Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Hurray for the Red, White and Blue!!!!!!!!!!


What a wonderful way to help celebrate the 4th of July!!!!!

Presented by Vintage Keepsake Trunk, this Americana Candle Lamp is an appropriate tribute to the upcoming holiday. Made today but reminiscent of the past, it is a beautiful addition to any home this and many other holidays and seasons.

The artist offers the following: Here we have a Primitive Folk Art Americana Candle Lamp placed in an Uncle Sam Hat. This piece would display nicely as a centerpiece, shelf sitter, or placed on a bureau, table or halltree during the July 4th holiday or year round in your Americana decor home. It measures approximately 2 in tall and 13 in wide and 8 in deep.

I have created this piece in the primitive fashion to give it that time-worn look....heavily grubbied. The USA hat is sewn from muslin and quilted around the crown with vertical patches and stained with my coffee-vanilla stain. The stripes are then painted red, white and navy blue and the brim and hat band are painted navy blue. After baking in the oven, the hat is gently sanded and grubbied with a coffee-vanilla-cinnamon sludge, sprinkled with cinnamon and baked again.

Inside the hat, I placed an electric silicone candle lamp adhered to floral foam and ran the cord out the back of the hat. The cord has an on-off control so that it does not have to be unplugged to turn it off. An arrangement of fresh Sweet Annie dried floral and red pip berries are nestled into a bed of green smagnum moss. I have printed out the Declaration of Independence on parchment colored paper, stained it with the coffee-vanilla solution and carefully burnt the edges with a flame. I then rolled it into a scroll and placed it in the hat.

Four American flags were cut from muslin and each hand-painted with red and white stripes and a navy blue square to hold the stars. The stars are cross-stitched by hand with ecru floss. The flags were then sanded and grubbied with coffee-vanilla-cinnamon followed with a sprinkling of cinnamon. Each flag is adhered to a stained dowel and glued into the floral foam.

A nostalgic vintage postcard image was adhered to cardboard, carefully burned the edges and adhered to a dowel as a pick. I have wired a rusty tin Prim star to heavy twisted rusty wire as a pick. A rusty bell is pinned to the front of the hat with a rusty safety pin. More smagnum moss was adhered to the bottom of the hat along the front. Cinnamon was adhered to the edges of the hat brim to give it that grungy appearance.

This piece has been lovingly made by me using a pattern designed by The Old Glory Company.
This design will come to you dated, signed and tagged with my own label.


You can see this item at: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=284138

Happy 4th to all!!!!

Hugs, Barb

Monday, June 29, 2009

Just wanted to let you know.....


I truly enjoy sharing the wonderful folk art and primitives that are on Artfire, but just had to take a break for a few days. With one son graduating from North Central, one going back for summer school at NIU, dear daughter enrolling at the NIU for next fall, son and girlfriend coming home for the weekend and regular farm work, I just had to take some time for family and farm......

It felt great to put the house in order and plan the rest of the summer. I actually took time to paint the mural in the entry way which I will put on another blog this week. Plus the dry sink in the bathroom actually got some much needed attention! Oh, to take this barn back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Well, we are back on track for getting the day to day things done around here. Yea!!!!!! See you on the other blogs and its good to be back.

Will start featuring wonderful folk art and primitives from Artfire tomorrow!!!!!

Hugs,
Barb
The photo above is a looking down the driveway from my home to the road. I think it is so beautiful here and wanted to share with you.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Lemonade in the Hot Summertime!!!!!!

It's the sweet olde summertime!!! Here the temperatures are in the 90s now. A bit early for that! But it is summer. It is time to sit on the front porch and sip some lemonade in the heat of the day.

Artfire artist anameade of The Olde Country Crow offers this wonderfully appreciated set of signs for the season.

These can be seen at: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=265706
Up for bids is this cute little summer piece. This block trio measures bottom to top 8, 6, 4 1/2, & Top block 3 1/2 x 4. This set has been painted pale yellow white and black. It has been sanded to give it that primitive look.

Time some time to relax and unwind at Artifre and check this and other great items for you and your home at Artfire Folk Art and Primitives. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=categories&main_cat_id=108

Enjoy the sweet sometime!

