He's growing up....

Jordan has just graduated from the 5th grade and will be moving up to the Middle School in September, leaving his little sister to finish what he started.  He is my first grandchild and not that I'm partial but he's always been special.  He's at that age now where he is ready to venture on his own and doesn't want to hold grammy's hand anymore.  Has his own friends and interests and grammy is put on the back burner.  Do I sound sad, oh I am, but I'm enjoying that I can watch him grow up and know that even though I love him so very much, I don't have to raise him, that's his mom's job and she has done a very good job of it.  She's a single mom, who works as a substitute teacher and goes to college where she is majoring in psychology.  It's tough for her making ends meet sometimes but she's found a way to balance family, work, and school so that she can be there for her children and to be able to provide them with everything that they need.  She's strict with their upbringing and grammy sometimes puts a kink in things because, I like to spoil them.  To be able to give them what I couldn't have as a child and what I couldn't give their mom when she was growing up.  Mom does pull the strings though, if mom says no, then grammy has to back off.  Mom does know what's best but, boy is it hard sometimes.   I didn't have the relationship with my children that my daughter has with hers.  That is something that I'll never be able to change as you can never turn back the clock, but I thank god every day that I have her and her children to remind me that there is life after being a mom and it's being a grammy, it's the best job in the world", next to being a mom that is....I love you Nykki, Jordan, and Katy!!!!

Remember what Memorial Day means...

Happy Memorial Day to everyone, especially to the troops both here and abroad who have given their everything to protect our USA.  Click here and go to Operation Write Home Bloggers Circle.
Celebrate this holiday by helping heroes keep in touch with home.
If you have ever had a family member in the service, or know someone who is or has been, take the time to check out this blog, you'll be glad you did.
My prayers are with the families, who's loved ones have been lost to this war and to those still fighting thru it, to those who have been injured and who's lives will be changed forever because of it.  To those families who's loved ones have come home however, still a part of them not able to forget the devastation they have seen.  We are blessed that you were there for us.  You are all heroes and will always be remembered as such.  God Bless the USA.

Some day she'll be famous...

My granddaughter was in the news paper yesterday for dancing show that she was in for school.  She's the one with the hat on sideways.  Always a character that one.  She's 8 years old and an attitude that you wouldn't believe unless you heard or saw it.  Always the hand on the hip and the it's my way or no way attitude.  I'm sure you know what I mean.  But ya' have to love her she's a character.
Here is the line from the paper that described her and her mom's comments

"Kaitlin Eastman age 8, of the Chamberlain Dance Team, ball cap fashionably askew, was exhilarated, and found performing before an audience "awesome."

Agreeing was her mother Nicole MacDonald who added, "It is especially nice to know that the funds raised go to a Spaulding High School senior" said the Rochester native. 

A proud moment for grammy!!!!

Heads up!!!

What's that old saying "Two heads are better than one"...well how about 9.  Yup, this is what I've been working on this weekend.  I've got about 100 or so more to go.  Then I have to work on the bodies, arms, and legs.  I'm hoping to get them done this week, if not stuffed at least cut out and sewn together.
I've got a couple of bodies done, just to see what they looked like and what I could do.  I think these are okay, but I'll need lots more.  The best part though is the clothes and accessories.  Once I get to that they will really come to life.  And don't forget the faces.

Well back to work now, just wanted to give you a sneak peak.  I'll be back next weekend with another update.  See you soon "so to speak".  Let me know what you think, look forward to hearing from you.

Soft in the Head Giveaway

Soft in the Head is having a giveway that you don't want to pass up. Here is a picture of the lit'l buzzer himself.  It's easy, all you have to do is leave a comment about the best summer you ever had. How hard is that. Go to her blog by clicking on SOFT in the HEAD. Go on now, what'cha wait'n for. Don't wait till it's to late. Good luck to all !!!

The Witch is in.....

I know that it's not Halloween and it's a way's away, but why wait.  Here is my Witch wall and/or door hanger.  She's made from muslin, grunged and stained.  Her face is green with a long crooked nose and button eyes.  The black hat is also made from muslin and has a cheese cloth wrap with a banner that says "The Witch Is In" and attached with rusty pins. Her straggly hair is made from a heavy twine that has been stained black.  She's quite a site don't you think.

