~*Merry Christmas*~

I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas!

 

Warm smiles from me to you...

Betty

~*Helping the Topeka Rescue Mission & Giving to Friends*~

Hello Dear Friends! I must share this with you...

Judy Cripps did it again!  She drew up a simple design on monks cloth... and offered it to the Rustic Rug Hookers for a $10 donation to go to the Topeka Rescue Mission.  The hookers then hooked up the pattern & wrapped it up for a fun exchange.

Names for each wrapped rug were put in a cup at the December hook~in... and drawn one at a time to pick from the pile of pretty wrapped packages.  Then everyone ended up with another hookers beautiful work!  And... funds were raised to help those in need at the rescue mission too!  ($120 at least... but I do believe it was more)  Judy has done this for the group for at least 4 years now!

The photo on top shows all the rugs finished... with all the beautiful interpretations of the pattern.  (a simple flag design)  Some personal artists' changes were made here & there... all the luscious wools lovely... and all the finishes unique & stunning!

The pattern was small... and hooked up quickly.  The rugs (and one pillow) are sure to be treasured for years to come!  We all said it was so nice to take home a piece of work made by another hooker.

This is the rug I received... hooked by Jan Hendrix... I LOVE IT!!!

This is the rug I hooked...

It was a fun day & it felt good to be hooking (crafting!) again! 

Wishing you all warm smiles...

Betty

~*My Sincere Apologies .... *~

With great regret and personal shame...  I apologize to all the members of Country Samplers Prim Sister Club and to the owner and shop girls of the store.  You were counting on me... and I let you down in a terrible way.  Please accept my sincere apology.

There is no one to blame but myself.  As you all know, there have been some good, but extremely stressful, changes in my personal life over the past seven months.  My family and I are still adjusting to all these new changes.  We are all healthy and happy together in our new home ~ and I do find enjoyment with my new job at ReRun Consignments in Council Grove... but we are still adjusting.

I made a commitment to the Country Sampler to provide two patterns for the Prim Sister group for this year.  I am unable to fulfill my commitment.  It is with great shame... that I did NOT contact the store owner to keep her informed with what was going on with my personal life... to see if we could make any adjustments to the group.  I didn't do that intentionally... rather, I kept telling myself that I would get it done ~ that I would fulfill my promise.  "I will do that next week... or I will do that tomorrow."  But then, I didn't do it at all.

Jeanne, the store owner, sent her weekly email newsletter yesterday to inform everyone that she has not been able to reach me and that I would not be a part of the group... that I would not be providing the final pattern promised by Primitivebettys.    I have not received any phone calls or emails from Jeanne... I'm not sure why.  With my 18 hours days... I do still check my emails and voice mails.  (my cell number has not changed) I'm not blaming Jeanne for anything though.  She is a nice lady and has an extremely nice store and business.  She must do what needs to be done for her shop.  Again... the fault is all mine. I  I did try to reach her this morning and left a message with one of the shop girls for her to please call me back.  I need to apologize to her personally.

A year ago, I never would have foreseen the changes we have made in our life.  Who does, I guess?  I feel very fortunate to say that all the changes we have made as a family have been good.  Thankfully we are all still together and we all still have our health.

Again, I do apologize for my lack of commitment.  I apologize for not keeping my promise.  I apologize for letting you down.

.... Betty

~*New Home Sweet Home*~

Hello Dear Friends!  Yes, after nearly four months... I am writing again.  I do hope to keep up with it... but we are still adjusting to all the recent changes.  Honestly, I have missed you all so very much!!!  I have missed crafting so very much!!!  I have missed junking and browsing and all the fun that goes with it too!!!

The process of buying, selling, moving, and just adjusting to all the changes has been a struggle.  Things didn't go 'badly'... they were just very stressful for me (and those around me, I'm sure!).  I'm glad most of it is done now.  We are enjoying our new home and the new town.  The small town of Eskridge, Kansas is full of charming, friendly people.  We have truly enjoyed everyone we have had the pleasure of meeting.  We are still working on unpacking... and Trinity is still working on adjusting to his new school.  He has many friends already, but is having a bit of a tough time with studies.  Hopefully we can help him get to where he needs to be very soon.

