Firecracker Kid Primitives

DIY Front Porch

2012-02-02T17:41:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I'm looking through my photos to find a before photo of our front porch. This is what it used to look like. You'll have to enlarge to see the porch.

Nothing elaborate, just what we could afford. Then hubby lost his job he'd worked at for 25 years, but went to heavy equipment school, graduated and got a job on the road for five years until he lost this job too.

When hubby's away, the porch will decay... lol. Not able to keep up with outdoor maintenance while working on the road, our poor porch suffered, although it is very old. Ooops, Hermes escaped out the window for inspection.

Yes, hubby used to power wash the driveway and the porch every year, and I used to have a pretty flower bed, but life happens. I like for the front of my home to look nice and I don't think our porch will pass as primitive any longer, if you know what I mean.

So we're looking online for plans and photos of what we'd like. Wish us luck! Tim is gonna do it all by himself, little by little. So if any of you creative gals out there have any ideas or advice, be bold and pass them along to this, not so creative gal.

Besides this project, we've been filling orders for our wonderful customers.

PAFA Monday Merchant Circle

2012-01-30T12:23:00.001-05:00

Hello folks! My featured artist this Monday is my friend and Primitive and Folk Artist Etsy teammate Barb of Barb's Heartstrokes. I want to share Barb's wonderful personality and talents, which are visible in her artwork available in her Etsy shoppe. So without further ado...

1. How did you choose the name of your business?

"Heartstrokes" came about because I was an Intensive Care Cardiac nurse and was learning to paint. So between my job and learning to paint they were both quite a challenge. But anything that is a challenge usually is worth it. So when I started a business it seemed natural to combine the two.

2. How long have you been in business?

I have been painting for about 15 years. My husband was in the Air force and was deployed overseas so I took an acrylic painting class at a local craft store and loved it! It has now become my therapy. I have been on Etsy going on two years. I still do local craft shows here in Utah and occasionally back in Las Vegas.

3. Who or what inspires you?

Many artists of the painting and stitchery world inspire me: fun, folk art, primitive, whimsical patterns and COLORS!

4. What is your creative style, primitive, country, folk art?

My style is a mix of primitive, country, folk art and a bit of whimsy basically anything that catches my eye!

5. What mediums do you use in creating?

I love painting on black screen because there is little to no prep! I love working with acrylic paints due to the fact that it dries fast and is fairly forgiving if you make a mistake. I also love to paint on….everything! (If you have no paint on your clothes they are not worth wearing!) I hand paint everyday and seasonal designs on framed fiberglass black screen with acrylic paint. My style has a flair of folk art, primitive, and whimsy. I also paint ornaments, magnets, and any surface that looks interesting to me weather it be wood, tin, rusty tin, fabric, or paper. I have lucked out in the fact that my dad makes the frames from reclaimed barn wood or plain wood and my husband will cut wood for me if I need something cutout. I have also branched out and designed some of my own designs as well and sale the patterns in my shop.

6. What are your links where our readers can find you?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes
http://barbsheartstrokes.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Barbsheartstrokes/305129222867386

http://twitter.com/#!/BsHeartstrokes

Of course Barb has other talents besides painting. Visit her links for more about her and more of her incredible creations.
Thank you Barb!

New FKP Wood Crafts on "Party Sunday"

2012-01-28T22:07:00.002-05:00

Hey folks, I listed a a few new wood crafts to our sales blog and shared them on By Your Hands "Party Sunday". Click on over and see everyone's hand mades. You can share your hand mades or you might just see one you can't live without! Don't forget to thank the hosts, Bette and Deena.

Blessings,
Carol

I Need A Snickers Bar!

2012-01-24T14:21:00.000-05:00

Hey boss, my back hurts! I better eat a snicker's bar before I turn into Rosanne Barr. Ha!

I'm tired and my back hurts... LOL. No, seriously! There's this one for a customer, then afterwards I painted and distressed two noodle boards, rolling pin keep, and another shelf I'm working on.

See my new old spice jars? I'd been shopping around for and found me a set of vintage Griffith's spice bottles for a cool $50 that I couldn't pass up. White milk glass with embossed labels, not paper and in very good vintage condition. I needed them since I let my other spice jars go.

By the time this one rolled around, I was too pooped to do a full staging, but it still looks good without.

No worries though, today I'm back at it with a full tank of gas for this one. I know, I know, I couldn't let it go. I just had to paint it. I really like how it turned out. It is listed on etsy for sale.

So now that my tank is empty again, this ole gal is going into the prone position for some R & R and kitty kat tlc. I bid you fairly well until next we meet.

Carol

Let's Give Them Something To Talk About

2012-01-23T14:50:00.001-05:00

Hey folks, I've been tagged by Susan of Wicked Faerie Queen to tell y'all a little something about me, the Firecracker Kid. So hold onto your seats, here goes, off the top of my head.

1. What is your favourite film? I have more than one, but here's a couple... "Stealing Beauty" and "Bagdad Cafe".
2. What is your dream vacation? To drive across the United States.
3. What is your favourite medium to work with? Any
4. Are you a cat person or a dog person? Cat
5. Do you dream in colour and do you remember your dreams? No color and I do remember most of my dreams.
6. What famous historical figure would you like to have lunch with? Mother Theresa.
7. Who is your favourite musician alive or dead? Again, not just one... Nina Simone, Etta James
8. If you could go back in time for one week what period of time would it be? Colonial
9. If you could eat something and never gain weight what would it be? Cajun foods... Bon Appetite!
10. Are you a country person or a city person? Country
11. What is a good time for you, home with a good movie and great company or out on the town with music &
dancing? Home with a good moving and family.

Well, there ya go, have you figured me out yet?

Congratulations are in Order!

2012-01-22T09:12:00.000-05:00

Slip slidin' away! We're still covered in ice in my neck of the woods at 31 degrees. Strange though, the neighboring town 10 minutes away didn't get the ice storm. That don't stop the fun in blog land now does it! Without further ado about nothing, the wonderful winner of Firecracker Kid Primitives Valentine's Day Giveaway is #36!

Valerie commented... "Please enter me in your giveaway Carol. This has been one of my favorite things you have made since I saw the first one! I'm crossing my fingers!! I am already a follower of your blog and have already subscribed to your newsletter." Hugs, Valerie

That's right... our sweet Valerie of Yorkie's Primitives!

Click on her button and give her congratulations. I know she'll have an awesome primitive display in mind for this Red Chicken Nester, because Valerie does needlework and creates great primitive dollies and critters too. Check it out!

I thank all of you who participated in our giveaway. I loved your comments and kindness and look forward to seeing y'all again in our next giveaway.

As I close, I leave you with this thought... As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.
Keep warm and wonderful my friends!

Love ya's!!
Carol

Fresh From the Wood Shop & the Weather

2012-01-21T12:06:00.000-05:00

Southeast OH is icy and the movie "2012" was on all week!

LOL... nah.

Front yard. This is our big pine that lost a few big branches from last years heavy snow.

Back yard, one branch down. More to go? I don't know how much more our po' trees can take.

I finally convinced hubby to put a drawer in our rolling pin rack! This one is unfinished and listed at Firecracker Kid Primitives at Etsy. I thought I'd let the customer tell me what color and finish they want. Although, I am itching to paint it... heehee.

The Old Farmhouse Gathering is still having their celebration through the 30th. Click on the pretty graphic to go shopping for your loved one.

You have until tonight at midnight to enter our VaLeNtiNe's DaY giveaway for your chance to win a Firecracker Kid Primitives Tuscan Red Chicken Nester!

Stay warm and crafty my friends!

Carol

Pea Hen Heaven & Righteous Redwork

2012-01-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

Oh Lord, am I worthy?

To have such wonderful, kind, and compassionate friends.

From Linda Claus... she stitched me some real nice and pretty redwork pillow tucks. This apple one goes perfect with my dried apple garland.

Also some of her Valentine hearts. She's been spreading around the love! There's another pillow she made me with Simple Blessings 1803, I forgot to take a pic of, but y'all know how nice Linda's tucks are.

I love the pea hens and purchased another from Traci of York Mountain Mercantile from her sales blog. She's a generous sweetie of course and included a few gifts for me, totally spoiling me.

Another Cat pin to add to my collection. I used to wear these on my lapel, back when I was a working woman in an office. A pocket calendar and a little clothes pin prairie girl. Cool! Thanks Traci :0)

Traci has been busy making and posting some awesome early style items on her sales blog that are worthy of a look see.

Don't forget about my Valentine's Day Giveaway! Today is the last day to enter. Plus, hop over to my giveaway page for more awesome giveaways.

Good luck to all!

Valentine's Day Giveaway - CLOSED

2012-01-20T06:24:00.002-05:00

It's a Red Pepper Chicken Nester Valentine's Day Giveaway!

Take a chance to win this Firecracker Kid Primitive's woodcraft to display in your primitive home or as a gift for your friend or family member's primitive home.

This one measures in at...

Roof 13.5" W x 10" D

Box 12" W x 9.5" D

Total height 12.5"

All you have to do for your chance to win is:

1. Leave a friendly comment that you want to enter.

2. Subscribe to Firecracker Kid Primitives.

~Last day to enter will be Saturday, January 21. I will use random.org to choose a winner and announce the winner Sunday, January 22.~

This giveaway is for one Primitive Red Pepper Chicken Nester only.

My giveaway is open to USA and Canada only.

Good Luck y'all!

Decorate For Love

2012-01-17T01:34:00.002-05:00

The curtain is drawn, for your viewing! Click on the images to see all the details these gals put into their creations so we can decorate our homes for the holidays. Even Valentine's Day. They're great!
Happy Shopping!

PAFA Monday Merchant Circle

2012-01-16T04:51:00.008-05:00

Please welcome Laura of Cave Creek Primitives. My featured Monday Merchant artist, and Primitive and Folk Artist teammate. Laura has always loved all things primitive and country, probably from growing up in an 1860s farmhouse. Fabrics, fibers and trims were also a part of her childhood. She loves the quirky, unusual, and inexplicable. Laura created Cave Creek Primitives so she could continue to play with strange looking animals and dolls. Makes total sense to me! Let's read and learn more about our friend Laura and take a look at some of her said dollies. Here's one of my favorites.

1. Tell us your first name and name of your business and how you chose its' name? Laura. Cave Creek Primitives. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. What is your creative style, primitive, country, folkart? 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.

5. What medium do you use in creating, clay, fabric, altered art, wood etc.? 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. 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.

6. What are your links (list your etsy shop, eBay, web site, blogs etc.)

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

http://www.cavecreekprimitives.blogspot.com/

http://cavecreekprimitives.weebly.com/

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

Click on Laura's links and shop for your quirky, unusual, and inexplicable home decor!