Hugs,
Barb

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Wonderful Workmanship!!!


New to Artfire!!!!!
This is a wonderful example of old school workmanship and nearly a lost art!
You can see this and other wonderful pieces at:

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=272996

The artist explains his work:

Before matches were introduced in 1830, a fire would have been started with flint and steel. This unit would have contained flint, steel, charcloth, tinder(strips of cloth), a candle stub and a dome shaped extinguisher.
The flint, steel, cloth, and candle stub are not included. This is a great item for living history reenactors!
Although it is shown in natural tin, it is available in your choice of finishes.
It measures 5.5"w x 3.25"h.


Available finishes include:
The Antique finish simulates aged tinware. It is hand rubbed to highlight the patina and coated with a metal paste wax to give the metal a soft sheen. An occasional dusting with a soft cloth is all that is needed.

The Rust finish is actually a painting technique. Each piece is primed and painted to give the feel of real rust. It has the appearance of rust without the devastating effects. Please clean with a soft dry cloth.

My Natural tin finish is the look of shiny tinware when new. Each item is washed and hand polished. Over the years, the tinware will develop a rich patina. Clean with a soft dry cloth.


Please let me know your preferred finish.

Thank you,
The Village Tinner

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Chinese Ethnic Dolls

This just seemed perfect today.

Dave and I just said good bye the a very sweet Chinese exchange student and took her back to her host family last night. Today she returns to Beijing. There were many tears and hugs. Dave and friends took her to see Galena and the Mississippi. They also spent time in Wisconsin in Madison. It is amazing how much you can come to think a person in such a short time. I believe this friendship will last a long time. Thank heaven for email. Cherry, we will miss you.and talk to you soon. Hugs to a wonderful young woman.

Anyway these dolls are offered and shipped form Hong Kong.

Handmade Chinese Ethnic-Minority Dolls

A collection of 5 dolls representing 5 different ethnic minorities in China. All are decorated with beautiful and colorful costumes, headdresses with tassels of their individual tribe.

All wooden dolls are handmade with high quality and meticulous detail.

Great for living room decoration, gifts or simply for your collection.

All products are produced by local professionals in the Yunnan Province of China in order to keep the cost at a minimum.

Stands 14cm - 15.5 cm ( 5.5 inch - 6 inch)

Other items are available, please contact me at hkland2009@gmail.com
if you have any specific request/questions.


Thank you!!
they can be seen at: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=204074

Just a note. I have contacted this Artfire contributor and suggested the they get a hold of Artfire to finish putting their shop together. It is lacking payment method, etc. It can be difficult getting acquainted with new avenues to sell, and I wish them luck.

Hugs Barb

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Beautiful Doll on Artfire


This is a beautiful doll available on Artfire. I truly like her face and especially her eyes.
Take a peek at her, yourself on:
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=179442

The artist is wooden wishes,-homepsun stitches and describes this piece of art as:
Welcome, this lady is such a piece of art. She is approximately 20" tall. I used muslin to make this sweet doll and her little blue bird and ONLY the best quality quilt shoppe material. She has been painted and sanded. I've given her pretty blue bird wings that coordinate with her skirt. Her shirt sleeves are oversized buttons that go beautifully with her brown multi-colored polka dot skirt, these buttons also give her adjustable arms. I've handpainted her shoes and socks and her face has been painted and shaded layered over top of a piece of the same material used for her skirt. She was such a delight to create and turned out really neat, I just love her. I would like to thank Nanny Norton Prims for the easy to use pattern. This Doll is a HAND CRAFTED ITEM for DECORATIVE PURPOSES ONLY and is NOT a TOY.

Enjoy this fine piece of art.

Hugs, Barb

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Giving Primitive Art Modern Usefulness !!!!

Love this beautiful hand painted mouse pad. It is a wonderful way to add the warm old look toa modern setting and use.

Primgal has made this available on Artfire and you really should check it out.

"This mousepad would fit into any primitive or country decor.........great gift idea for those that love to hook rugs, or just love the primitive touch to a room. This mousepad measures 9"X7 inches giving you a wonderful work surface, and they work with any type mouse.

