of year.

Hugs Barb

And the winner is..........

First, thank you everyone who entered this give away! I truly appreciate it. I wish everyone could win, but sadly only one. Please return often for more give aways and contests. More in the works.....

My son pulled the name from a wooden bowl as I didn't want to do it myself. I just felt better that way.

The winner is Keepsake Korner!!!!

Please send me your address and they will be on their way to you!!!!!!!

There will be a new something or other starting soon!!!!!!!

See you soon!
Hugs, Barb

Last Chance to enter the give away!!!!!!

Today is the last day to enter the give away for the Christmas Stars. Become a follower today!

WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW!!!!!!!

How many days till Christmas????

Barb