Thanks Laura!

2012-01-09T18:18:00.003-05:00

Above is my new Valentine's Day header by Deena of Ewe-N-Me Graphics. Deena is our OFG Team Graphic Artist and makes all our awesome graphics for our events and celebrations.

There's Vinnie, the sword in the stone, enjoying the nice weather we've been having in southeast Ohio. Our rickety, primitive front porch will be coming off this year and replaced.

We made a New England Red kitchen mate, spoon, spice, cubby shelf for a customer, and a black spoon, spice, rolling pin shelf for another customer.

I had an audience while staging and picture taking of a stove top noodle board.

I tried to explain to Bugsy that he was in my way, and he was explaining to me that I needed to give him food.

I did, however, get some good pics without Bugsy in them, and some with him in them. I eventually listed this board in our Firecracker Kid Primitives etsy store, and gave Bugsy some food.

Oh, and Hercules was looking on from the peanut gallery.

Here are some cat laws that some cats live by :o)

~Always give generously. A small bird or rodent left on the bed tells them, I care.
~Climb your way to the top. That's why the drapes are there.
~Curiosity never killed anything except maybe a few hours.
~Find your place in the sun. Especially if it happens to be on that nice pile of warm, clean laundry.
~If you're not receiving enough attention, try knocking over several expensive antique lamps.
~Life is hard, then you nap.
~Make your mark in the world. Or at least spray in each corner.
~Never sleep alone when you can sleep on someone's face.
~Variety is the spice of life. One day ignore people, the next day annoy them.
~When eating out, think nothing of sending back your meal twenty or thirty times.
~When in doubt, cop an attitude.

Sound like someone you know?
Peace~Carol

Fresh From the Wood Shop

2012-01-06T11:27:00.001-05:00

But first... some kitty kat kapers.

Well, there Hercules is again hanging out on the catwalk, supervising. At least he's awake this time.

But, look who's sleeping on the job now... Hermes!
It's been an interesting few days with the freezing weather you know the furry kids can't stay out as long and some of them won't go out at all. So we've been pulling double "doody" duty on the litter box... lol.

LilLil is the bravest of them all, even though I'm afraid she'll freeze to the ground if she's out there too long. I keep reminding myself that they're equipped for this kind of weather.

No, this is not the same noodle board in these photos, but two different ones.

One for mom and the other for her step daughter. I am so pleased with how they turned out. Thank you ladies!

Another rolling pin keep for a customer. Enlarge the pic and notice the punch needle perched on top of the woodcraft. I got it from Debbie of Woolensails and love it dearly, along with the nice smelling pin keep filled with greenery. Sorry Deb, I forgot what kind, but I know it's the good kind. Debbie makes the most awesome creations and I think she should sell them on Etsy or her blog, but... she doesn't.

We hadn't made one of these in awhile. This sweet gal is going to display her grandpa's handcarved woodcrafts on it. It'll be dear to her heart.

I had fun finishing this one in Society Hill Blue and got to distress and grubby it up for a fine customer. I'm happy how it turned out and hope she is too.

Well, off to finish some more orders. Until next time... follow the "Golden Rule".

Carol

The Ugly Barn Farm

2012-01-05T12:04:00.001-05:00

Here's a random act of kindness for ya!

Aria of The Ugly Barn Farm was feeling kind of Colonial so she featured Firecracker Kid Primitives, and some of my Old Farmhouse Gathering teammates on her blog. Hop on over to her blog, Aria welcomes new followers, like me, who looks forward to getting to know her better. You'll want to find out about this interesting and sweet Oregon country gal!

Thanks Aria!

OFG January White Sale

2012-01-02T10:57:00.001-05:00

Here we go!

Click on the graphic to get your savings!

Firecracker Kid Primitives is joining in on this fun one offering our whale tail and lollipop candle boards with cut nails. Plus, made by my own hands, rolling pin cover all decked out for next years Christmas season. All these items are already marked down and ready to travel to their forever home.

Looky here, a local hardware vendor gave this stave barrel to hubby. It's new, but I figure I can paint it and grubby it up. What y'all think... mustard, black? What would you do?

Oh and Vinnie and I saw our first signs of snow today... yay! He doesn't look too excited about it though :o) Sloppy Joes are on the menu today. Uh huh, I think Vinnie would rather have that than snow.

Blessings,

Carol

Say goodbye to 2011 and welcome a brand new year 2012!

2012-01-01T02:26:00.000-05:00

May the new year bring these wishes to all of you.

Warmth of love, comfort of home.

Joy for your children, company and support of family and friends.

A caring heart that accepts and treats all human beings equally.

Enrichment of knowledge and richness of diversity.

Courage to seek and speak the truth, even if it means standing alone.

Hopes n dreams of a just world and the desire to make it happen.

A light to guide your path.

Helping hands to strengthen unity.

Serenity and peace within your mind, heart and soul.

A hand to hold.

I wanna thank the sweet people, who have touched my life and made it more
meaningful. I salute you!
Carol

New Years Eve

2011-12-31T12:53:00.001-05:00

What's the Kid been up to? I made it through the Christmas blues, or maybe I was just plum tuckered out from the Christmas rush. It's New Year's Eve and now we all gotta make it through another year!

The Old Farmhouse Gathering gals will help chase the blues away with their January White Sales event. Tie a string around your finger so you can save on handmade primitives.

My furry Supervisors while I'm snapping photos for etsy. Looks like Hercules is sleeping on the job. Isn't that just about the way it goes... LOL! For the new year we'll be working on revamping our etsy store so it'll be more customer friendly and such. Plus, we'll be tweaking some of our wood crafts!

This is the replacement rolling pin keep for Codi, my customer whose Christmas package was lost in the mail. He was very kind, patient, and understanding about it. Tim and I really appreciate customers like that.

One of many after Christmas orders from good folk wanting to spend their Christmas cash. We're working on two noodle boards, a rolling pin keep, and a rolling pin spoon keep.

I heard back from the sweet gal that ordered this stove top board before Christmas. You can read her response and see her customer appreciation photo HERE.

Tim and I gifted ourselves with a new HD tv. Thanks be to the Lord and our wonderful customers, we're still able to make the mortgage payments. We certainly wish good fortune and health for everyone during the new year.
Blessings,
Carol

Merry Christmas from the Firecracker Kid Gang!

2011-12-24T15:44:00.000-05:00

Looky here, Tim and I, and all the Firecracker Kid Kats wish you all an awesome Christmas with family, friends, and furry family.

May the Lord bless and keep y'all safe through the holidays.

We'll see y'all next year!

Hugs~Carol

Christmas Cards and Postal Regards

2011-12-24T15:29:00.003-05:00

I think you'll agree, receiving Christmas cards is wonderful. Having a problem with USPS, is not.

Now don't fall down, but this is the mostest and bestest Christmas cards I've received in more than a decade. I love them and display them proudly. Thank you sweet ladies :o) and you know who you are. I only wish I could have sent cards to all my wonderful blog friends.

Oh, today Tim cooked one of his favorite dishes, baked spaghetti. He puts his own secret additives in it, so one cannot be in the kitchen when he has his chef hat on. Garlic bread too, of course.

We made this primitive stove top board for a customer's Christmas gift and it worked out great. But, another order intended as a Christmas gift, was lost in the mail. This I could live without. Baaah! All in all, I'd say we've been very fortunate this holiday season having only one disgruntled customer, which may get me a negative feedback, and the USPS fiasco. I hope y'all's Christmas goes safely and smoothly with good food and fun with family and friends.
Blessings,
Carol

Last Minute Christmas Shopping, for Me

2011-12-23T05:17:00.003-05:00

I was remembering when we rescued these lil fellas.

Here they are last Christmas, and they've grown outta those Santa hats. They're too big to lay together like this now, but they tussle like a couple Greco Roman wrestlers.

I purchased a Christmas arrangement from Sheila of Country Impressions Floral and Decor. It's so prim pretty in hand and I love it. Sheila sent along a box of chocolates from a friend of hers, Heather of Heather's Homemade Candies. Heather is in Pingree, Idaho and also offers candy making classes and supplies.

Ahhh, look at that... delectable two layers and a cute reusable box. Thank you Sheila, they "were" delicious :o)

A Pet PJ Christmas Party

2011-12-19T06:15:00.003-05:00

Hahaha... daughter, Ryan and Rocko were in for the weekend to do the traditional family get together at grandma and grandpa's... and Rocko was rockin' his Christmas PJ's and daughter had on her creature feet...

and ooopsy, just in case I gotta poopsy, "butt" opening!
Isn't he adorable :o)

Burlap This!

2011-12-15T18:35:00.003-05:00

Well, y'all know I'm a little slow so it won't surprise ya when I tell ya that it finally came to me to wrap the top of my crock with my burlap bag I won in a giveaway. I love all the new burlap home decor on etsy. It's on my wish list! All decorated with a little help from my friends.

Tim is still working at moving his power tools and such to the basement. This farmhouse cabinet is the first wood craft made in the new wood shop.

Coming in at a close second is this book rack for a customer. I'm also working on a black double spice cubby cabinet for a customer.

Then I was using the other side of my brain and did some more creating of two whale tail candle boards, a Christmas plaque, and three more rolling pin sleeves.

What ya think? Are they worthy of adorning someone's primitive home?

I've been admiring all you gal's homes all decked out for the holiday. I love love love Robyn of Primlish's new bowl keep and what she did to embellish it, and her frames. Yes, I want one now!

But, i'm still in line waiting for hubby to make me a basket rack, but in the meantime, I made my own makeshift hanger for a few old baskets I have using an old Christmas garland vine thingy. Not too bad, I like it :o)

Uh oh, yep, I gifted myself with these two hog scrapers I bought from Jodi of JoJosPonderings on etsy. They're the real deal too! I love 'em! Oh, and hubby even put some garland and twinkly lights on the front porch! I think he found them when he was cleaning out the garage... lol.

Christmas Cheer y'all!

Carol

Merry Rolling Pin Covers

2011-12-12T01:30:00.004-05:00

Hello all! I've been stitching up some holiday rolling pin covers. I know I know, a little late for that, but I'm always lagging behind and need to work on that next year... maybe :o) Gingerbread, Christmas Spices, Wassail Cider labels on some old homespun and calico fabrics I had stashed in my firkins. I have to be careful or I'd be stashing away a lot more instead of throwing it away, thinking that surely there's something I can create with this. Know what I mean?!