The background has been painted a medium tan and then antiqued for a wonderful primitive appearance. I have painted a black sheep, willow tree, and across the top the words read "Black Sheep Wool Co." After painting it has received several coats of sealer so that it stands up to constant use, and it cleans easily with a damp cloth. Please do not immerse in water though."

You can see this great item at: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=129029

She does wonderful work and I know you will enjoy all of the thing she offers.

Hugs,
Barb

Monday, June 15, 2009

Heart on Laddle Pinkeep

A beautiful addition to any home. Beautiful "hearts" are always great to have around. This just makes me think of kindness, warmth and love when I look at at. Maybe I need that after a week on no sleep and chaos. But then everyone could use more serenity in their lives.

This pin keep is presented by OldeAnnieArts at Artfire.

About the pinkeep:
This is a unique one of a kind pin keep. I took an old flat-bowl ladle and added Spanish moss and a wispy cream pip berry wreath. The wreath also has rusty stars attached to it. Atop the wreath I have attached a stuffed heart made from a burgundy/pink print cotton fabric. Attached to the heart are two rusty safety pins, three rusty T-pins and two buttons. On the wood handle I have tied a raggedy stained cheesecloth bow. The piece hangs nicely by a rusty wire star loop or can prop nicely on a shelf or cupboard. Measures 7 inches wide by 11 inches tall.

Stop by to see this and more at:

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=177164

I'm finally back-Dave's Graduation is Finished!!!!


It has been a long but wonderful week. Son #2 has graduated from college. Yea!!!!!!!

I will post more pics later, but the kids ran off with my camera (which has many,many graduation pics) to Galena yesterday. One of Dave's friends from China wanted to see the Mississippi before she returns to Shanghai later this week. She is staying with us and my parents for a few days to see some more of the United States. Really sweet girl! Today they are off to Madison, WI to see more sights. Hope to have the camera back this evening.

Big hugs from a very proud and happy mom,
Barb

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

I'm Back....


I took a couple of days off for my son's graduation. There is still more to do but it is back to a dull roar here!

I want to thank the people at Blockhead Radio for featuring my shop on their website!
Please take a look at the this site and enjoy it. It has many things to offer.
http://blockheadradiolive.com/


Today's featured item is a wonderful prim dress from PrimPickins on Artfire.

The artist describes the dress:
This is a hamdmade prairie dress, measures about 25 inches in length. I used a cotton material in a brown & cream color. The collar is a piece of vintage doily and there are three mismatched vintage colored buttons down the bodice. I filled the pocket with some dried florals, a cinnamon stick and pip berries. Then I added a grungy tag that says PRAIRIE and has a tiny skeleton key attached. The hanger was made using a stick from my yard and some wire.


Inspiration / Story behind this Product:
I would say my inspiration comes from a love of old time stuff, I think I was born in the wrong century LOL I am intrigued by vintage things, clothing, housewares, furniture. I was lucky enough to find a beautiful old Hoosier cabinet in N.C. and it now proudly sits in my Florida home . I love going junking to find new treasures for it and my home.

To see this and more fine offering from Prim Pickins, go to:

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=156179

Hugs,

Barb

Friday, June 5, 2009

Finally Friday !!!!!! Time for Beach

It may not be warm enough to swim here, but the weather is perfect for taking some time to sit on the dock and enjoy the cool spring breezes, watch the water and take some tome to just "be."

This sign is in to beautiful soft tones of a spring day. A gentle green and calming pink and white flowers.

This sign is presented by Artfire artist Country Workshop.
The sign is described as: Beach House sign painted on a worn sage finish with hand painted roses and daisies.

Sign is made of ½ inch mdf (medex), an exterior grade building material which won't warp or crack due to weather and painting is sealed so this is ready to be hung outside if desired.

Sign measures 6 x 14 inches

Each sign is cut to shape and painted with acrylic paint and sanded. The design is then painted on, each individually and each is a little different. A final top coat of a catalyzed varnish is applied and the sign is ready to go. A key-hole slot is cut in the back for hanging on a nail or screw.

You can see it at: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=206279

So take some time and relax this weekend and maybe do it on sitting on the dock, next to the bay or lake or river or anywhere you can find to take in the calming colors and sounds of water.

