Farmgirl Flair

Spring Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Sue@CountryPleasures) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:47:00 +0000

Not alot going on since it has warmed up and I'm able to get outside and play in the dirt! lol Our house sold and we are packing for a move in May so I probably won't be aruond here much, alot going on right now, but we are having a spring sale at Heart2Home, 25% off all items for the next 2 weeks, so hopefully I won't have to pack it all! LOL Enjoy the season and keep crafting!

Mad about Madder

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithasword) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:03:00 +0000

My natural dyeing books recommends that when I start a madder dyepot, to have plenty of dyestuff on hand. BOY, is that ever the truth! About 2 weeks ago I put a big handful of dried madder root in my dyepot, and I've been dyeing pot after pot full of fiber! First, and experimentation with a linen/cotton blend fingering weight yarn. Lovely! Then, silk scarves. gorgeous! Next, some cotton bandannas. More subtle colors, but still gorgeous. I'm on at least my 5th full dyepot from that same handful of madder root, and it's still going strong. You can find naturally dyed madder spinning silk, yarn for knitting or crocheting, and beautiful silk scarves and hankies all in my etsy store.

Spring Renewal

gardengoose@gmail.com (Tina-) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 06:07:00 +0000

Spring!

A time of new beginnings, cleaning out, sprucing up,planting gardens,tending to and remaking older gardens.

Redecorating homes.

A time and a season for fresh new things.

-----------

At "Garden Goose Gifts "(www.gardengoosegifts.etsy.com)

We have a New Item perfectly suited for your redecorating project.

A symbol of new life,new beginnings, and a fresh start!

Our Butterflies and Branches vinyl wall graphic adds that perfect touch to your walls.

-------------------------

Or perhaps you wish to spruce up your Country Kitchen this Spring with a touch of "Farmhouse Charm"?

We have a darling "Farmhouse Country Quilted Wall Hanging"

waiting to grace your kitchen or dining room wall.

-------------

Stop by for a visit, and see the fun variety of items that help to turn your house into a "home"

~The Garden Goose~

Apron Crazy!

farmhouse_blessings@yahoo.com (Farmhouse Blessings) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:09:00 +0000

I have gone apron crazy! Certifiably! My workspace is covered in fabrics, linens & trims. The sewing machine is humming at all hours. And I'm having so much fun.

Here is my latest apron creation. It is crafted from the "Harvest Apron" pattern in MaryJane's Ideabook using Mary Engelbreit fabric.

The large panel on the front is actually one big pocket. It is perfect for gathering eggs or vegetables from the garden. Or for wearing around the house and picking up stray items as I tidy my home.

I hope to have some more lovely "Harvest Apron" in my FarmhouseBlessings etsy shop soon!

Blessings,
Lea of Farmhouse Blessings

Spring slings- Sew your own!

noreply@blogger.com (bebebella) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:10:00 +0000

There are so many gorgeous fabrics, I can scarcely choose which ones to sew with! I adore buttery yellows, a paisley of any hue, blues with chocolate browns and anything with a honeycomb print;) If you haven't been to my store lately I have added several in fresh prints for spring and summer- cool cotton for the worm months ahead. They make lovely gifts for new mama and papas.

Though all of my creations are special the sling is the star of the show. My slings are designed simply for easy use, made with beautiful fabrics and the babies love them! Our babies need to feel our warmth and breath, and we need to take care of those needs while still getting things done. Babies who are carried in slings spend more time in a quiet alert state; this allows them to spend less time fussing (because they are comfortable) and more time learning about their world.

My slings all include a pattern so you can make your own for personal use, this way you can match them to your moods and make gifts for friend’s baby showers!

Rebekka
www.bebebella.etsy.com

Hello From Sunny Portland!

noreply@blogger.com (Patricia Schaller) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:43:00 +0000

I'm very excited about our new Spring collections at Farmgirl Flair! I love the bunnies, the wall hangings, quilts and I can almost smell Kay's soaps from here.

Farmgirls are about the most creative people I know. You will always get value for dollar spent here. And you will find variety and inspiration.

My Spring project is bags, bags, bags! I'm using vintage fabric and laces and ribbons imported from France to create market bags and handbags with a Retro European flair. Each bag comes with it own history. The first, Corinne's bag, tells its story on its hangtag ~ A sweet story about the day in 1956 when Corinne had saved up enough francs to buy it and how she showed it off to her art school friends who found it tres chic indeed. The bag is made from vintage fabric, has a sweet fabric rose, and ribbon imported from Paris. It's such a special bag!

