Tuesday, December 31, 2013

*Red peppermint dress*


Here is another dress for my granddaughter Macey. She already has it, and has worn it. This one is McCall's M6781. The fabrics are 100% cotton, a solid red and a red peppermint print. The white "M" applique was purchased and sewn to the bodice. This pattern is quite easy to sew and has 3 different views to choose from, including a blouse length. There is a back zipper. Please contiune reading.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

~Godey's sun bonnet circa 1857~

Good morning friends. Pictured above is a homespun bonnet in burgundy and cream plaid. The pattern is modeled from Godey's Lady's Book, which was a popular magazine from 1830 through 1878. This pattern was drafted by Emily of: How To Dress Like A Pioneer. The front, or as we would say today, the bill, is stabilized with: buckram. The inside back neck has an adjustable drawstring. Two sash ties under the chin securely hold the bonnet on one's head. Around the circumference is a fully gathered curtain to protect one's neck from the hot sun and wind. That gathered curtain is functional plus quite pretty. The crown is also very full and gathered, allowing room for a lot of hair to be tucked inside. This would have been very useful during the pioneer days, as most women wore quite long hair and were outdoors often in all types of weather. Although other styles are pretty, this style seems to be one of the most historically accurate. Continue reading to leave a comment.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

*Christmas 2013*

Good afternoon, friends. 'Hoping your Christmas was wonderful. This year, we met at my twin sister's house because she is still in the wheelchair from the ankle surgery, and this house has no ramp. It was fun, and we really enjoyed ourselves. No photos were made, though. Some people preferred to not have their photo taken in a wheelchair, on crutches, etc... Of course, gotta always respect and honor people's right to privacy offline and online. My daughter and her family have had the flu and did not get to attend. My twin sister's daughter and her family were also unable to attend. They were all really missed.

Those of you who read this blog often are aware that our family has had many illnesses and accidents in 2013. In fact, it seems that someone is always sick or hurt. Another family member (who does not want to be identified online) has fallen and is in the hospital as this is being posted. Yet another has had foot surgery last week and is in recovery. I always try to keep this blog on an upbeat scale, however, am requesting prayers for our family at this time. Many of you already pray for us, and it is very much appreciated. I also pray for all of you and your families.

Wow, this makes a post nearly every day for a week. Blogging is so much fun, and many great friends have been and are being made. By the way, Face Book has finally lifted the ban on me (I had been banned for "Liking" too many things). That is good news.

Someone commented on my most recent giveaway win, that it seems like I am always winning something, lol. 'Cannot deny that. If shipping rates weren't so expensive, there would be more giveaways on this blog and they would be open to everyone, not only to contiguous US residents. All of my followers are loved and appreciated, regardless of where they reside. There is a giveaway for March 2014 being planned, so stay tuned for that. It will be Spring themed. We still have our Christmas decorations displayed. When do you usually take them down till the next Christmas?
graphic: Twin Creek Primitives

Friday, December 27, 2013

Win from Crafty Texas Girls

A few weeks ago, I was the lucky winner of a giveaway from: Crafty Texas Girls. The prize was a $40.00 gift certificate from a really awesome online store: Love Feast Shop.com. The leather cufflet pictured above was my choice. It is really pretty and well made. The leather is so soft and colorful. Sending many thanks to Crafty Texas Girls and Love Feast Shop.com for hosting this giveaway. Be sure to check-out these sites for some great posts and really unique items. Prim blessings to you all.

Danice G.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

*Merry Christmas 2013*

Good morning and Merry Christmas to all of you. This year has been just super, with so many new blog friends and of course many of you have been following for a while now. Blogging is a great social outlet for me, especially since becoming disabled. A very special, heartfelt "thank you" to all of you dear people. Here's wishing a safe and happy holiday season to you all and to your families and other loved ones. Prim holiday blessings.

Monday, December 23, 2013

*Merry Day Before Christmas Eve*

Hello friends. How is your day going? It is the day before Christmas eve, and stormy weather here in Alabama. Recently, we were under a tornado watch/wind advisory. This is not typical weather for us in December.