We are all moved from our old home to our new home.  We have been for several weeks now.  Oh, don't think that means everything is put away or that everything is calm... it is NOT!  We still have a long way to go.  We did host the family Thanksgiving a few weeks back... oh, by the way Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!  I hope all was warm & well with all of you... and that you enjoyed lots of great company, food, and love!  We had about 40 here to visit for the day.  During that time, there weren't any boxes cluttering the house.  We made it 'appear' as if everything was put away.  I'm not sure if anyone peeked into the garage or store room in the basement... but if they didn't, then they probably thought we had it all together!  Ha!!!

Well, this past weekend we began putting up our Christmas decorations... and at the same time, I moved some of our unpacked boxes into the house (because it is way too cold in the garage!)... and cluttered everything up again.  And, of course, now is when I decided I couldn't wait any longer to share our new home with you!  So... look past the clutter of cardboard boxes... and the fact that I didn't vacuum the carpet before the photo shoot... and know that we have a lot of decorating and 'home making' yet to do.

Enjoy...

Our nearest human neighbors are about a mile down the road either way.  Our other neighbors are buffalo and long-horn cattle... that weren't out today during the time I was with the camera.  They are beautiful to see & I promise to show you when I can.

Brownie is really enjoying it here.  Of course, with the cold he hasn't been outside much.  He, along with our outdoor kitties... spend nights in the garage near the heat lamp.

The view from our back deck... our frozen pond.

From the kitchen sink... I love to see so much beauty out the window!  There was a doe in the backyard a few weeks ago... just beautiful!

The living room... with our tree.  Trinity was our ornament hanger.  That is his 'job' each year.  See the hat on the table?  He wears it all the while the decorations are going up.  Cute!

The wood stove keeps us nice & warm inside.

Sarah is enjoying the new home too.  Some of you may know, she had some serious surgery a few months back.  She had bladder stones.  Poor thing... but she is all better know & even seems to like playing with Lucy.

Lucy is normally a ball of energy.  I caught her resting... on the back of the chair, of course.

Our bedroom... nice & bright like the whole house...

Our last home only had one bathroom.  Let me tell ya... it is so nice to now have three!  We have one of our own from our bedroom.

Trinity has told me over and over that he LOVES his new room!  It is kind of cram-packed with the drum set there... but that is how he wanted it.

The previous owners left this cabinet in the garage.  Trinity hangs out here a lot of the time... it is his 'go to spot' to loaf!  (and play video games)

Trinity's bird, Midas, likes the bright home... at least he SOUNDS like he does... with all the chirping & singing he does now!

Predator is Trinity's frog... also in his room...

The hall bath...

Our new kitchen... We spoiled ourselves with new appliances.  We didn't really 'need' them... but we splurged.  I was wanting stainless *smile* ...

See that can of paint? (on skinny Santa's left)  Well, I do HOPE to get back to crafting, stitching, re-purposing, and all VERY SOON!  I have a small side table that needs to be painted... today, maybe?  It will be RED... my favorite color & just in time for Christmas!

Our dining room...

My studio space... Tony has one part of the basement & I have the other.  This is my part...

Lots of room to work & organize me 'stuff'...

We have a third bedroom too... and a few other rooms (laundry & pantry).  I have probably over-loaded you with pictures already.  Plus, not everything is as it will be, of course.  I'll share more soon.

Hopefully though... my next post will be CRAFTY!!!!

Did I mention that the family will be here again in a few weeks for Christmas?  Oh boy... I  better get busy!!!

Until next time... warm smiles from me to ALL of you...

Betty

~*Changes*~

Hello Dear Friends!

Life is full of changes!  Very unexpectedly, and out~of~the~blue... my husband and I have decided to dive HEAD FIRST and make some serious BIG, life changes!

It all started at a garage sale!  WOW!  We stopped at one being held out in the country.  It was a sale being run by a coworker of my in~laws.  (They were with us too.)  This gentleman has been cleaning and caring for his mother~in~law's estate over the past year or so.  While we were browsing through the garage sale items, he mentions to us that he will be listing the house on the market soon.  My husband's ears perked up... and before I could catch him by the collar to stop him... he was in the house looking from room to room!

Oh wait... let me back up!  Before we even went into the garage for the sale stuff... we all drooled over the view of the pond in the backyard!  So, technically, my husband was already IN LOVE with this home!