I hope you wander about our stores and enjoy our wares. We certainly enjoy bringing them to you!

Happy Spring!

Patricia
The Playful Farmgirl

Sewin' my heart out!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:03:00 +0000

Things have sure been busy around here lately! This is the slow season for Backwoods Junction yet I’ve still had several special orders come in recently and have been working to get those filled. In the meantime, I’m trying to get my stock built up for a big event I’ll be attending in September. Marengo Cave, in southern Indiana, is hosting its 125th anniversary on Saturday, September 6, 2008. The event is called Marengo Cave Discovery Days and they are expecting a crowd of 3,000-4,000. Needless to say, I need to get sewing! I’m also working on a new booth design that will attract passers-by and cause them to stop and shop! My product line has expanded from just the 12” country folk art dolls, which remain my most popular item, to 7” dolls, Christmas tree ornaments, hand-embroidered pillows and wall hangings, and quilted items. I hope to have a big selection done in time for the show. If you’re in the southern IN area on September, head on down to Marengo Cave and swing by the Backwoods Junction booth. I'll be the one in the apron!

Pictured below is some items I currently have for sale on my Etsy shop. which can be found here.

I hope you all have a wonderful, creative Spring!

Rachel @ Backwoods Junction

A New Twist on Tradition!

noreply@blogger.com (Thistle Dew Mercantile) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:33:00 +0000

New colors give a traditional craft some Spring zing!

I’ve been busy as a bee getting ready for the Spring season, both on our website, and at our family store, and we're finally cleaning up all the flat surfaces downstairs that were covered with frames in various stages, paper of all colors, and “shadows”…silhouette cuttings of sweet little Spring sorts of things!

We’ve done silhouettes for many years, and though they’re not the main focus of our artwork, it’s fun to take a break from our normal stuff to only work in black for a while. Usually we do the very traditional stuff… presidents, patriots, and a variety of ladies, gentlemen, and children against an ivory or antique background. A few years ago, we began playing around with adding quotes to the silhouettes, which added a new twist. However, this Spring, I thought I’d try putting a silhouette of a plow on some scrapbooking paper I had, and Wow! Did it look neat! Especially paired up with a black frame. Off hubby and I went to the craft store to find some more great papers, and since then, the ideas have been rolling, and the frames are filling up quickly. It’s been fun to play around with the combination of the solemn black paper and frames, candy colors that make them “pop,” and a few fun quotes here and there. It's also been fun to see how customers react to the new happy colors!

Check them out on my Etsy shop

Have a Happy Spring!
Kim from Thistle Dew Mercantile

Ticking Scrap Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (bebebella) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:33:00 +0000

Wondering what to do with those scraps of vintage fabric?
I was lucky enough to get some of this vintage featherbed ticking from Miss Wilma in Kentucky...it showed up as scraps in a variety of sizes and I fashioned it and some natural chenille into a baby quilt. Remember that when working with vintage fabrics you should back them with something simple like part of an old quilt or bedspread or some new chenille or muslin quilt backing. This way the old fabrics are the stars of the show!
The thing I love most about this quilt is the hand of the vintage fabrics- they don't make them like this anymore, heavy and soft with beautiful colors. The blue quilt is the last one I have and it is available on my etsy store;)
Warmly, Rebekka
www.bebebella.etsy.com

French Peat Pot Decoration

gardengoose@gmail.com (Tina-) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:08:00 +0000

A wee French Peat Pot decorated in pretty pink colors with glitter, and a reproduction French image on the front of the pot.

Shimmery pink ribbon handle and accents.

A tiny handmade porcelain blue bird sits atop the spanish moss "nest".

One of a kind.

Perfect for your Easter decor, shabby chic /cottage decor or as a gift to yourself or a friend.

Available at: http://www.gardengoosegifts.etsy.com/

Butterfly and Branch Wall Graphics

gardengoose@gmail.com (Tina-) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 07:02:00 +0000

Enhance your decor with elegant and soothing images of butterflies in flight.

Included with this set:

1 large branch design which measures approximately 36 inches long.

5 butterflies of various sizes that you can arrange anywhere you'd like to personalize the design to your own tastes.

This wall graphic may be applied to any clean,smooth surface.

For example: windows,doors,mirrors,etc.