St. Nicholas Peppermint Twists for a candle jar I also had stashed away in the cupboard. When you go searching, it's just crazy what you find that you'd forgotten about! Oh, and I even made hubby pick me up some chocolate dipped peppermint twists. They're neat, 'cause they're all individually wrapped.

I adhered my labels and then stitched them by hand onto the fabric, reds and greens of course. You stitchers out there know how long it takes to sit down and hand stitch a thing or two. Or in my case eight!

Oops, forgot about this one. Black & white checked.

Now one could add some string, maybe a rusty ole jingle bell ya know. I've got a couple other wip's too. So this ole gal has a couple creative bones in her. Especially when she's waiting for hubby to get his wood shop moved downstairs. More on that later! Take care all!

O One and Only Christmas Tree

2011-12-10T15:08:00.004-05:00

Yep, this is our one and only Christmas tree. I've been following Traci's blog and borrowing some of her tree decorating ideas, which are awesome. Thanks for sharing with us Traci! Stuck my tree in our 10 gallon crock, but I think I need to put something around the top of it. Ooops, Alice and the White Rabbit have come to the primitive side :-) I should put some prim Christmas decor on them too.

I've been decorating and hubby has been working on moving his wood shop, BUT, we have been like little elves filling orders and making wood crafts in between all that. Taking photos and listing on Etsy. A barn red over black rolling pin keep. I love my black handled rolling pins!

A new photo of our dough bowl, rolling pin, paper towel keep. Geesh... I do need to come up with shorter names for these creations. Any ideas?

I even used my pine cones and sprigs from Linda Claus to stage this rolling pin dough bowl cubby cabinet.

Another Baker's Helper with a shelf for the spices.

Some of our customers were in the mood for red.

Do you think we need to get outta the kitchen?

Last, but not least, a pretty Shabby noodle board for a sweet customer. As Bugs Bunny or was it Elmer Fudd, would say, "That's all folks!"

Sprucing Up For Christmas

2011-12-10T05:36:00.002-05:00

Ahh, what a lovely aroma. I'm using my candle warmer that Carmen gifted me with from the open house, and loving it. Although my son had to show me how to use it... lol. I've had one of these on my wish list and now, thanks to Carmen, I have one.

Thanks Carm :-)

So with the Christmas Spirit hubby brought home with him from the open house, we've been doing a little spot decorating for the Christmas holiday. I love my stocking made by Karen of Old Cottage Primitives in the UK! I still need to poof up the live greens to try and make it look as pretty as Karen had hers. It really looks nice and primitive in hand.

Oh, and Cindy of Cynthia Lee Designs has her door prize she won at the open house up and displayed. You can visit her blog and see other photos of it in different poses as well. Thanks for sharing Cindy! Yes, we're still reeling from that little Christmas Open House. Angie really did a great job of setting up and hostessing with help from her wonderful friends and family.

Decorating the Kid's home for the Holiday was fun with my two snowmen sent home in my goody bag from Angie. Many thanks to her and her fine friends and family who helped.

Plus, my cone Christmas tree made by Angie too. Thank you Angie :-)

I added some garland and lites and Mr. Snowman to spruce up the step back cupboard. I'll be back later to share our Christmas tree, 'cause I took some wonderful prim ideas from Traci of York Mountain Mercantile. Mind you now, my tree will in no way be as beautiful as Traci's trees, but I just love the way she has decorated her home. I'll be back.

"Thank You Mr. Firecracker"

2011-12-04T15:53:00.002-05:00

At our first ever open house hosted very successfully by Angie of Just A Lil Raggedy, and Tim came home with a personal "thank you Mr. Firecracker" from Princess, and some Christmas Cheer!

Admire my pair of snowmen Angie made for me. Carmen gifted me with a much wanted tart warmer, which I was on the verge of buying one for myself, but now I won't have to.

I have to agree with the ladies that it was a success! Hubby did bring home the $$bacon$$, and a couple bags full of goodies for me from the wonderful hostess, Angie, and Carmen of Primcats. Thank you friends! I heard a lot about those pulled pork sandwiches. Hubby says he was so happy that Angie's mom fixed him some for the trip home!

Here he is playing with his money. We gals know how the men love to feel that money in their pockets... lol. So now Tim has one show under his belt, he's ready to give it another go, but he thinks locally so there'll be less labor involved, but time will tell.

I made a new blog friend, Cindy of Cynthia Lee Designs, who was the winner of the door prized donated by Firecracker Kid Primitives. She has nice photos of the open house on her blog as well. You should visit and see her wares as she does craft shows too.

Angie snapped some pics for us since I forgot to pack our cell phone camera. I think Tim has learned a lot about staging and will definitely do better next time. I mean come on gals, he's a guy! Cut him some slack... lol. Plus, he needed some more hooks.

I had to say goodbye to my step back cupboard :o( But, hubby can always make me another one day.
All in all, it was a successful and good experience for us. Tim and I thank Angie ever so kindly for taking us under her wing and breaking us in gently to this world of "road shows". With time, we'll get better at it, but this one was a totally fun learning experience. Oh, and I thank my sweet daughter, Tiffany for helping her daddy too. I know she's a hard little worker. Love you baby :-)
Blessings to all!
Carol

Valley Primitives Very First Giveaway!

2011-11-29T14:21:00.001-05:00

Kim of Valley Primitives is having her very first giveaway.

Drawing will be December 16.

Thank you Kim!

All done with the redo.

It's chocolate black with a stained back. Tim is tired and ready for a break, but has five orders to fill for our wonderful customers. Now we have to put a price on it. What ya think?

Blessings,

Carol

Presents for Santa's Sleigh

2011-11-28T15:59:00.007-05:00

We're filling orders, prepping for an open house, and listening to the radio while jumpin' at the juke joint! A very mild juke joint mind you... no alcohol permitted while operating the machinery... lol. Plus, sometime in between all that I gotta get a hair color! Hubby does that for me too :-) He's a very frugal fella. Besides, Angie got her a new hair color and it looks maahhvelous dahling! Enlarge the flyer for all the facts.

A little Holiday Open House Saturday, December 3rd in Prospect, OH. Angie, of Lil Raggedy Angie, has invited a select few of her crafting friends to participate and one of those friends is the Firecracker Kid. So, mark your calendar, set directions in your navigator, be it digital or human, and plan on enjoying some "hand made" Holiday shopping.

Maybe we'll see you there!

New England Red for a fine customer. Plus, another one finished in Colonial Green for a daughter from her mother for a Christmas gift. I can tell, she's on Santa's Nice list :-)

A New England Red cuisinart oven cover for another repeat customer. Note my kitchen that so desperately needs a redo. We're hoping to change our cupboards to an off white with a glaze finish, and get a new counter top.

Tim and I did this one for a gal who has a very large rolling pin. The pin has a nine inch circumference and is 22 inches long! I sure hope she sends me a photo. That's my fatty in the photo, but it's not 22 inches long.

Another Rolling Pin Spoon Spice Shelf or I guess you could call our concoctions Baker's Racks, finished in Philadelphia Brownstone. We've been selling a lot of these and in a variety of colors.

A 35 inch big ole blanket crane to take to the Christmas Open House. Made with ash wood and finished in Driftwood milk paint. Sturdy construction with dowels and screws. That's one of our heavy quilts on there.

Finally, remember this step back cupboard to be taken to the show? Here's the before photos... and here's the after... what a difference! It even looks bigger to me, but I know it's not :-) We've got a couple more things to do to put the finishing touches on the bottom and then we can get pics of the both together. It's looking good enough to keep, ay?

Phew! So that's been our fun fun fun from last week. I'll post a custom piece we're working on for a customer later. I'm anxious to see how it turns out.
Thanks for visiting and wish Tim good luck at his very first craft show. They're planning on taking photos to share with y'all. Rose of basketsbyrose has given us the lowdown on craft shows. She shared some really great info with us and I thank her dearly for that. A real sweetheart and friend.
Prim Blessings,
Carol

Happy Thanksgiving Friends

2011-11-23T23:36:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Day is a time to reflect and be thankful for all that God has given us. Let us not only do this one day a year but celebrate the greatness of our God with thanks everyday!

“A sensible thanksgiving for mercies received is a mighty prayer in the Spirit of God. It prevails with Him unspeakably.” ~ John Bunyan

May you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
From the Andersons

RAK's

2011-11-23T02:41:00.004-05:00

I want to share a random act of kindness from Linda "Claus" as she has been so duly dubbed by Lil Raggedy Angie. I was reading on Linda's blog and saw photos of her waxed goodies she made, and I mentioned doing a swap. You know, a wood craft for waxed goodies. Well...

yep, to my house came a UPS driver carrying a big box full of prim waxed wonderfulness.

Waxed bells, clothes pins, pine cones, Santa s, holly berries, pine sprigs, red, white & blue bowls, baskets, tapered candles, flicker candles, and one pretty doily.

A prim lover's dream. It's all super and I love it! I'll be playing with these for a while to get them arranged just right. Thank you Linda :-)

Anyway I was wanting to swap this stove top board for my waxes, but Linda wouldn't have it. She paid for her stove top board, so I sneaked a few goodies in with her package :-)

Hubby and I have also been busy as beavers in the wood shop.

Here's a Baker's Rack we whipped up for a customer. I might have to shut down shoppe to get caught up. Well, thanks for stoppin' by!

Carol

So Much To Do, So Little Time To Do It

2011-11-18T20:36:00.001-05:00

It's here! My new next year calendar I won from Lucy of Farmer's Attic giveaway. I've got it on my wall waiting for next year, which is not far off. Thank you Lucy, I love it, and the little booklet you sent me.

This duo we'll be taking to Angie's Holiday Open House in Prospect, OH Dec. 3rd. I'll be spiffing it up, giving it the once over or maybe twice. Plus, we've made several other wood crafts to take up too.

Think we'll be able to sell it? Anyway, everything that was in it had to be taken out. Oh no! So you know how that goes right? I'm sure y'all have done this a few times before.

So here's where most of it went. Worked myself up a sweat with this one... LOL. Put all my redware plates here, plus three new ones I received from Jodi of JoJosPonderings from a swap.

Jodi sent me that huge "Washington" plate, the smaller one bottom left, and another smaller one that, all, I totally love. Tim made Jodi three hickory wooden tabletops to replace glass ones. I painted them barn red and primmed them up. I'll post those pics at a later date.

I transferred my canning jars to the barn wood cabinet with Brenda's, Traci's, Barb's, and Angie's must haves that I just had to have and that I dearly love. I won the pretty stitchery between my Amish dollies from Robyn I think. Do you ever forget where or whom you received things from, 'cause you've got so many? Geesh!