Are you ready for Christmas? The two ceramic elves pictured above side were gifts, made years ago by a nice lady who was one of mother's best friends. (Sadly,the nice lady passed away some years ago). We always decorate for the holidays with these elves. This is a replacement photo, as the original was blurry. The original included a basket that is not in this photo. The basket was a wedding gift to mother and daddy back in 1963. Don't you just love decorating tables? Prim holiday blessings!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

~RAK from A Whimsical Christmas~

Another RAK for me! This beautiful photo frame is from Jonquil at: *A Whimsical Christmas*. Across the top is some festive green garland and red berries. It has a lovely brass plate across the bottom that is engraved with, "Happy Holidays". Thank you so much, Jonquil. Inside the frame is the latest family photo of my daughter, her husband and their daughter. So pretty! You all be sure to visit and follow Jonquil's fun Christmas blog. The frame is really perfect. Thank you, again, to Jonquil. Prim holiday blessings!

Saturday, December 21, 2013

*My wreath for 2013*

Hello friends. This is my Christmas wreath for 2013. Yes, it is store-bought. However, I did add a prim touch to it with a burgundy plaid homespun bow added to its top. Sometimes simple is OK, right? I have always loved wreaths, and door-decorating. When my twin sister and I were young, our parents would "wrap" the front door in red or green Christmas paper as a backdrop for the door wreath. Aren't childhood holiday memories just so precious? Today is officially the beginning of the Winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. 'Looking forward to the upcoming holidays. This year, we will be having ours at my twin sister's house. Are you all decorated and ready for the fun festivities?

Friday, December 20, 2013

~RAK from My Colonial Home~

Hello friends. Pictured above are two gifts that were sent to me by Karen of: My Colonial Home. The wool penny rug is on a green background, my favorite color. The backing is a gorgeous coordinating paisley print. The stocking is aged, and has a rusty bell and an image of Santa on it. Both gifts are truly pretty. A lovely Christmas card was also included. Thank you so much, Karen. You all be sure to visit and follow Karen's blog. She also has a selling blog at: KM Primitives. There are some some really beautiful items and patterns there. Prim holiday blessings to you all!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

*Our mantel 2013*

Here is our fireplace, with the mantel and shelf all decorated for the holidays. The decorations change little from year to year. Across the mantel shelf are the photos the hospital makes of newborns. They are of my twin sister and me and our children. I finished the frames. This is the original in the house, which was built in 1947. The large mirror above has beveled edges. The mantel face (below the mantle and the mantel shelf) is made of green marble. We no longer use it for heat, but it is quite beautiful. The gold urns and swags are reminiscent of neoclassical Rome, and Style of the Brothers Adam, which was revived in the early 1900's. Do you all decorate your mantel and/or shelf for the holidays?

Linking-up with: *From My Front Porch To Yours' 3rd Annual Christmas Mantel Party*

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Those of you who doubted...


Well, for those who doubted that Google Friends Connect (GFC), otherwise known as our blog Followers, would go away, check your blog. 'Not there. Check other folks' blogs... not there. The number of Followers still appears in the list of My Blogs, but the image gadget is no longer on the blog. Blogger Status was retired back in June, and Known Issues has not published since back in August. Meanwhile, here is the link to the Google Product Forums, where several have already questioned this GFC issue (along with the Search gadget not working issue) with no response from Google as of yet on either issue:
Google Product Forums
Maybe official responses will come soon for each issue. We will keep looking and hoping...

*UPDATE 18th DECEMBER: Followers is now displaying again. The Search is also working.

*UPDATE 2023: Blogger Apps Status Dashboard is now the site for Blogger Status (Blogger is owned by Google).

image: Denise at: The Krazy Kraft Lady

Monday, December 16, 2013

~Cross-stitched pillow tuck~

Good morning friends. The holidays are fast upon us, aren't they? Pictured above is a little pillow tuck that features a cross-stitch design won from Nancy at: Victorian Motto Sampler. Nancy always has awesome giveaways, usually with multiple winners. This design is from a set of 6 designs, and features a mandolin and a bugle. These are designed to be ornies. It is on 28 count 100% cotton white Evenweave fabric. The floss is DMC #321 red. The back is a scrap of dark green wool from my stash. You all be sure to visit and follow Nancy's blog, and check-out the fine items in her EBay Store if you have not already. Thanks again, Nancy!

