Spring News!

Well my friends....yes, it has been some time since I picked at this keyboard to announce news to you...but we've had so much happening, that I just haven't had time till now. SO we shall start anew.
Our 1st grandbaby arrived on April 2nd....he is a total miracle. There was such a scare while my daughter was in labor...we almost lost them both. It was by Gods good grace that they made it through a very rough delivery. That baby has my Polish stubbornness....I account that to his presence with us today.

I've also updated the whole website with a new fresh look. I wanted something different...something nobody else had...so between my daughter and myself we came up with the new look. I do hope it gives more shopping pleasure to all of my customers. Please let me know what you think of it. I've also been working on some great new products. A new line of old Prairie Dolls...all rag stuffed and dressed in antique fabrics, they do look so very old. I love these gals.

If your a soap lover, well have I got some great news for you! I've been making old fashion lye soaps now for almost 15 years. I've decided to add my own line to my store. These are all natural, very gentle, and so yummy to use! They are really getting alot of compliments...so please give them a try. You will love them as well!!

Are you a handmade bear lover?? I've got them as well! I've always been a bear collector....tried to quit, but when I see a pair of eyes that are begging me to take them home..I just have to. So, behold is my line of prim bears. So huggable they will break your heart!

Gosh girls..there has been so much happening....I do hope you head on over and take a peek. I'm off for now....i do promise to be back, but right now I have a grandson to feed. ;o)

So, till next time, hug your babys!! Oh...and buy some soaps! LOL

Sweet blessins',

Paula

Valentine's Has Arrived at Rusty Pins and Old Lace

I was sitting the other day staring out the front window watching the beautiful snow fall, remembering when my husband purposed to me. It was probably our 2nd month of dating and we were sitting in a 'Burger King' eating french fries...when out of the blue, he asks me to marry him. I was SO stunned and flat out said NO. LOL My poor husband....from that day on...for a whole year..he asked me, and I always said 'NO'. I think he finally wore me down by the time I finally said 'Yes'. Well, we've been married for 19 years this year..and as with all married couples, we've had our up's and down's...but through every single one of them...our love has grown stronger.

While I was staring at those large flakes I was remembering the many 'Valentine Day's' that we've had together and the little ways that we've let each other know that we love them. There was the year I left a single candy heart on his pillow that said ' I LOVE YOU'.....and the year I used my red lipstick and wrote 'ALWAYS' AND FOREVER' on the bathroom mirror......and the year that I met him at the door in the cute little pink teddy. Well we won't get into that one....my point is that no matter HOW you do it...you should always let that other person in your life know that it will always be them. It doesn't have to be in a big way....heck, I get excited when my hubby gives me a card on Valentines Day only because I know that HE went out and read a billion of them to pick out just the right one.


There was one piece of advice my father gave me when I left home...he said 'DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF'. Those simple words have been used many times in our marriage.....said either to each other, or just to ourselves...but they have helped us through many things in our years together. Always remember that the most important thing that you can do for the one you love...is validate the meaning of them in your life. Let them know that they are the most important thing to you. Seeing that sparkle in their eye's when they look at YOU makes the whole world right. :o)

I've been working like mad this month..and it's been wonderful. I have a few *NEW* 'Barn Baby's' all ready for Valentine's Day...and even a few rabbits for those of us who need a bit of Spring after all this Winter we've had. :O)

This little darlin' is already for the Valentine parade! If you haven't guessed it...she's a big Candy Heart. LOL


I've also been working on Bears!! Oh how cute they have turned out! I LOVE making them, and they are just perfect nestled in with my Oh so primitive dolls!! I do hope you are able to adopt one of them...I just know that they'll bring so much joy to your heart.
Hubby's been very busy as well making some awesome wood items!! Beautiful 'Table Boards' and 'Wall shelves'..perfect for showing off your early fabrics. Head on over to the website and see if there's a little 'somethin'' that will put a smile in your heart.

Till next time.....show that someone that you love them. :o)

New goodies done!!

Well..today is so gloomy. SO, I'm lighting my Gingerbread candles...playing some 'ol fashion Christmas tunes...and decorating the house. We have NO snow but it sure has been cold. It's so funny when I take our youngest to school...it looks like the marching penguins with all the kids bundled up. I guess Winter has arrived...dang!

This is my favorite time for sewing...I've done so many new Santa's! They are just super cute. I even made some Mrs. Claus's this year...they found homes really fast. I have just a few Santa's left. I did one in browns...he is my favorite. But then again I really love those drab colors this year.lol

The most favorite doll I'm made this year is 'Abigail Barn Baby'. She took along time to do. Hubby built the rocking horse just for her...and she holds a fully joined bear that's beat up as well. She is still waiting for a wonderful home...but in the mean time she is under our Christmas tree looking SO dang cute!

I have also made just the sweetest little Snow girl Make-do! I found this really old hog scrapper at a old farm here in Iowa....just HAD to use it for something...so ofcourse a doll was born. She's a bit more elegant then my other dolls...but still nice and grungy.

If you'd like to adopt any of my darlin's...just head on over to my website were you'll find tons of Christmas goodies.