Do you know....

Has anyone ever seen this pattern for sale. Or do you know if it is available as a pattern.  I saw this picture on facebook and the person who posted it is looking for it as well.  I've looked everywhere that I can think of and haven't been able to locate it.  Maybe there isn't a pattern, I don't really know.  It is a fantastic design "who ever made it".  Just love it's uniqueness.  Let me know if you've ever seen it or happened upon it.

Sneak Peak....

I thought I'd give you a sneak peak at one of the items that I've almost completed.
This is Prissy Sue, I still have to put on her hat, face "so to speak", and her dress "oops, don't look".....This is another pattern from Sassafras Hill. You'd think I like her patterns....and yes, I certainly do.
  

Pins and needles

Here kitty, kitty...  I just loved making this pattern from Sassafras Hill.  It's very easy.  I'm hoping to make a few more.  I'll be stitching and stitching this weekend.  I made the body and pocket from osnaburg and the pin cushion using a homespun fabric.  There is a grunged tag attached some old buttons and pins for added fun.  I made my tape measure for the front pocket by scanning mine and then printing it onto fabric.  It came out very nice if I say so myself.  I hope you like my kitty.

It's been awhile....

Sorry I haven't been around lately.  Will have some pictures for you soon so that you can see what I've been up to. I've been sewing, and been junking and I can't wait to show you what I have. I've been working on a few things for the November show.  Yup, it's going to take me that long to have enough things done for a 3 day show.  I have a lot of work ahead of me.  I'm excited but at the same time scared, what have I gotten my self into??????  Am I crazy, probably, but I'll get over it.  I've been keeping up with everyones blogs even though I haven't posted anything on mine.  I enjoy reading all your posts and looking at your pictures.
I"ll give you a hint on what I've been making, "bodies" and one of them I've decided to finish. Her head, arms and legs are painted, and skirt is currently hanging to dry.  I'm anxious to get her done so that I can show her to you, probably this week.. Keep a look out. Bye for now!!!!

Random Acts of Kindness

 Check out Ravenwood Whimzies for her Random Acts of Kindness give-away.  It's a terrific idea.  I don't know about you, but I enjoy getting little gifts unexpectedly.

Grand Opening

Opening on March 1, 2011 is the new Prim Nest blog. It's an opening I don't want to miss. From the sounds of it, you will find Primitive, Folkart, and Vintage designs many different artisans "very exciting, don't you think"....  You can check it out right now, it's not complete but you can get a sneak peak. There is also a give-away that you won't want to miss. So, take some time right now and check it out by clicking on the Prim Nest it will bring you right over. And lastly, don't forget to sign up for the newsletter.  Oh yes, they are also on Facebook.

Shame on those who commit design theft....

While blog hopping today I came across Soft in the Head and a post from February 10, 2011.  It seems that one of her designs has been copied and the person selling the design sold it as their own.  This is very sad and I should hope this person would have enough of a conscience to apologize for what they have done.  I won't post the website on my blog as Soft in the Head has posted it on theirs.  Please go to Soft in the Head and read her post and take the time to leave a comment in support of design theft. Those with the talent to make their own designs have the right to expect that their designs not be copied.  All I can say is shame on you...you know who you are!!!!

Giveaway at Primitive Quilts and Projects

Judy at Primitive Quilts and Projects is having a giveaway on her blog.   She is looking for more followers and hopes that this giveaway will bring them.  The giveaway will end on Presidents day so visit soon.  Good luck

Getting a head start...

Does anyone have any pointers that they would like to share.  I have sent in my application to do a fair in November.  I haven't done a fair in about 5 years.  I told myself I was done, I wasn't going to do another one.  I can't do it, I have to do a fair.  I miss the people,  the all around commeradery of the set up and the fun of it all, and I just can't stand it.  I'm missing out on all the fun.
It's a 3 day fair so I need time to get it all done.  I'm giving myself plenty of time to get my product made, tagged, and/or bagged and put away till the big event.  My problem is I procrastinate, so I have to come up with a plan and/or strategy on how I'm going to do all this.  I figure if I do it all in steps I should be all set.
This is my plan.....