Have a great weekend and hugs,
Barb

Thursday, June 4, 2009


Spring has been late in arriving here but now every morning, there are so many welcoming sounds from them. It starts the day right to hear the birds outside. Makes you ready to get tto work--they are a real motivator!
This is a beautiful hand painted birds presented by digiliodesigns on Artfire.

It is described as:
This is a print of a painting of mine that I did in acrylic on wood. This is printed on a high quality Strathmore paper using archival quality inks. The paper measures 8.5" x 11" and the print itself is 5" x 5".
This will be shipped in a sturdy envelope with a backing board in a clear bag.
The frame is for picture purposes only to show how it looks framed. A mat really isn't necessary.
It will be signed and dated in pencil.


Inspiration / Story behind this Product:
This handsome red bird has been inspired by old Pennsylvania Fraktur paintings. I just love the birds and flowers in their paintings!
Take some time to stop in and look at it at

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=247192

Have a great and productive Thursday.

Hugs,
Barb

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Dolls, Dolls, so many great prim dolls!!!!!!

I love the date on this doll. She truly looks as if she has been found in an old cabin, tucked away in a safe place. That date is during the period my great grandfather, Julius Martin Kringle, (yes the name is of Santa fame) that he homesteaded in Minnesota and Iowa. He drove a cover wagon "out west" to those states at the age of 14.

This doll is a lovely reminder of the past which is so dear to many of us.

She was created by HeartofTexasPrims on Artfire.

She is describes as: Here for you is a cute primitive seed bag prairie doll
ornie for your collection in preserving our heritage.

Super Prim! This doll is made of coffee and vanilla stained muslin and set out in the sun to dry. She is about 8 1/2" high and smells wonderful!

In making her, I stitched burlap for the nose. Old time looking fabric which was stained in coffee is fitted for her prim dress and her seed bag is stained as well. The bag has a draw string that is tied in a knot with a rusty safety pin. The year '1873' is primitively stitched to the bottom of the bag. Doll can be taken out of her seed bag. I stitched some lace that was dipped in coffee around her head.

From a pattern by SweetPeas Primitives.

You can see her at: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=67354

Please take a look and enjoy!!!!

Hugs,
Barb

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Beautiful Mattie MayWall Doll for every prim home.


A new way to fly the flag.......Let Mattie May do it!!!!

Love this doll.

She was created by kitschnsinkstudio on Artfire.

She is described as:
Mattie May is now ready to adorn your home during the upcoming Patriotic holidays or year round for a touch of Americana.
She is a wall Art-doll, so she has no legs..She measures from the tip of her hat, to the hem of her skirt, 32 inches tall, and 12 inches wide..She has a loop on the back for hanging.
She has a hand-stitched face, and is perfectly aged with a light waxed finish..
For Home Decor, not intended for children..
Pattern by Folk and Whimsy


Love her and oh so prim..

See her at: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=235147

Have a great Tuesday!!!!!

Hugs,
Barb

Monday, June 1, 2009

A sign to remember Dad all year long!!!



Warm words to describe the wonderful roll fathers fill in our lives.

LittleTouchDesigns offers this sign to decorate your home for dad all year long.

The artist describes this sign as:
What a great gift for Dad! He'll be proud to set this on his desk or dresser as a reminder of his awesomeness!

Such a simple design and yet so meaningful.

Pine, varnished and distressed, painted antique white with FATHER hand-painted in dark brown. Also in dark brown are the words leader, protector, provider, advisor, servant, teacher, encourager, friend. Two barn-red hand-painted stars give this a special touch.

Measures approximately 7" long x 2.5" tall x 1/2"


Inspiration / Story behind this Product:
Father's Day is coming up. This little guy is a lot better than giving Dad just a card, or another tie. This is something he can keep forever.


This sign is available for $8 and you can see it at:

A week dedicated to the Dads!!!!

Father's Day is approaching in the US and there is time to order that perfect gift for the dad in your life. This week we will concentrate on items he most assuredly will enjoy having in his life.

So join us as we reveal those special items for Dad this week and order in time for him to have it on June 21!!!!!!