An instruction sheet with directions for applying the decal to the surface of your choice is included with your order.

Visit: www.gardengoosegifts.etsy.com to order

~The Garden Goose~

Shabby Chic /Cottage/ Victorian Hanging Sachet

gardengoose@gmail.com (Tina-) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 02:11:00 +0000

Created using vintage chenille pieces and reproductions of vintage Victorian artwork...these darling sachets are scented with rose and lavender botanicals.
A lovely addition to your Shabby Chic decor.
Artwork printed on heavy cardstock and sewn to chenille vintage fabric to create a one of a kind sachet.
Embellished with sequins and yarns.
Approximate size 5 1/2 inches wide by 5 inches tall (not including ribbon hanger)
Available at:
www.gardengoosegifts.etsy.com

More Grubby Bunny Sisters!

farmhouse_blessings@yahoo.com (Farmhouse Blessings) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 06:16:00 +0000

Don't they just look so happy?

Be blessed!
Lea

Meet A Farmgirl - Rachel Hayden @ Backwoods Junction

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 02:24:00 +0000

You can visit Rachel’s Etsy shop HERE

I started sewing a few years ago because I wanted something "to do." My first real sewing project sparked a deep love of sewing and crafting within me that has grown into my little home-based business called Backwoods Junction. Today, I make hand-sewn country folk art. While my specialty is dolls, I also make hand-embroidered pillows and wall hangings, ornaments, quilts and quilted items. I experiment with natural dyes and my mother, a Master Gardner, has recently begun growing plants for me to use for dyes. I currently raid my grandfather’s farm a couple times a year to collect walnuts off the ground since they make the most wonderful dye! I often set up booths at heritage festivals and am a demonstrator as well. My dolls are currently sold in a gallery boutique in Louisville, KY.

I am married to a wonderful man named Tim. I am a Human Resources Generalist by trade and am currently in graduate school, pursuing a Masters degree in Management (which will be completed in April 2009, God-willing.) Besides sewing, I love to write and research American history and heritage.

I am truly blessed to be included in this wonderful group of Farmgirls! MaryJane Butters and the farmgirls that gather at her site are a true inspiration to me.

Hoppy Days Bunny Decoration

gardengoose@gmail.com (Tina-) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 02:19:00 +0000

Just in time for Easter! A darling Hoppy bunny. Ready to leap into your shabby chic/cottage decor.Add a touch of whimsy to your Easter decorations. Fun on a mantle area with ivy topiaries as an accent...or anywhere you wish to add a touch of fun and whimsy.These little bunny rabbits are made from a darling Easter egg print fabric and embellished with a bright cheery pink ribbon bow,and button eye. Each one has a different Easter tag derived from a replica of a Vintage Easter Greeting!
~The Garden Goose~
www.gardengoosegifts.etsy.com

Faux Lemon Delight Cupcakes

gardengoose@gmail.com (Tina-) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:13:00 +0000

Posted some faux cupcakes in my etsy shop today. These are great for adding to your shabby chic /cottage decor. Pure fun.

Not for wee kiddies or hungry husbands as they are non edible....but oh so fun! to display on a cake stand or with your pretty china tea cups.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9872849
See more fun items in my shop at:
www.gardengoosegifts.etsy.com
~Tina/a.k.a. ~The Garden Goose~

Whimsical Grubby Bunnies!

farmhouse_blessings@yahoo.com (Farmhouse Blessings) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:38:00 +0000

Fresh out of the carrot patch, come these two darling little grubby bunny sisters.

Each sweet muslin bunny is 12 inches long. They have been aged and really look like they have playing in the carrot patch. Each has button eyes and a hand-embroidered face. I just love their polkadot dresses with contrasting bow & bloomers. Each little bunny sister has a hand-painted muslin carrot with whimsical greens that matches her bow!

I have another set of sisters almost ready to go. They are so pretty in their lavendar & lime dresses.

Be blessed!
Lea of Farmhouse*Blessings

Custom Clipboards

noreply@blogger.com (Sue@CountryPleasures) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:32:00 +0000

I'm iced in again so I was able to get some fun stuff done, like these custom clipboards that I'm addictive too! I got 4 new ones finished and up for sale over at Heart2Home. I'm also having a winter fun day giveaway at my blog, so head over and get signed up to win a custom clipboard! www.countrypleasures.blogspot.com

Hoppy Days - Easter at Farmgirl Flair

therusticcottage@gmail.com (Kay-The Rustic Cottage) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:27:00 +0000

All the Farmgirls are busy making lots of Easter pretties. Please check out our Etsy shops by clicking the links on the right. You can also click the picture above to whisked off to our FGF listings!