My Etsy team Primitive and Folk Artists is having double the fun for all with our Winter Wonderland Celebration...

plus a Winter Wonderland Giveaway! Unfortunately, I couldn't participate this time around, but am here to promote the team, wish y'all good luck in the draw, and urge y'all to take advantage of buying handmade.

Come Thanksgiving Day my Old Farmhouse Gathering Etsy team will be participating in Black Friday and Cyber Monday by a group of us offering a "coupon code" discount for our customers, so stay tuned for that!

Thanks for stopping by, be kind to one another, and love yourself.

Carol

PAFA Proof Positive Winter Wonderland Giveaway

2011-11-15T23:01:00.000-05:00

No doubt about it!

The Members of The Primitive and Folk Artists of Etsy are at it again!

Our Next Giveaway will begin on November 10 and end November 30.

Click on the "PAFA Winter Wonderland Giveaway" button to hop on over to their blog, see all of the great donated prizes, and sign up for your chance to win!

See you there!

Carol

Right Over the Hill, Around the Corner

2011-11-14T15:55:00.002-05:00

Over the river and through the wood --

To Grandmother's house we go.

Maybe we'll see you there!

Happy Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T17:32:00.001-05:00

Barn Wood to Australia.

With a couple additions to it, another shelf above the pegs and additional curves up top on the side pieces. Awesome piece if I say so myself.

Worked up a few more cupboard tucks from scrap.

Have a few more I'm working on and some whale tail candle boards too.

Tiffany, Ryan, and Rocko were in for a visit.

So I had no kitty kat supervisor today as they were all hiding from lil ole Rocko with his skeleton huggie on.

I hope y'all honored the Vets today on Veteran's Day.

Salute!

Carol

Cat Haven Crafts Giveaway!

2011-11-09T16:06:00.001-05:00

Hey hey hey, right this way! Laurie is having a fun giveaway at Cat Haven Crafts.

End date November 30.

Hermes In Charge

2011-11-09T13:56:00.002-05:00

Today is Hermes day to be Supervisor.

He looks like he means business too. I'd better chop chop!

So I worked on this fowl rack for a customer who wanted it flipped upside down.

There it is, my new paint technique, and it turned out awesome. Pretty simple really and somewhat no muss no fuss.

I wasn't all work and no play today. I took a pic of my new big old 16 inch wooden dough bowl I found for a mere twenty-one dollar. It's just right with old red paint that looks kinda like oxblood red. It's awesome and I love it!

Okay, back to work with this fowl rack for my return Australia customer, Leanne. Thanks to my wonderful blogging friends, I can stage for some pretty awesome pics. Like my basket was a gift from Rose of BasketsbyRose, and peeping out of it is my ditty bag of sweet annie from Brenda of The Rusty Thimble. Next up is my big ole copper strainer I was gifted with from sweet Linda of Parker's Paradise. Then, drats, I can't remember whom I purchased my prim candles from. My awesome grungy prim bonnet came from Rebecca of The Crows Nest.
With a little help from my friends :o)
Carol

Trim Your Tree with OFG Giveaway

2011-11-09T12:19:00.000-05:00

Treasury #1

And, we're off to another great OFG team giveaway on Etsy!

Click on the treasury title, read the rules, and get yourself entered for your chance to win win win!

Treasury #2

Have fun and Good Luck folks!

Cupboard Tuck and Tucked Kitty Cat

2011-11-07T14:37:00.003-05:00

My precious supervisor for today... the almighty Hercules!

Handsome Hermes was taking the day off, tucked away under mommy's quilt. He tunneled his way under and made himself a cozy spot to retire. Up went the "Do Not Disturb" sign.

Hercules might be telling me "enough cupboard tucks mom!"

I'm really liking and having fun with this paint technique. Thinking about trying it out on a bigger wood craft.

Hubby and I have got six projects in the works for six fine people, which I will try to get pics of each and share with y'all if you want me to.

Blessings~Carol

Not Picture Perfect, But Not Bad

2011-11-05T16:55:00.000-04:00

I could swear it's Spring again. The weather's so nice and hubby was mowing and said the ground was soft like after a Spring thaw. Plus, I've even got a little spring in my step, thank the Lord, enough to do a little house cleaning, and when I say a little, I mean just a little dusting and vacuuming... lol.

I do get a lot done sitting on my butt you know, like a couple more pantry tucks. This nutmeg brown over black Woolens I've listed at Firecracker Kid Primitives.

Also this Philadelphia brown over black Buffalo Wool also listed at Firecracker Kid Primitives. I like this one, 'cause it reminds me of Indians. I took my pictures using natural light, still using my cell to take them. Not perfect, but the best I can do with what I have to work with :o)

That's what's been coming outta the wood shop. Hope y'all are feeling good and feeling the love.

Carol

Free Farmhouse Tree Trimmings from OFG

2011-11-04T16:09:00.003-04:00

From the tree from FKP...

For a customer we created this big ole bowl keep for his newly renovated kitchen.

For a customer we created this oak rolling pin keep stained sage green.

For this customer we created this oak rolling pin keep stained barn red.

and... for the tree. Be sure to get yourself entered in the Old Farmhouse Gatherings two Trim Your Tree treasuries for your chance to win hand made farmhouse tree ornaments for your Christmas tree this holiday season. Visit HERE to find your way to the treasuries!

Prim blessings,

Carol

Wonderful Wednesday Weather

2011-11-02T15:50:00.004-04:00

We are just having the most beautiful day in southeast Ohio with sunshine. The kitty kats love it, I've got the window open and working on orders.

I finished this rack for a customer today in Colonial Green.

I piddled around with the jig saw yesterday with some scrap pieces and came up with these advertising tucks for your cupboard shelves or pantry. The color is Philadelphia Brownstone combed over black.

I used my new paint technique on the wood, put my labels on those cardboards that come in the cat food boxes. You know the ones that separate the rows... then tacked them onto the boards.

Took around 3-4 hours total. I listed them for sale at Firecracker Kid Primitives.

Hope y'all are having a wonderful Wednesday, and please remember those folks who are without power from the snowstorm. Sending up prayers for them.

Hugs~Carol

Winner Winner of "Mouse in the House" Giveaway

2011-11-01T06:25:00.002-04:00

Hooray Hooray, let's make someone's day!

No dilly dallying around I must say!

Winner of Thanksgiving Mouse is Debbie of Woolen Sails!

Winner of Christmas Mouse is Brenda of The Rusty Thimble!

These gals will get their addresses to me and I will get them to Linda so she can ship their prizes.

We'll be asking you gals to be patient as Linda's town in Connecticut was one of those hit by the rogue snow storm and therefore, poor Linda is without power and heat. We're praying for a quick fix so those folks can get back to normal and back online! Thanks to all you good folk who participated, and to those who decided to follow my blogs. Y'all are appreciated!

Warm Hugs & Hot Cocoa!

Carol

Fresh, with Sweat, From the Wood Shop

2011-10-31T19:24:00.001-04:00

Even when it's cold outside I'm sweatin' to the oldies in the wood shop. That's because hubby has his radio turned on to help get us movin' and a shakin', rockin' and a rollin'.

Finished this prim pretty in barn red milk paint and it's listed at Firecracker Kid Primitives.

Are y'all getting entered in the Old Farmhouse "Trim Your Tree with OFG" giveaways?

Plus, Linda and I's "Mouse In the House" giveaway ends tonight.

Lots of giveaways ending tonight over on my giveaway page.

Take a chance, try your luck!

Blessings~Carol

Kickin' It Up in the Wood Shop

2011-10-28T12:47:00.005-04:00

Okay big boys and girls. I've said it before and I'll say it again. The Kid ain't just sittin' on her butt doin' nuttin'. So hubby cooked us up a big ole pot o' chili and I heated us up some delicious chicken pot pie... right outta the can... lol. Mine was outta the can, not hubbys. Both were yummy with the cold temps we've been having. I've been wheeling and dealing, takin' names and kickin' it up in the wood shop. Working on a few custom orders currently of an over sized stove top cover and a dough bowl keep. Then a couple regular orders to boot. So we're busy in the wood shop :o)

I took me a scrap of wood and whipped up this candle holder all by myself. Yep, used hubby's tools and all. I even used a different paint technique and combed it! I used salem brick paint, but it has a brownish tone to it too. Enlarge the pics to see the combing.

This one measures 21" H x 7&1/4" W. This was another first for me so I dove right into it and really had fun doing it. I know, I'm behind the times and combing is as old as the hills, but whattayagonnado? I'm a slow learner.

So you know Saturday we gals at the Old Farmhouse Gathering will be starting our Trim Your Tree with OFG Giveaway on Etsy. We'll have two treasuries full of handmade ornaments made by the gals and all you folks have to do is visit and leave a comment for your chance to win.

Stay tuned!

Here's a good one for ya. A giveaway over at Farmhouse Primitives. Spread the word, a lot, and get more chances to win this awesome primitive framed print.

Drawing will be November 30 and the winner will be announced December 1.

Good Luck!

My Very First Hooked Rug!

2011-10-24T16:13:00.003-04:00

Happy Monday folks! Cold and rainy in my neck of the woods, but I'm hip hop happy.

Yippee Yay is all I can say! It came today! My very first ever 15" x 20" hand hooked wool rug made by my online friend Jodi of JoJosPonderings on etsy. I love love love it! Jodi was so much fun to work with and helped me with the colors. This rug is very well made with excellent stitching as well as hooking. I'm thinking I might just get me a nice frame and hang this beauty behind glass.

Plus, Jodi surprised me and included four of her hand hooked wool penny ornaments. They're awesome too and I love them. She has some of these hangers in her etsy store, JoJosPonderings.

Thank you Jodi for everything. I totally love it all!

This is what Jodi will receive from me. Our one of a kind Rolling Pin Dough Bowl Cubby Cabinet, a rolling pin and sleeve, made by me, and will be a surprise to Jodi as to which sleeve she'll be getting. Oh, and there may be some surprises in the cubby too :o) I wanted to introduce her to one of our favorite seamstresses, Lecia.

I stitched up a few rolling pin sleeves too. They're adjustable to the size of your pins. If anyone would be interested in them, just give me a shout out.

I wish y'all a wonderful week!

Carol

WoOd ShOp ShAnTy ShEnAnIgAns: Danielle Vachow

2011-10-21T16:08:00.000-04:00

WoOd ShOp ShAnTy ShEnAnIgAns: Danielle Vachow: "My bowl rack is now in place. I am so pleased with it. I have always wanted one to display my wooden bowls." ~Danielle Is this Prim Fanta...

Neverending Friend Availability

2011-10-18T17:33:00.001-04:00

I've made a new online friend. Jodi of Jo Jo's Ponderings. She has a newly opened shoppe on etsy and has purchased a couple of our wood crafts and this stove top cover is one of them.