Well dears...I'm off to decorate...just heard that we are going to get a bit of snow today!! WOOHOO!!

Till next time....bake something yummy for Christmas. :o)

Going on Strike, it's a good thing.......

Well friends.....I've learned something very important this week. Threaten to take a man's meal from him....and you get results!
What does she mean..your asking yourself...well here goes.
It all started right before Thanksgiving, when I declared to hubby that I wasn't cooking ever again until I got a new stove. Ofcourse there were many snickers and rolling of the eyes...but I held fast and as you all know, we went out for Thanksgiving. After the meal on the ride home there was much whining from everyone....'they didn't have any fruit-salad'...'their stuffing really sucked mom'...and most importantly from hubby came 'I didn't get any turkey because that big trucker guy took it all.'! NOW I'm the one doing the snickering..and much of it, I must admit.
After much pouting, and stomping of the feet...hubby finally says 'I hope your cooking turkey for Christmas'...then the children chimed in 'oh yes..and maybe some ham..and gosh I sure missed mom's rolls'. I look each of them in the face as I say very calmly....'I'm not cooking until I get a new stove' and off to the shower I went.
Well....there must have been one heck of a pow wow while I was gone because I'm very happy to say that a NEW stove arrived and was installed yesterday!!
Nice and shiny and OH so pretty with KNOBS and buttons and all kinds of fun things to play with! It even has an oven light!!!!
Why should I be so excited.....well let me tell you about my OLD oven. It wasn't too bad..if you where just cooking one item because only one burner worked..and that one worked if you prayed really hard and could find the lighter!
There was NO knob for the oven...so you had to guess at what temperature your food was cooking at...and it heated unevenly(maybe that was because the door didn't shut all the way so hubby had some duck tape stuck to the door..and I guess the sticky was losing it stickiness) which meant that IF you guessed the right temperature...the bottom of your pizza would be burnt and the cheese still frozen. It didn't have self-cleaning...hubby asked why the new one should...'you never cleaned it anyways'..needless to say there where a few quiet evenings between us. AND lastly...It had no shine left..no matter how much elbow power you put into cleaning.
I was up at the crack of dawn this morning...making my coffee and standing there staring lovingly at my new stove. It shined so pretty..even without any light coming in the windows yet....and it didn't squeak when you opened the oven door..ofcourse that happened after you peeled the duck tape off first.
So what can I cook today I ask myself.....probably nothing...I don't want it to get dirty!! ;o)

Till next time.....start a strike, and see how fast you can get results.

Making Snowballs...

I know that there are bunches of patterns being sold for these. But I thought I'd share my way of making them....well, not really MY way as it was published in an Country Home mag many years ago. I've since lost the original so I'm unable to give credit but I do thank you. :o)

Snowball how-to

Materials:

12-gauge wire; wire cutters; plastic foam balls in assorted sizes; needle-nose pliers; plaster mix; old spoon; pearlescent white spray paint; white glitter.

Instructions:

Cut a length of wire and insert it almost all the way through a foam ball. Using pliers, twist the wire into a curlicue or curl it around a pencil to form a spiral.

Mix the plaster according to directions until it's the consistency of thick frosting. (as you work, keep adding water to maintain proper consistency.)

Dip the ball into the plaster; use a spoon to spread the plaster evenly over the ball.

Hang the ball to dry; suspending it on a string stretched between two chairs; spread newspaper below to catch any drips. After 24 hours, spray the balls with paint, sprinkle with glitter and let dry.

That's it. I do hope you enjoy making these. Oh...a tree covered in tiny snowballs looks WONDERFUL!!

Till next time, be crafty!!

Holiday Checklist!

If your like me...starting on Thanksgiving day until New Years..your days all run into one, and your crazy with all the running your doing.
Well, some years ago I found a 'list' that I use to organize myself for the upcoming holidays. Over the years, I've added my own things, so maybe some of these won't fit your lifestyle, but there are many basics and I do hope you keep it, and add your own.
I always sit down with this list a week before Thanksgiving and go over it. I check my house for items that I already have, and add the 'needfuls' to my Thanksgiving shopping list. Killing 2 birds with one stone.
FOOD:
1. Hot chocolate
2. Coffee, regular and decaf
3. Coffee filters
4. Tea, regular, decaf and herbal
5. Milk
6. Creamer
7. Sugar substitute
8. Eggnog
9. Juice
10. Beer, regular and nonalcoholic
11. Champagne
12. Wine, red and white
13. Soft drinks
14. Seltzer and bottled water
15. Lemons, limes, olives
16. Cheese
17. Crackers
18. Christmas cookies
19. Fresh vegetables
20. Dip
21. Honey baked ham or turkey
22. Sliced deli meats
23. Pasta
24. Sauce
25. Fresh bread
26. Fresh fruit ( for snaking or for a simple centerpiece)
27. Chocolates
28. Baking essentials ( eggs, flour, sugar, butter, baking soda, vanilla)
29. Bags of ice
30. Nuts
31. Apple Cider
32. Cinnamon sticks
33. Candy canes