• Step 1 - cutting out the patterns
• Step 2 - stitching pieces together
• Step 3 - stuffing all pieces and attaching (arms, legs, heads & such)
• Step 4 - staining
• Step 5 - painting
• Step 6 - accessorizing (trinkets, clothes, embellishments & such)
• Step 7 - a sigh of relief (it's done)

Does anyone have any tips that they would like to share.  I can use all the help that I can get, after all it's been 5 years, I'm sure things have changed.  I'm open to any ideas, tips, or anything that you'd like to share.

And the winner is....

Sorry for the delay ladies....the weather didn't allow me to leave work in time for the drawing....but it's done now and the lucky winner is......"Donna @ Back In Tyme Primitives".....
All I need is your full name and mailing address and your surprise will be mailed out.
Due to the weather conditions in our great state of New Hampshire it most likely won't get to the P.O. until Thursday the 3rd....looking forward to 14 more inches of snow.  We'll see if the weather man is right.

Bunny give-away has ended...

The winner is....

Tammy

@

A Primitive Place

To get things hopping, all I need is your full mailing address.  

You can email me @ whbaxterandco@aol.com.  

I would like to thank everyone for their very nice comments and 

for taking the time to become a follower.  

You are the bestest!!!!

What a great idea....check out Ravenwood Whimzies Challenge

I was blog hopping this morning and found that Wendy at Ravenwood Whimzies is having a challenge for anyone who is interested. Go to her site and read all about it.  It's an ingenious idea really, and makes the challenge a real competition amongst us crafters, good luck to all who enter.  I hope to see you at the finish line!!!

Down to the wire....and a surprise to boot!!!!

Giveaway will end at 1:00 p.m. (est) Sunday January 30, 2011. The lucky winners name will be drawn and bunny will travel to a new home on Monday the 31st. (weather permitting)

Surprise!!!!  A special drawing to be held Tuesday February 1, 2011 @ 1:00 p.m. (est). -  Where I have had such an outstanding response and have received such nice comments from you all, I have decided to add a special drawing for a surprise giveaway.  Yes, that's right, another chance to win.  If any of you would like additional chances to win, now is the time to ask your friends to become followers and tell them to say you sent them.

If you are one of the 55 current followers on my list, you will automatically be entered into the surprise drawing with 1 chance each.  If I should reach 100 or more followers by the drawing deadline, I will give each follower (including new) 1 additional chance.

All new followers (after this post) will receive 1 chance each if they leave a comment, and if in that comment they mention who sent them, the sender will receive an additional chance in the basket as well.

Once the drawing is complete I will post the winners names.  It will be up to the Winner to post the item that they receive.  After all it is a surprise. Good Luck to all!!!!

A hopping giveaway starts now!!!

I know it's not Easter yet, but it will soon be upon us. Spring is just around the corner. This bunny I made using a pattern from Sassafrass Hill Primitives. Denise is another terrific designer that I enjoy.
The giveaway will start immediately. Just add a comment to my post and find me a new follower and ask them to add a comment to let me know that you asked them to follow. You will get 2 chances and likewise, if they find a new follower they will get 2 chances as well, otherwise they will get one chance. The giveaway will end January 30th and the winners name will be posted on January 31st. Once posted, the winner need only send me your mailing address and bunny will travel to it's new home. HOP'fully yours.
***Note - if you are already a follower, you get 1 chance to start - you need only find a friend to follow and you'll get your 2nd chance.***

Bunny is made of muslin grunged and painted brown. He has a pack on his back filled with sticks, flowers and drieds. His homespun bow is tied with a Happy Easter tag attached. He's real cute, don't wait.

Oh yes...don't let me forget, if you add my giveaway to your blog, you will receive an additional chance in the bucket. You could have up to 3 chances to win, 1 as a follower, 1 for asking a friend to follow and 1 for adding the giveaway to your blog.

Elvin.....

Meet my new friend Elvin. I made him using a pattern from The Vintage Polka Dot. I couldn't resist when I saw her designs. She has a way of making her little people come to life when she paints the eyes on. I also purchased her tutorial for painting eyes. It's a must, and I believe great help if you are going to make her designs.

Star bright, star light...

Star bright, star light, first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight.
Let's all say a prayer for our service men serving overseas. May they be safe and warm and in god's loving arms.
I made this star to remember the men and women who are fighting for us. Long may she wave!!!