Jodi is a rug hooker! I'm so excited about this, because we are swapping a wood craft for a hooked rug and here's a peek at it.

Hubby made this rolling pin keep for a customer. I displayed my dried apple garland I purchased from Brenda of Blackbird Primitives & Fine Art. Brenda has listed some new items you'll wanna check out for they are Primitive Yummmm!

A reminder to visit our "Mouse In the House" giveaway and enter for your chance(s) to win. There'll be two winners!

Prim Blessings~Carol

Online Junkin'

2011-10-15T17:28:00.000-04:00

It's a beautiful blustery day and the leaves are really comin' down. Hubby will get to try out that new leaf picker upper thingamabob that hooks on behind the beast. So how does one go junkin' when not able to leave the house? Online of course, and I did for a few finds.

Like this old weather vane that I had hubby make me a hickory base shaped like a salt box house. I don't know what it was used for, but I thought it would make a nice accent around the home. Now I'm deciding whether to stain or paint a house or barn on the base. What's your thoughts please?

Then I couldn't resist pickin' up this old Ryzon Baking Book copyright 1916, with lots of recipes and historical info about all the big fancy establishments that used Ryzon Baking Powder back in the day. Colored photos and all, it's a neat little book to display in the kitchen.

I found me some cool primitive cards on etsy from my teammate Valerie of The Wooden Acorn. These cards have nice quotes and sayings in them for different occasions. Valerie has also opened a retail "Folk Art Shop" in Waynesville, Ohio where she sells exactly what she loves doing. You'll wanna program her into your Tom Tom.

Of course my awesome penny runner is not a junkin' find as I had the ever wonderful and talented Teresa of Teresa's Prim Treasures whip it up for me. The Herb Crusher may be a reproduction, I'm not sure, but I do like the look of it. Now the candles are scented and came as an extra gift of kindness with my two giveaway prizes I won.

Scardy and Spooks whom I've poked into my birthday gift received this Summer from Sheila of Country Impressions. Yep, Scardy and Spooks arrived from my sweetheart of a friend, Willa of The Old Cupboard Door. Give her a visit, because she has another giveaway in process. Thank you Willa, I love them and they're totally happy here as long as I keep them outta reach of the fur babies :o)

I've pulled out my firkins and am going through my stash, because I'm gonna make a Christmas tree ornament for my Old Farmhouse Gathering team "Trim Your Tree with OFG" giveaway that will be coming up near the end of October. So stay tuned for that, we'll all be sure to make the big announcement!

New from the Wood Shop!

2011-10-12T17:49:00.000-04:00

We had a request from a customer for a saw buck side table. Is that saw buck or buck saw? I'm confused, what's new? LOL.

So we whipped one up for her in Valley Forge Mustard over Black.

Not bad, I think. I distressed it and put my finishing touches to it. I listed the sawbuck side table at Firecracker Kid Primitives made to order. Now I'm anxious to have hubby make the coffee table.

Prim Blessings,

Carol

Crackled Up + Giveaway Pending

2011-10-10T12:32:00.003-04:00

Hi folks. Okay, would you want this hanging on your front door?

A crackled door box. I'll be making some more for practice to make me better at it.

~ALERT... ALERT... GiVeAwAy NeWs... ALERT... ALERT~

So my friend and Etsy teammate Linda Welcome of Warmth are gonna have a giveaway here on my blog soon. Like as soon as I can get it going. So who likes mice and who likes Firecracker Kid Primitives? I donated some woodcrafts to Linda to spiff up and use to display her micees on. Wait til you see what she's done with them! They're adorable is all I'll say... oh, and they might make you squeal.

So stay tuned!

Two in one Giveaway coming soon!

Hugs~Carol

Old Balls

2011-10-07T07:24:00.004-04:00

Ever get snookered?
Learn about Snooker HERE.

I wouldn't get snookered. I'd just decorate with the balls. These red ones would sure add some PoP to a room. I love old balls... balls of any kind to decorate with around the home. Go ahead, click on these old balls, see and imagine the history and stories behind them. You might want to take some home with you.

Whittled Wood, Beautiful Bonnets & Burlap Bob

2011-09-24T16:09:00.002-04:00

For the Primitive Red lovers out there.

Hi folks! I listed this cabinet on my sales blog yesterday and a couple hours later it was sold. I wanted to share it with y'all though.

Also whipped up another nester box. Well, look who's nesting... oh no, Burlap Bob's been in the hen house again. He must be tired from flying all the way from Brenda's of The Rusty Thimble! Give those roosters an inch and they'll take a mile... lol!

Plus, a couple of peg rack with whittled pegs. This 24&3/4 inch black over blue is for Katie of Alltheseboysx5. I just ADORE my bonnets from Lecia of Farmhouse Prims. Thank you my adorable gifted and talented friend :o)

This 48 inch peg rack painted barn red milk paint will be for sale at the kid's sales blog. Lecia's bonnets really compliment the peg racks. Well, that's my share for today folks, hope you enjoyed. Enjoy the weekend, it's a beautiful one here in southeast Ohio.

Primitive Blessings~Carol

All Work and No Play Makes Carol Sore

2011-09-22T14:47:00.001-04:00

Hi folks! My supervisor for the day... my handsome Hermes. He was on the back of my computer chair and I forgot that he was there. Well, I made a quick spin around to reach for something and wheeee... po' Hermes went flying and was dangling from the back of the chair. No worries, he was okay, but I couldn't keep from laughing at the way he looked hanging there from the back of the chair.

Tim and I have been busy in the wood shop.

We made our one of a kind Rolling Pin Cubby Cabinet for a customer. I'm very pleased with how it turned out. We've also been working on some peg racks with the pegs whittled for that old time appeal.

We made this shelf for a sweet gal and I had to set my two lil mice I received from Linda of Warmth. They're so little, but very detailed and much better in hand. You know, pictures don't do them total justice. Linda and I are in talks for a giveaway, of one of her mice, on my blog probably in Oct., Nov just in time for a Christmas gift for the collector.

In between making wood crafts, hubby has had to work on the "beast". Finally, our grass got a haircut today after a couple of weeks without!

Sellin' It On Your Selling Blog

2011-09-18T17:50:00.004-04:00

First of all I want to tell y'all about my friend and yours, Lecia of Farmhouse Prims. Lecia has started herself a selling blog titled Farmhouse Prims Selling Blog. She's been making so many dollies and textiles for the primitive home that we've all encouraged her to sell them on a regular basis; hence, her new selling blog. I've showed just a couple of her awesome needleworks. Check out her selling blog and follow for more of her handmades for our primitive homes.

Good luck Lecia!

Now! Firecracker Kid Primitives has a selling blog too, and just so happen to be having a sale on some of our woodcrafts. We welcome you to take a look around and see if you find anything you like or just absolutely must have. We're herdin' 'em up and headin' 'em out!

Happy Shopping!

Carol

Presenting Vincent VanGogh

2011-09-14T15:34:00.012-04:00

Well, that's Vincent VanGogh's performance for today. He's settled in just fine and there's not a feral bone in this fabulous furry fella. Hope you enjoyed the show!

I've begun listing some of our woodcrafts at discounted prices on our Sales Blog. Stay tuned for more as I get them listed. I'm gettin' to old for this stuff... LOL.

xoxo~Carol

Progress Report from the Kid

2011-09-13T22:28:00.015-04:00

Hi folks! Finished this bowl keep and shipped to a kind etsy customer. As you can see, I'm still struggling with the new camera. One of these days....
Oh, and I've decided to name Vinny, Vincent VanGogh, because part of his ear has been cut off. Get it? His alias will stay Vinny though. He's all settled in and getting along fine with the other kids. Good news :-)

Shipped a box of itty bitty sconces to Linda of Warmth for her collectible mice. Visit Linda's website The Heartfelt Ornament Co. for more of her fine collectibles. The little mouse on spools are from Brenda of The Rusty Thimble. Brenda is having a giveaway too!

This plump lil hobo mouse I won in Jan's giveaway at My Primitive Nest. Ha! This is what I'd look like if I picked up and hit the tracks. Jan also makes excellent punch needle rugs, hooked rugs, and other needle crafts, which you can see at her Punch Drunk Needle Works blog. You can also shop Burnt Woods Mercantile for Jan's amazing handmade must haves.

These sconces are smaller than our regular candle sconce we have listed on etsy. These measure around 4" wide x 5" high x 4" deep. Cute for any of your little collectibles you'd like to display, and you can hang this on a peg too!

I placed my lil nest for this pic. I purchased it from A Marigold Life Vintage on etsy. A sweet and kind seller with lots of vintage must haves. I also purchased a vintage silver spoon with nest in it and a pretty pale blue vintage linen. Oh so pretty pretties.

Here's my barn wood shadow box again that hubby made me, and that I love love love. I'll be listing some woodcrafts on our sales blog at reduced prices in the near future so keep an eye out if you're interested.

Friends, Fall & Festivities

2011-09-10T21:00:00.001-04:00

My Infinity scarf I won from my sweet online friend Natalie of Tins and Treasures. I chose this one because it fits me and I love the fabric. Pictures don't do Natalie's scarves justice as they are so much more in hand. Like Tim and I, Natalie and her husband team up, make their wares, and offer them at Tins and Treasures on Etsy. Thank you Natalie, I love it!

Tim and I are happy to have e-met Susan Burd of Country Crocks by Susan Burd. Susan also has started a business page on facebook, Burd in Hand Designs, where she offers her products she makes from her original designs. Tim has made Susan several unfinished wood items for her projects. The latest is a couple boxes of unfinished wooden blocks that, as you can see, Susan works her magic on and has available on her website. It's heartwarming for Tim and I when good folk seek us out to be a part of their projects. Thank you Susan!

Tim and I have been working on a few woodcrafts, one being this Colonial laptop tray or as Linda suggested, a tray for your laptop computer. Linda is another of my wonderful online friends and etsy OFG team mate.She's a mouse maker and offers her collectible mice at Warmth on etsy. Tim and I are working with Linda on a woodcraft to compliment her awesome mice, as we speak so stay tuned for that.

Let me remind y'all of our Primitive and Folk Artists Strolling Through The Pumpkin Patch GiVeAwAy that ends Saturday 17th. That's a week you have left to get entered for your chance to win a butt load of hand made Fall goodies from PAFA. Click the link on my sidebar to see all the prizes. And, of course...

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☻/

/▌

/ \ NEVER FORGET!!! .....keep the flag going.