GIFT GIVING ESSENTIALS:
34. Boxes, all sizes
35. Ribbon and bows
36. Gift bags, including bags for wine giving
37. Tissue paper
38. Colored foil
39. Glitter pens
40. Scotch tape
41. Gift tags
42. Scissors
43. Gift Wrap
44. Craft paper
45. Markers
46. Stapler and staples
47. Packing tape
48. Mailers
49. Labels
50. Glue

GENERAL HOLIDAY HOUSEHOLD NECESSITIES:
51. Candles
52. Greens, holly and mistletoe
53. Extra strand of tree lights
54. Garlands
55. Christmas music
56. Poinsettias
57. Fresh flowers
58. Road salt
59. Snow shovel
60. Ice scraper
61. Extra chairs
62. Holiday table linens
63. Paper napkins
64. Tissues
65. Doormats
66. Tree stand
67. Ornaments and hangers
68. Carpet Stain remover
69. Extra extension cords
70. Paper plates and cups
71. Coasters
72. Games
73. Guest towels and soap
74. Aluminum foil
75. Food storage bags
76. Plastic wrap

MISCELLANEOUS:
77. Hostess gifts
78. Extra child's gift
79. Greeting and Thank you cards
80. Clean sheets, towels and blankets for overnight guests
81. Extra toothbrush
82. Film and Blank video tapes
83. Camera or camcorder
84. Step stool
84. Season scented potpourri
85. Christmas movies
86. Vases
87. Floral oasis
88. New Years noisemakers, party hats, and confetti
89. Firewood and kindling
90. Matches
91. Batteries
92. Flashlight
93. Light bulbs

Hopefully this will help take some of the stress from your holidays. There is nothing worse then NOT having an extra gift for the unexpected visitor, or no batteries for your child's Christmas gift! Please print this out, and use it with my blessings. :o)

Until next time.....TRY to stay organized.

I actually did it............!!

After all these years of having the enjoyment of bundling up like little snow people and waddling through the tree farm looking for that perfect tree to call ours.....I went out and bought a ......(gasp)....FAKE ONE!!
Yes..I know (my head hangs in shame)...you've heard me swear that I'd NEVER "give into that lazy artificial act of putting up a nonflammable tree"!
(long pause...) BUT...in my defence, there are a few reasons as to WHY I bought it!
1. Did a little research and found a tree that looks SO real..it even has pine cones on it! Heck..the birds would even think it's real tree and would happily build their future homes in it!
2. It come in 3 sections...AND....the limbs are all hinged, which means you just touch them and they fall into place!
3. I no longer have to worry about getting this big butt under the tree to water it!(that should be number 1 on my list).
4. I can leave and forget to unplug the lights without worrying that I'm going to come home to firetrucks blocking my driveway...and all those hunky..wet...partially dressed...tanned...muscle bound firefighters...........(pant, pant.......give me a minute here....sorry about that. I'll save that fantasy for later) ........!
5 AND...lastly..it COMES with all the lights I could ever need! ALREADY attached to the tree!!!! (doing a happy dance here) There is nothing worse then having to put 10,000 lights on a tree all by yourself...AND.....not letting the cords show!! HATE THAT!!

So my dears, there you have it. WHY I bought a fake tree. Now, the kids kind of moaned a bit, but they do agree that it looks real...and hubby did a bit of whining "it doesn't have that fresh tree smell". AAHHHAA!! I whipped out a 'Fresh Pine' candle, lighted it, and called it good! After a bit, the whole house smelled like a tree farm. With just a hint of cinnamon somewhere.
I did have to give in...and announce that we would all be able to dress like snow people and drive to our favorite tree farm, as I was going to cut down a SMALL tree to put on the harvest table on the porch. There was a large 'YIPPEE' that floated to the heavens...and all was well again. Smiles where all around,.....our 17 year old daughter come home from work last night and announced as she flew open the front door...'WHY is there a Christmas tree...with lights on, in the middle of our living room'?? MOM..it's not even Thanksgiving yet!' I did stand up for myself, and say that Thanksgiving was only a week away, and we ALWAYS decorated for Christmas on Thanksgiving evening....and that I would be able to take my time now and decorate it SLOWLY'
As she ran up to her room..I did hear a mumbling from her, but I couldn't quite make out what it was she had said.
I then proceeded in calling the herd to the family room for yet another announcement! WE were NOT going to be having Thanksgiving dinner. THAT one hit like a brick wall. Mouths open....crickets chirping....dead silence! Then a meek little voice could be heard...'but mom...you always make a big Thanksgiving dinner.....does this mean we aren't celebrating Thanksgiving at all...?' my little boy says with tears welling up in his eyes. Dad takes over...'no sweetie, we are going to be going out to eat. Mom just doesn't want the headache of cooking a huge meal this year. It'll be a good thing..i promise' Then you hear the 17 year old yell...'WWWOOOHHOOOO..........NO DISHES!!!!!' there where high 5's all around and then son asked...are we going to celebrate Christmas?' Why yes I said, I'll cook a HUGE dinner for Christmas'! Joy came to his eyes, and he ran to hug me.
Aaahhhhh....I say to myself. 'It's good to be the King!!!! (wink)'.

So, till next time...buy something fake! :o)