Once inside, my husband looked around and around and was complimenting the house at ever corner.  I was still trying to catch him and get him out!  I kept asking him if he was crazy!  And telling him, "We aren't buying a house!"  Yes, the house was nice... I agreed with that, but we didn't have plans to move.

Well... to make a long story short... our home is now on the market and we have a contract drawn up with this nice man and his family to buy their mother's home... as long as ours sells. 

OUR HOUSE IS FOR SALE HERE!  With our favorite realtor, Lacie Hamlin.

TIME TO STRESS!!!

So, over the past couple of weeks, we have been working frantically around our house doing some much needed updates and some major downsizing (and lots of cleaning!).

We remodeled our bathroom.  Gone is the 1970's pink... and the hideous paneling with the gold specks that we have always referred to as "Gold Spiders"!  We had a tub in the old bath, but have always wanted (and needed!) a shower.  So, after 7 years living here and 'putting up' with this out~dated mess... we now have an up~to~date & fresh bathroom to offer a prospective buyer!

 Yippee!!!

 

Much better!  Don't you think?  Hopefully a buyer will like it!  (and SOON!)

Along with the bathroom work... we have been sorting & purging & cleaning EVERYWHERE!  There are piles of things here and there that are scheduled to be taken to a local auction house this coming Monday...

MOVING/DOWNSIZING AUCTION

Thursday, August 22, 2013  5:30pm

Flint Hills Auction at Bluestem Hall

646 Road 180, Emporia KS

 

There will be LOTS and LOTS of things up for bids that we have collected and stored for too long.  It is time to let it go.  And... if all goes well... it will be LESS for us to move!

 

*~*~*~*~*

 

With all these changes... my craft business will be making changes too.  I have not decided yet what all those changes are going to be.  For now, I have closed my shop here at home.  The booth I share with my SIL, Robin, is still active at ReRun Consignments in Council Grove... and I really do wish to keep that.  However, my crafty ventures... my cross stitch patterns and all... are still needing some thinking about.  Once things calm down, I know I will have a bright look to the future and it will all work itself out then.  I'll keep you posted!

 

In the meantime... your kind thoughts, friendship... and prayers are greatly appreciated!

 

Wishing you all warm smiles...

 

Betty

 

 

~*Annie Sloan*~

Hello Dear Friends!  I have a confession... I broke down and bought some!  Yes, I kept telling myself, "No!  It is too expensive and you don't need it!  You can get beautiful finishes from the less expensive, latex paint by adding cornstarch or Plaster of Paris."... but then I was also telling myself, "It looks really cool & folks speak so highly of it.  You should at least TRY it!"

So I did!

I traveled down Highway 99 to one of the sweetest, vintage shops... Rhinestones & Rust... which is owned by the most delightful & beautiful bunch of girls... and I bought 2 cans of it!  And... you should know... I am SO HAPPY I DID!  It is really COOL stuff!

Over the last several months, I have been making my own 'chalk' paint.  I like how the mixed paint works and I love the finishes I have created.  However, I did still have a desire to try the Annie Sloan paint.

Making my own 'chalk' paint... Here is my recipe...

Use 2 parts latex paint (any - flat, semi-gloss, egg shell will work) to 1 part regular Corn Starch (yup, just like you have in the kitchen)... or Plaster of Paris.  Either will work.  Mix it well.  If needed, or desired... add a little water to thin it, but is isn't necessary.

Now... before I go on to share my first Annie Sloan paint finishes... I should tell you, Annie Sloan paint does not have any 'chalk' or other additive mixed into it.  The paint is a mixed (or made special) paint.  I felt like it had a 'chalky' look to it once it was dry.  Maybe that is why she, Annie Sloan, calls it Chalk Paint.  Who knows?    

Here are my first projects...

Two hall trees... one was purchased recently at a garage sale and the other we have had for years...

 I bought Greek Blue and Emperor's Red paints.  This is after just 1 coat... yes, I needed 2 coats when using the Annie Sloan paint.  Whereas with my own mixed chalk paint, 1 coat is usually enough.  BUT, the Annie Sloan paint does go a long way.  I barely put a dent in either quart of paint.

 Here they are after...