Wood Crafts & Cat Tales

2011-09-07T14:14:00.002-04:00

Black over grey fowl rack for a customer. Still getting used to the new camera and not doing so well. Aaargh!

Black over brown table riser for my sales blog.

We made this black over navy blue shadow box for a gal on facebook. Of all the space outdoors, Bugsy had to pick this spot to clean his toes!

Well now, everyone is getting along fine with Vinny except one. Can you guess who is a bully? Yep, Hercules! We gotta break him of stalking and fussing with Vinny. I'm thinking that I'll let Hercules go outside with the others in hopes that'll burn off some of his pent up energy. He does love to step outside. Then maybe he'll be too pooped to pounce.

Lovin' this cool weather we're having so far this week. Opened the windows and the kids are crazy to go outside as long as it's not raining.
Thanks for visiting y'all!
Carol

Cats, Cats, Everywhere!

2011-08-29T15:50:00.001-04:00

Hi Folks! Happy news! We rescued another kitty kat today. He has the prettiest blue green eyes. Daughter brought Vinny Fish Stix down from Columbus from the animal shelter she works at, so he's a city cat like Bugsy was. He was scheduled for the boneyard and she just couldn't let that happen and of course she knew we couldn't say no. He's three years old and in perfect health. Only thing is they clipped his ear, because they said he is a feral cat. Well you know there's always a story behind our lost fur balls.

Anyway, he's found his forever home and is getting along fine with just a little growl here and a hiss there. He let's us pet him and is very friendly. All the babies are getting acquainted nicely so far. Hercules tried to sneak up behind Vinny, but Vinny wasn't having it, so Herc slowly backed away. Let's see... that makes eight wonderful rescued cats we have now. Then to my pleasant surprise, another cute kitty kat came my way in the mail! Yeah, from Traci of York Mountain Primitives. Thank you Traci, I love him and he smells awesome.

Timmy made me a table riser and I stained it, but I think I'm gonna go ahead and paint it. I'm taking pictures with my new camera and still figuring things out. You know, I guess I could read the manual! LOL. I had to take a lot of pics to get the few I have here. I'm hoping practice will make me perfect... lol. Well, you know:-)

Here are some more pics of the kids getting to know each other.

Enlarge the photos so you can see more fur:-)

Oh, and Vinny hasn't met Tiger Lily yet... MEEEOOW!

Thanks for visiting!

Carol

I'm Seeing Red

2011-08-27T11:20:00.004-04:00

Red paint that is. Tuscan Red for this re-salvaged oak barn wood rack that I've listed at Firecracker Kid Primitives at Etsy.

Oh, and daughter gave us a new camera!

Now I need to learn how to get the best out of it.

Barn Red for Jan of My Primitive Nest stove top cover. This will match her rolling pin dough bowl cubby she purchased from us earlier this year. She is a bold one for going with red. Thank you Jan!

Jan is a excellent artist herself as you can see when you visit her blog, My Primitive Nest. So seeing this kind of red is good.
Let's keep the folks on the east coast in our prayers.

Blessings~Carol

Singing In The Rain

2011-08-25T09:25:00.003-04:00

That's what we're doing in south east Ohio while also enjoying the sounds of big thunder booms and an exceptional light show with lots of lightening. One big thunder even shook our house. I love it when it rains though, but we're under flash flood watches.

I woke up to this surprise this morning. Hubby made me happy by oiling my shadow box and hanging it. He even had my precious collectibles in it, but I tweaked it a little, you know how that is. The oil added a richness to the wood. So should I have hubby add trim around the edges or no?

Just a reminder folks, check my sidebar for giveaway and event endings and get yourself entered if you haven't. Don't wanna miss out!

Blessings~Carol

Shadow Boxing II

2011-08-24T05:23:00.002-04:00

Okay, this is where I'm currently at with my shadow box. Added my primitive collectibles and some old books, and some old cotton, what is that, tatting, I'm not sure. It's slipped my mind.

Anyway, I added it to soften it up a little. I was thinking of putting it around the frame. What ya think? I haven't got it oiled yet, but after I do and it dries, sweet hubby will be hanging this in the living room for me.

Of course Hercules had to give it his quality inspection and he told me it was A#1 Primtastic. Bugsy is just patiently waiting for me to feed him and snoozing in between.

Hey folks, I've got the 4-1-1 that Gina of CatNapInn Primitives is offering a coupon code for a 15% discount on everything in her Etsy shoppe, CatNapInn Primitives. Gina has a nice assortment of holiday handmades to browse through. If you find something you must have, just enter code LABORDAY15 at checkout.

Thanks for stopping by!

Carol

Shadow Boxing

2011-08-22T06:28:00.004-04:00

Hi folks! Hope y'all are doing well and keeping cool. Okay, before you say anything, this shadow box is not finished yet. There will be a barn wood plank back on it too, plus possibly a decorative trim around the front.

This is recycled old barn wood. Hubby cut the rough stuff out for me and I sanded and smoothed. I've always like these types of shadow boxes to display our collectibles or those little must haves that we just can't do without. It's got some cool knots and imperfections too.

Again, I'm in the predicament of deciding whether to paint or oil the wood. It looks much prettier in person and compliments my lil primitives I've collected from my blog friends, who are favorites of most of yours too.

I just grabbed up a couple hand fulls of mine, 'cause I couldn't wait to see what it was gonna look like with them in it. So I'll bring ya further photos after hubby gets the back on and when it's finished.

I'm hoping Lil Raggedy Angie gets her fowl rack today so she can share it with us all. She told me to surprise her with the color so I did and I hope she likes it. I know she was busy with a show over the weekend.

Daughter was in for the weekend to run a half marathon in Parkersburg, WV. I've got her published on my facebook where she has run other races for good causes. I'm pretty proud of my lil gal :-)

Have a wonderful week!

Blessings~Carol

Fowl Rack Revelry

2011-08-18T17:24:00.002-04:00

Without the alcohol that is. Here we've made another fowl rack, but of a different color. I love these reproductions and Tim does a great job drawing the patterns and cutting them out for me. I finished this one Village Tavern Blue over black, distressed, and of course Tim cut the hooks for me. It's listed at our etsy shoppe.

I love little Kitty,

Her coat is so warm,

And if I don't hurt her,

She'll do me no harm.

So I'll not pull her tail,

Nor drive her away,

But Kitty and I

Very gently will play.

She shall sit by my side,

And I'll give her some food;

And she'll love me because,

I am gentle and good.

I'll pat pretty Kitty

And then she will purr;

And thus show her thanks

For my kindness to her;

But I'll not punch her ears,

Nor tread on her paw.

Lest I should provoke her

To use her sharp claw.

Hugs~Carol

The Kid's No Slacker

2011-08-16T08:15:00.004-04:00

Well, that's debatable, but I am working on a couple orders. But, for sure hubby is no slacker! I keep crackin' my imaginary whip and he keeps producing beauties like these.

A Colonial style stove top cover.

Plus, a Colonial style laptop tray. Both are listed on our Firecracker Kid Primitives sales blog.

Here's my proof... this peg shelf for a customer. I staged it using my beautiful prairie bonnets from Lecia of Farmhouse Prims and my new prim dolly and prim perfect pea hen from the UK made by Karen of Primitive Life In An English Cottage.

The Winners of Our Giveaway Are...

2011-08-13T02:38:00.002-04:00

Thanks to all my blog friends for all your wonderful, entertaining, and kind comments, and excellent suggestions for woodcrafts you'd like to see us offer in our shoppe. I made a list and have presented it to hubby, with my trusty whip in hand.
Thanks to all of you kind folks for following us, old and new. We do really value and appreciate your friendship, and patronage for those who have shopped with Firecracker Kid Primitives.

There were 296 entries in our giveaway. I used random.org to choose the lucky winners and congratulations go to these three ladies...

Winner of the Rolling Pin Spoon Spice Shelf...

11. WoolenSails said... "How about sewing shelves? Something we could use in the sewing room for spools of thread and things or something to hang beside our chair to keep items handy while we sew and watch tv." ~Debbie

Winner of surprise gift #1...

168. Rabbit Hollow Prims said... Already subscribe to main blog.

Winner of surprise gift #2...

72. pink*cherub*moon said... Hi! New follower here. I love your work! All of your items are beautiful and so creative! If I won the rolling pin/spoon/spice rack, I would like it painted black. I'm off to earn more entries! Talk to you soon. Hugs, ~Leena~

These lucky ladies will contact me within three days with their addresses. Then, we'll all be patiently waiting for them to post about their surprise gifts when they receive them from me.
Now hubby and I will have to put our heads together and come up with some new interesting wood crafts. Remember, don't feel bad, because you didn't win this time and keep in mind we will have more giveaways.

Blessings~Carol

Paintspots & Splinters Birthday Surprise Giveaway!

2011-08-10T18:31:00.002-04:00

A surprised giveaway to celebrate Vicky of Paintspots and Splinters birthday! Click on the gift and get yourself entered for your chance to win! Vicky will announce the winner on Sept. 1!

Blessings, Carol

Happy Birthday My Lil Princess

2011-08-07T19:02:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to my lil Princess!

Well, she's not so little anymore, but she's forever my lil princess. Tiffany spent her birthday with us and brought along her sweet friend, Ryan and his cute doggy, Rocko to "meet the parents".

Daddy's bday gift to his lil girl was to change the oil and filter, and put a new serpentine belt and belt tensioner on her mini cooper. No, I don't know what that means. He worked all day fixing it and Tiffany took him water so he didn't dehydrate in the hot hazy weather. You can see the haze in the photos. Tim was ringing wet with sweat!

Meet Rocko, he's a Jack Russell mix. I think he's a good match to Ryan. Rocko was well behaved and got along well with our fur babies, even though most of them retreated to their hiding places under the beds.

Before Rocko arrived Hercules was rulling the roost.

Lily was posing for me.

And, the postman rang twice... well he actually beeped the horn. I had won a couple giveaways. This awesome big ole burlap coffee bag from Dee of A Lapin Life. It's gorgeous and for now I have it atop my sideboard, but am wanting to hang it on my bowl rack. See Dee's latest beautiful creation here.
Thank you Dee, I love it!

Then, finally, I have one of Barb's of Barb's Heartstrokes pretty paintings and let me tell you folks these are much better in hand as you really see the details and special touches Barb adds to them. Barb has an Etsy shoppe and is on Artfire too.
Thank you Barb, it is precious:)

Thanks all for visiting and don't forget my giveaway! You ladies are great, I'm getting a lot of good ideas, and am making a list.

Love ya's!