Sunday, December 15, 2013

~Crafting tip: Non-glare glass~

Good morning, friends. Today is another crafting tip for you all. Do you use non-glare glass for your photo frames? The way to tell if a piece of glass is non-glare is to look at it out of the frame. Be very careful of the often sharp edges. If the glass looks kinda "cloudy", and you cannot see a reflection of yourself and/or surrounding objects in the glass, then it has been treated with a non-glare finish. This type of glass does cost more than standard glass, especially if it is cut to a custom size. So how in the world could we get some that is not so high priced? Look at the local thrift/second-hand stores. Yesterday, I searched through a stack of frames and guess what: some contained non-glare glass. They were all standard sizes, but were priced at just .50¢ each. If the frame is wood, then you will also have a great frame to finish for this project or another project. 'Hoping this tip will help you all. Prim blessings.

Danice G.

Friday, December 13, 2013

My first quilt!

My first quilt is finally completed. Well, it's actually a small doll-sized quilt at 15"X15" square. There are 4 100% cotton fabrics used: solid pine green, solid burgundy, tan with burgundy hearts print, and a burgundy with cream, rose, and olive floral print. That last fabric is about the prettiest I have ever seen. Too bad there isn't any more of it. The pattern is one that I just made-up myself. Every square is diagonally stitched over a layer of wool felt and solid brown cotton backing fabric. All is machine-stitched, except the top layer binding edge that is hand-stitched. 'Had some trouble mitering the corners with RA, but they turned-out good eventually. This doll-sized quilt is going to be included in an upcoming swap. Have you ever made a quilt? Which do you prefer? Machine or hand-stitching, or a combination of both?

~Linking-up with: Ivy & Elephants' What's It Wednesday #104~


Wednesday, December 11, 2013

*Merry Christmas Swap with Becky*

Look at all of the wonderful goodes that I have received in Bumblebee Lane Cottage's: *Merry Christmas 2013 Swap*. My partner was Becky of: Ginger Creme Hollow, and boy did she spoil me. From left to right: snowman magnets, notepad with birdhouses graphic, red wool cardinal bird (my favorite bird species), bag of winter bowl filler, a snowman ornie, snowman pillow with rusty bells, rusty star ornie, green homespun owl, set of 4 prim mug coasters, snowman doll, and a ceramic coffee mug with owl graphics. Not pictured (woops!) a sweet smelling butter creme vanilla tart that I am already using. Thank you so much, Becky. Thanks to Amy also, our host for this awesome swap. Now, off to decorate with these beautiful goodes! To see what I sent to Becky, please continue reading.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

*Winner: Woodlands Holiday Giveaway*

Thank you to all who entered my annual Holidays Giveaway. Random Number Generator© selected #5, which is: *Amy of Bumble Bee Lane Cottage*. Congrats to Amy! 'Will get your items in the mail tomorrow. If you all have not yet, be sure to visit and follow Amy's fun blog as well as her Etsy shoppe at: Cottage Prims where she has some really nice prim items.

Is the weather in your town really cold yet? Here in Alabama, it has really turned colder and often rainy. Maybe we could even get some snow for Christmas?

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Gotta love metal cans

Good morning, friends. Yes, here are three more metal cans that I painted and labeled. It is so much fun, and they are quite prim. This is also a creative way to up-cycle metal. The cans are also really easy to make, which is great for those of us who have RA and other types of arthritis conditions. Have you ever tried this art form? The beautiful labels on the cans above were purchased from: Primitive Labels & Cd's on Ebay.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

~Scissor fob for my daughter~

Pictured above is the scissor fob and case that I made for my daughter. She loves pink, so the beads are pink and white. Since my daughter also loves her some bling, the silver and white crystal elements are also included. Attached as a charm is a silver "A", her initial. Amanda already has this gift, and she loves it. Do you all like making jewelry?

Scissor case pattern: Sew Little Fabric