The Beauty of Natural Colors

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithasword) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:56:00 +0000

I adore naturally colored fleeces, and spun this fantastic self-striping yarn from naturally colored llama, alpaca, mohair and wool roving from my stash. isn't it amazing the diversity of colors we get from our fantastic fiber animals? 2 skeins available for sale in my etsy shop! All fiber are from happy local fiber animals - i love to support my local farmers!

More Make-do pin cushions

noreply@blogger.com (bebebella) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:15:00 +0000

I can't believe how different they all are turning out- what a great project while I am snowed in!

Make-do pin cushions

noreply@blogger.com (bebebella) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:02:00 +0000

I found a little stack of old jello molds at my favorite antique store that got me thinking... so I used some of Miss Wilma's vintage ticking to create a fun pin cushion!

Warmly, Rebekka
www.bebebella.etsy.com

Rusty tools, anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (girlwithasword) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 01:18:00 +0000

My farm has rusty stuff. Dusty, rusty, old, broken STUFF. Don't all old farms? But let me tell YOU. Ever since I discovered rust-dyeing, I am in love with old rusty dusty STUFF. My mom laughs at me, because I keep a bucket around the farm, and everytime I find a new rusty thing ("OOH, look at this cool wrench!", or "Oh, wow....rusty square nails!"), I put it in my "rust bucket", and then take home the goodies for dyeing!

Rust can dye cotton, but it seems to especially love silk. This is an excellent example of how you can get actual imprints of flat rusty items onto the fabric. This is a 16 by 16 inch silk square. You can find more examples of my rusty artwork in my etsy store. And now....you will never think of your rusty farm "stuff" the same way again!!!

Handmade With Heart

therusticcottage@gmail.com (Kay-The Rustic Cottage) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 07:18:00 +0000

Just in time for Valentine's Day shopping - Farmgirl Flair's Handmade With Heart!! Check out our Etsy shops for beautiful Valentine's offerings or put FGF in the search box on Etsy. Shop now through February 7th to ship in time for gift giving to your special Sweetheart!

Meet A Farmgirl - Kim Frey from Thistle Dew Farm

therusticcottage@gmail.com (Kay-The Rustic Cottage) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:00:00 +0000

Kim Frey is a farmgirl at heart… years ago, her Nana bought her a huge cross-stitch picture at a yard sale that read "I will build myself a farm." Along with a hubby, two daughters, parents, and a Nana that loved anything old-fashioned (and occasionally provided the critters), the Frey family did just that. Complete with goats, chickens, cats, horses, the occasional stray duck, and an out-of-control garden, they enjoyed many years as a family on their little farmette. Life changes, "farmhands" grow up and get married, and now the animals are beginning to dwindle on Thistle Dew Farm. However, creativity never ceases!

Always loving early American crafts, Kim tried her hand at nearly everything from quilting to cross-stitching. As a young wife and mother, she knew that she wanted to stay home with her babies, yet still have a creative outlet and earn a little pin money. While expecting her second daughter, she ran into a craft she hadn't yet explored… Scherenschnitte! She soon began designing patterns of her own, her hubby Chris taught himself to make picture frames, and the business flourished to the point of barely being able to keep up! And then at the peak of it all, they were led to homeschool their girls. Within a year or two, the craft business was set off in the sidelines to make time for the really important things in life… reading aloud, living history, exploring nature, and such. Within the past several years, the girls have both graduated, one has married and given the Freys' a sweet grandboy, and Kim now has a little more spare time than she used to have. So, out came the scissors, knives, and paintbrushes!

The Freys' papercuttings range from folky Pennsylvania German whimsies to traditional silhouettes, but they specialize in special orders. Kim spends most of her time creating pieces to commemorate the events of life… weddings, births, baptisms, and graduations. Custom framing is also done locally for those who love the grain-painted frames that Chris creates to complement Kim's artwork.

Finding kindred spirits is always a blessing to Kim. From her Mom & Grandmothers, to the likes of Laura Ingalls and Tasha Tudor, to MaryJane and all the Farmgirls, she has been blessed to "know" and be inspired by so many women who love living a simple, old-fashioned life. Thanks to all of you, and it's great to be a part of the fun!