Carol

Something's A Fowl In the Wood Shop

2011-08-04T11:13:00.002-04:00

So to speak. Hello good folk. I've been crackin' the whip on hubby and in between him taking care of his mum and pop, he's been making me wood crafts. I was doing some research on antiques and came across fowl racks, game racks, a must have back in the day for the family who hunted for their food.

This one is in the pattern of a chicken or chickens. I made hubby draw these freehand for me, and then he had to cut them out on the oh, whatchamacallit, jig saw. Yeah, that's it!

Now can you see it? This one is in a squat pattern. Yep, looks like someone squatted down doin' something. Sumo wrestling? I think not... lol. Those are big ole nails that hubby made into hooks. Man, he's good:)

This one is just has a fancy top on it. I don't have a name for the pattern yet. The hooks on this one and the chicken one hubby made with clothes hangers. He did something to them to make them look old. One of his wood shop secrets I'm not allowed to know.

Another little thing that ran a FoUL today was lil Ebby got out the door when daddy opened it and daddy didn't know it! I just happened to look out back and there she was with Lily, in all her glory just a sniffin' around all the grass and such. She got hot though and was panting with her lil tongue hangin' out. She's back in from her lil adventure now and cooling down.

I've got a magazine rack to finish up today. Customer requested Antique Pewter... nice color. I'll take pics and share later. Don't forget to sign up for our giveaway here if you haven't yet!
Take care all, don't over do it, and stay cool.

Peaches,

Carol

I Love Baskets

2011-08-03T14:08:00.000-04:00

Blessings, Carol

Handmade Blog Party Sunday at By Your Hands

2011-07-31T08:36:00.000-04:00

It's blog party time. It's your chance to show off what you are making for yourself, for gifts, or to sell. We want to see it all. Click on the party button and share your handmades.

It's easy, it's fun, it's networking and promoting yourself!

Happy Sales!

Blessings, Carol

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

2011-07-28T14:15:00.001-04:00

Hi folks! What does Nature Boy Ric Flair shout? Whoo!

That's what Hubby and I were shouting yesterday.

We took a rush order for this Rolling Pin Spoon Spice Shelf. The nice lady needed it for her restaurant opening on Monday, Aug. 1. Can you believe we finished it in three hours? Yep, we sure did, and shipped it this morning USPS next day. It's supposed to be delivered no later than 4P on Saturday. Now I feel like I went a round with Nature Boy Ric Flair. LOL. I'm gonna see if the nice lady will send me pictures so I can share with y'all..

So then I asked hubby if he wanted to have a giveaway and what should we call it. He replied very quickly, "Wish It Were Winter Giveaway!" Isn't that funny? He has been in the heat more than I have, sweating to beat the band. So, August 1 we'll start our giveaway and since we've gotten so good at making the rolling pin spoon spice shelf, that's what the prize will be. Whoo!.

Come back soon!

Carol

"Country Essentials" for your Home

2011-07-25T19:55:00.001-04:00

You know how we're always searching to find that scented candle that'll give us a good strong aroma for our country home? Well, I found them! A surprise package for me from Dale of Country Essentials! Dale ran a little candle contest on her facebook business page and I commented never expecting to win, but by golly to my surprise I did! Now I'm swooning over my 26 oz. scented candle with a cool country label with the name of Dale's shop and Billy Jacobs beautiful "Berry Basket" print.

You'll want to bookmark her. Give Dale a visit at her website where you can learn all about her and browse her wonderful products for the country primitive home. Sign her guestbook, visit her blog, and tell her the Firecracker Kid sent you!

Buttered Maple Syrup Blessings,

Carol

Fresh, with Sweat, From the Wood Shop

2011-07-23T17:48:00.003-04:00

Well folks, hubby is on the sofa eating ice cream, watching a bunch of cars going around in a circle on tv. I'm here on the pc, in front of the fan workin'. Want to share what we've been up to with y'all.

Me and Timmy finished this fowl rack for a faithful customer. I love how it turned out and of course want one myself.

I finished it with valley forge mustard over philadelphia brownstone and Tim worked his magic on some wire hangers for the hooks.

This one of a kind is in the mail to a new customer. Yes, I love how it turned out too and would've liked keeping it but, well you know:o)

Stay cool and crafty my friends!

Carol

Reason To Celebrate

2011-07-23T15:12:00.003-04:00

Bringing y'all a message of a celebration!

It's happening at Brenda's blog, The Rusty Thimble!

Hop on over, read carefully and get yourself entered.

End date August 31

Tell Brenda, the Firecracker Kid sent you!
Good Luck All!

Carol

Because, I Love Baskets

2011-07-20T20:17:00.002-04:00

Because I love baskets and I know most of you do to... you can never have too many and it's a pleasure for these gal's of PAFA to provide those baskets for y'all.

Joanna's Collection Country Home Basketry & More Est. 1991. has made the bicycle basket for this Fall when the weather cools, and you go on bicycle rides through town and on back roads enjoying the beautiful countryside view. Carry your camera and other neccessaries you would need while enjoying the farm animals and landscapes.

At Ann Frank's 1803 Ohio Farm Baskets you can find this lil clothes pin basket for your laundry room. Quite decorative, but useful too.

At Rose Clawson's Baskets By Rose you'll find hand woven baskets needed for your kitchen, like this lil basket to store your salt and pepper shakers.

Now of course all of these gals have baskets for most needs as you'll find when you visit their shops. I know you'll enjoy shopping with these Primitive and Folk Artists on Etsy.

I've got them all on my wish list that's for sure!

Blessings~Carol

New Pics and Pieces

2011-07-19T17:09:00.001-04:00

Hi folks. Are we hot yet? Geesh! I finally got around to taking more photos of some table risers we finished. Of course my little mouse had to help in the staging. He's curious like that.

These two are painted in Philadelphia Brownstone, distressed and stained.

These are black over mustard, distressed and stained.

Yep, I worked up a good sweat taking these photos, but hey, sweating is good for us yes?

I have more photos of these and will be listing them on my sales blog, if anyone is interested. Orders are picking up, and remember our coupon offer is good through July 31. You can enter FKPCIJ15 at checkout and get 15% off your purchase.

Stay Cool and Crafty my friends.

Blessings~Carol

August Giveaway at the Rusty Thimble

2011-07-16T10:20:00.001-04:00

Brenda's dollies are one of my weaknesses, and I have several. Uh, several of her dollies, not weaknesses. Well, maybe just a few weaknesses. July's Miss Witch will be flying to Natalie of Tins & Treasures. Now you won't want to miss Brenda's August giveaway, so just click on the Prim Rabbit and get yourself entered!

Good luck,

Carol

Keep Cool, Calm, and Carry On

2011-07-14T15:06:00.003-04:00

Oh my aching sweating bones... LOL. Okay, whining allowed here. I added my own wordage to this quote today, 'cause baby it's HOT outside!

I haven't been totally butt bound. Worked on some wood crafts and did some staging trying to get the good photos for Etsy ya know. Gotta get the item just right so it'll fit in the window just right. Weee!

We made our Rolling Pin Spoon Spice Shelf for a nice customer. Finished in pretty pearwood, I love how it turned out. Firecracker Kid Primitives is still offering our coupon code for 15% off any of our wood crafts. Just enter FKPCIJ15 at checkout.

We're always tickled to see our backyard visitors anytime. Momma and her two kids today. Although if we try for a table garden next year, hmmm deer deterrent needed.

Blessings, Carol

My Favorite Fall Colors and Fun in the Sun?

2011-07-11T12:03:00.002-04:00

Does this scream Fall or what? I bought this hand made candle jar wrap from Susan of Keepsake Korner at Etsy. Old Farmhouse Gathering gals are having their Fall Fun Celebration in July and have made some wonderful things in our favorite Fall colors. Susan has other candle wraps and more handstitched items for sale. I love it Susan! Thank you!

Of course little Lil was supervising us all the other evening. She has a 9 pm curfew and that's when she comes in and lays down the law to the indoor kids. We gave the kids all a bath over a period of two days. Phew! Hermes was the heaviest and 'bout broke my back, and Lily was the best behaved and easiest to hold onto at only eight lbs.

Note the do rag and cool shades to fight the sun while Timmy is playin' in the mud here diggin' out our ditch again to route the water run off, from above, away from the house. Someone from above us doesn't have their down spouts hooked up to their street drainage.
So how are y'all beatin' the heat?

Blessings,

Carol

Sharing Our Hand Mades

2011-07-10T06:27:00.002-04:00

Bette and Deanna are inviting everyone to share your hand mades on their blog By Your Hands.

Easy peasy to do, just follow the link to Bette and Deannas and share.

I sat on my butt and made four real farmhouse fab rolling pin sleeves to cover those old wooden rolling pins your grandma or even great grandma used back in the good olde days.

Please enlarge the pics to get a good look. I handstitched with a blanket stitch around the outer edges.

Plus I stitched the labels on too. I wonder if grandma had any of those lil ole mice hangin' around.

Maybe waitin' for some leftover crumbs. Yep, put together these prim pretties with coffee stained muslin and even stuck some homespun fabric on the backside from one of Tim's old shirts he wore out. Good for somethin' they were.

Thanks for visiting!

Blessings,

Carol

Stitches of Kindness

2011-07-04T23:59:00.001-04:00

Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel.

I'm hemming my blessings and thanking you all for making my *uh hum* 29th birthday so darn fun. Stay the way you are, wrapped around my heart.

Bugsy, son and I even got to watch fireworks from our front window across the way at our local lake. It was a nice finish to the holiday weekend.

Blessings,

Carol

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T00:53:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday to all the Firecracker Kids out there!

Hey folks, I hope your weekend was as splendid as mine. Even though I had to deal with a couple copycats on etsy, ebay, and artfire, and it was hotter than hades, I didn't let it ruin my birthday.
Daughter came home bearing bday gifts, big hugs, and a BIG cookie! She brought me a small metal egg with the cow jumping over the moon on it, and a pretty pewter Victorian powder music box, because she knows I love old music boxes. I also got the bday gift I requested, a new treadmill so I can strengthen the old ticker. Hubby, bless his heart, donned his apron and mitts and BBQ'd chicken and steaks on the grill outside in the awful heat.

Then there were moments when I cried. My heart just felt so hugged and I cried with happiness when I received more birthday gifts from more of my awesome blog friends. Sweet Lil Raggedy Angie sent me a box full of cool stuff, a set of painted candle sticks, some prim smellies, a personalized prim pillow tuck, and a very sentimental card. But, the icing on the cake is the Firecracker Girl dolly with firecrackers, a hand made little note card, and an American flag accessories.

To my pleasant surprise, Linda of Parker's Paradise gifted me with a patriotic shelf sitter doll. Hubby thought I had spent more $$... lol. Go figure.

Thank you all for the gifts and birthday wishes!

Blessings,
Carol

Creatively Constipated?

2011-06-28T09:02:00.001-04:00

Okay, who of you are creatively constipated? I am to the point of not being able to even decide on a paint color. LOL. So... hubby and I are gonna take a break while sales are slow and school is out. We'll still be open for business and taking orders, but I won't be cracking the whip, so to speak, at hubby to be in the wood shop to make me xtras. We should be ready to get back in the flow when school starts, and it cools down. So don't forget about me!

The insurance company came through for us, which enabled hubby and son to make a road trip and come back with this 42" LCD Vizio. I love it! I didn't know what I was missing, the picture is very sharp and vivid, and it's just like lil raggedy Angie's tv! So no more goofy hat... for awhile anyway:o)

Hey, the gals have all received their giveaway prizes... yay!

Winner #1 Kim of Valley Primitives Gift Shoppe

Winner #2 Brenda of Pine Tree Prims

Winner #3 Patti of Primitive at Heart

Blessings, Carol

Lightening Storms VS Household Appliances = No TV

2011-06-25T11:22:00.000-04:00

Yep, as you, my fellow Ohioans well know, we've had several lightening storms as of late. The last one we had was a doozy and our electric, internet, and cell phones were out for awhile, but our big screen tv lost the battle. I tell ya, it's driving hubby mad! Just look at him...

I told ya! He's contacted the insurance co., done his research, got his goofy hat on, and is right ready to go to town shopping for his new tv and get back in the game.

Me... I'm still working on getting these little projects finished. Finally got them all painted, including a bowl keep hubby made for me to keep all for myself. Yay!

Hey folks! Kim got her prize from our giveaway already and blogged about it, if you haven't heard yet. It was a little bigger than she thought, so she has to get a bigger candle to display in it. Give her a visit and watch out for those bears while your there!

Love, Peace, & Understanding,

Carol

Back in the Saddle Again

2011-06-21T13:19:00.000-04:00

Okay friends, your prayers and well wishes are working. Dad is home today and on the mend. He was glad to get out of there and the nurses were glad to see him go. LOL, no, they were glad to have him feeling better I know, but he did give them a little bit of a hard time. He likes to joke around you see.

I've got a few wood crafts I'm working on... slowly. It's hot again this week so it's slow going.. I've been to Teresa's blog drooling over her new furniture and kitchen. Wow, my dream home;)

Blessings,

Carol

Salute! Carol

Better News and Thank Yous

2011-06-20T08:23:00.000-04:00

I really thank y'all for your prayers and concerns for my FIL. Thankfully he doesn't have to have surgery, but is being treated with antibiotics for a severe infection. So a little longer in the hospital for good measures and he'll be back to his old self again. He is sweet guy.

I received my first birthday gift during all the excitement from Sheila of Seasons of Thy Heart. Oh, I was taken aback and very happy when I pulled my primitive patriotic floral arrangement outta the box.

Sheila even personalized the tag for me. There are firecrackers and a flag too.

Sheila makes and sells these very nice arrangements at her selling blog Country Impressions Floral and Decor where there are better photos and more of these proper prim arrangements.

Thank you Sheila, I really love and appreciate your birthday gift. I really did want one too.

All the giveaway prizes have been doled out. Kim picked the cathedral wall box, Brenda picked the spoon peg rack, and Patti gets the patriotic flag stool. Keep an eye out, down the road, on their blogs to see how they display them

Thank y'all again and bless you.

Carol

Congratulations are in Order

2011-06-19T05:55:00.000-04:00

It's a bittersweet day for me, sad, because my husband's father is spending his Father's Day in the hospital. Tim and his mother had to take dad to the emergency room Friday evening., because he was having severe abdominal pain. He might have to have surgery, so we're praying for a positive outcome.

Then on the other hand I'm happy to announce the lucky ladies.

Of course that's in plural!

Folks, this time the early birds got the worms!

I had a total of 223 entries.

I used random.org and the first click stopped on #3, second click stopped on #46, and third click stopped on #37. Here are the lucky gals that match up with those numbers in the same order.

Winner #1 Kim of Valley Primitives Gift Shoppe

Winner #2 Brenda of Pine Tree Prims

Winner #3 Patti of Primitive at Heart

I've contacted the gals and the pickin' is in progress. Now you'll have to visit each one to see who got what. Whaaat?? We gotta have a little mystery, yes?

Thanks to all of you for your kind comments.

Blessings,

Carol

Giveaway Prize #3

2011-06-16T02:55:00.001-04:00

Good day my friends. We had a rainy day, but that's okay.

Yep, that's Lily up to some mischief again. She's got her head down the storm drain, probably chased a critter down there.

A cute cat candle mat from a fellow cat lovin' friend,

Brenda of Pine Tree Prims.

AND... I've gotta have a patriotic wood craft in an FKP Independence Day giveaway yeh? Well, here is giveaway prize #3, a stool with a flag painted on. I painted and distressed it a bit.

As you were,

Carol

2011-06-15T02:00:00.000-04:00

"I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks." - William Shakespeare

What I can't express in my own words, others lend me their expressions to say how I feel.

My prairie bonnet collection is complete. I swapped with Lecia of Farmhouse Primitives for the pretty dark one on the far left to go along with the others that she made me.

Lecia was kind and slipped another bonnet in my package that I wasn't expecting for a nice surprise. I hung it on my hutch over my ole grungy clothes pin pouch . She has spoiled me... thank you Lecia:)

Hubby surprised me with a new bowl rack and a small version of our farmhouse cabinet. That's my whale tail shelf above with my framed peace, love and joy stitcheries from Kim of Valley Primitives, and my two love birds from Brenda of The Rusty Thimble.

Then I received my prize package I won from Linda of Parker's Paradise. This copper fireplace utensil, two nice baskets, a country blue and white pip ring and grubby candle to sit in one of my candle sconces. Now I have to put a basket hanger on top of my "honey do" list.

Besides the handy fact that all my blog friends are very crafty, I think it's kinda neat that they are decorating my home. Whether from giveaway wins or purchases I've made from them. Pretty darn awesome... thank you gals. I've got one more giveaway prize to reveal, but not today.

"The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness."
~The Dalai Lama

A Beautiful Day

2011-06-13T22:50:00.000-04:00

Ahh, we had a beautiful cool day and it's supposed to be like this all week, then back to hot with more storms for the weekend. Opened the windows, enjoyed the cool breeze, the birds singing and the smell of fresh cut grass from hubby mowing the lawn.

You see, school is out so we didn't have to hear or smell the buses go by our house as we live next to the school district's bus garage. When we built our little home here in '82, there was just us and then, a small bus garage. Well, with time, the district grew as a result of, the bus garage grew.

Oh, plus the county commissioners chose across the road from our home to put a sewage plant. Mind you they had three other locations that weren't across the road from a residence to choose from. So, when we get to open our windows with no disruption from sound or smell, it is a special occasion and we do thank the Lord for our humble abode along with a grumble or two.

Prize #2 of 3 prizes to be won. A country wall box, or it can hang on a peg rack too. I've put my pip berry ring and candle to show one way of displaying it, but I don't need to tell you gals how to decorate. If you haven't already, you can enter here for up to four chances to win one of three prizes from our Firecracker Kid Primitives Independence Day Giveaway.

Blessings,

Carol

A Giveaway Prize Reveal

2011-06-12T17:02:00.000-04:00

This is one of the three prizes that will be given away. The person whose name I draw out first will get first pick and so on and so on, of the three prizes presented.

I won a giveaway hosted by Kriss of Kountry Porch Primitives. A very nice, very tiny cross stitched pillow. Very pretty too and looks very at home in my new old cabinet.

Ahh, here's Hercules where he's found a cool place in my old hoosier. I've been playing around with it as you can see, and hubby put pretty new hardware on it. Now I'm thinking I want to sand the flowers off. What do you think?

Blessings,

Carol

Independence Day Primitive Decor

2011-06-06T23:00:00.000-04:00

How about all you other Firecracker Kids out there?

PAFA Summertime Bingo!

2011-06-06T19:38:00.000-04:00

Play PAFA Bingo!

The members of PAFA have put together a Summertime Bingo game for our followers and prizes will be won!

*New followers are certainly welcome*

Firecracker Kid Primitives is donating one of the prizes!

Click on the PAFA Bingo button for all the details!

Good Luck!

New, But Old From the Wood Shop

2011-06-04T17:43:00.000-04:00

Get it? Hi folks, I just listed this piece at my Etsy shoppe.that hubby whipped up for me today... this hot hot day with thunder a threatening a storm. Hubby toughed it out and grilled some chicken out back... yummm.

Another view. I love the look of old oak barn wood.

Phew! I thought I lost this little guy only to remember that I'd saved him on my laptop instead of the pc. Ain't he cute? Did great on his trip all the way across the pond from Angi's of Drakestone Primitives. You can visit her website too, Drakestone Primitive Country Cabin. I'm hooked on her prims.

Thanks for my mousie Angi, he fits right in here!

Stay cool and crafty my friends!

Carol

Happy Friday & Happy 33rd Anniversary to me!

2011-06-03T10:13:00.000-04:00

Hi folks! It's a beautiful Friday in my neck of the woods. We've had our usual backyard visitors (deer) this morning. Hubby's mowing the lawn, and I've got a list of other things he can do too:)

Yep, I did the math and today is Tim and I's 33rd and I'm looking forward to 33 more. You see, 4th of July birthdays, celebrating our independence, and our 33rd anniversary. That's why there will be three winners chosen for our FKP Independence Day Giveaway coming up soon!

Happy cats today are Hermes on Granny's quilt...

Hercules belly up this time...

and Ebonee Coco Chanel preening before her beauty nap.
All three snug as a bug in a rug in their air conditioned positions.

I've gotten my little man to put together some wood crafts for me. Yes, I used the "make him feel guilty" routine. Actually I told him that I told the gals I was havin' trouble gettin' him back in the wood shop, and it worked!

I received my giveaway prize from Leanne of Harvest Moon by the Lake! I love it! You can see Leanne made every stitch count from the heart. High quality for sure:) Thanks Leanne!

Which reminded me that I also received my wool penny kit from Michelle at Rocking Chair Stitches of Rhode Island. Now I get to try my hand at making a lil penny rug:) A belated thank you Michelle!

Okay, winding down now... remember, hubby is going through boxes and clearing out the basement? Well, he made his first dump run... ugh, smelly dump. Oh, he found some Star Wars collectibles, NASCAR collectibles and these three vintage dollies that were saved from the dump.

Have an excellent weekend and remember to live, laugh, and love much!
Carol