 I ordered new, matching hooks for the red hall tree.  We are keeping this one (it is the garage sale find)... and the other hall tree was taken to our booth at ReRun Consignments and Mall this afternoon.

Both finishes are nice and I am pleased.  I will be using Annie Sloan paints again.  I LOVE the colors available.  I have tried to 'match' them with latex paints... but haven't been able to do it all that successfully.  So... since I do like the paint & it is so cool to paint with... I will be buying more!  *smile*

Here is a color chart I found online of Annie Sloan's paint.  Personally, I don't think my Greek Blue is nearly as dark as the color chart.  I really wish I would have purchased Napoleonic Blue instead.  Hmmm... maybe that will be the next quart of paint to come home with me!!!  *grin*

 I've been stitching (and crocheting) too.  Here is the cluttered workspace in the living room.  I just LOVE my new rocker!  It is a recent auction win.  Isn't it just LOVELY?!  (comfortable too!)

 Fall stitches... and a few crochet washcloths... have been keeping my fingers busy in the evenings.  Oh, I will share more of both with you soon...

Wishing you warm smiles...

Betty

P.S.  I'm trying this new Bloglovin thing now too.  I'm not sure what it is all about yet... but thought I should get involved with it.  

~*I Cut Another Hunk of Linen*~

Hello Dear Friends!

Yup, that's what I did!  Yup, I have numerous samplers & stitches started that aren't finished... and yet, I cut another hunk of linen!

Why?  Oh, that I'm not sure can be answered... but I did it... and I have a few more things started...

These are expected to be stitched up into a few 'smalls'... and hopefully will be pattern offerings.  Time will tell...

One thing about this hunk of linen... it is a larger count than the samplers that have been set aside.  Yes, like so many others... my eyes are having trouble seeing the small counts.  I do intend to continue working on those samplers, but will probably use less and less of the small count in the future.

This is just a short update and a little sneak peek of more to come... wishing you all warm smiles...

Betty

~*Hooking!!!*~

Hello Dear Friends!  I'm soooooo happy to tell you that I have been hooking!  I have been working on PRIMS too!!!  

I was feeling a little off my path... and it feels so nice to be seeing the direction get back the way I want it to go!

This past Tuesday was our rug hooking day in Council Grove.  We didn't meet for long because there were family members visiting many of the ladies... but we did meet, hook, giggle, and laugh.

Here are a few of the items I have finished up from the week...

Some reclaimed stools... before...

 And after...

 Sunflower hooked top for one...

 with some prairie grass, green chalk paint on the stool...

 Hit N' Miss hooked top for the other...

 with some barn red, chalk paint on the stool...

 I attached the hooked tops with upholstery tacks.  It was simple... and if someone decides to change out the tops later... they still can.  NO GLUE!  *smile*

This past Friday, Trinity and I had a day together in Manhattan.  We visited the Flint Hills Discovery Center (which was AWESOME!), the mall, stopped for some frozen yogurt... and did a little junking at a couple thrift shops.  It was there that I found this little cradle.  I forgot to take a 'before' picture... but here is the after...

My old, and very well loved doll, is a little big... but it is still prim~cute!

Wishing you warm smiles...

Betty

~*Latest Projects...*~

Hello Dear Friends!  I do hope you had an enjoyable 4th of July... and my Canada friends a Happy Canada Day... and all the rest of you... just a GREAT Summer so far!

We had a great weekend... and our Summer has been a blur of delight so far.  I've been crafting when I can... and have been posting regularly on Facebook.  Like Primitivebettys if you haven't already!  Please and Thank you!  *Smile*

Tomorrow is the monthly rug hooking day with the wonderful ladies in Council Grove.  Sadly, I missed last month... and was very worried I would miss tomorrow.  Thankfully the host has her young granddaughter staying with her... and Trinity has been invited to come alone and spend the afternoon swimming in the lake.  I'm sure we will all have fun!

I've been working this afternoon to get organized for hooking tomorrow.  My plan is to hook some tops for a couple of auction/garage sale find stools...

 These stools were each purchased for only a couple of dollars.  I plan to paint & distress them.  Then I will attach the hooked tops.

Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Anita White's booth at the Greenwood Mercantile in Greenwood, MO.  I snatched up a 2 pound bundle of scraps for about $12.  No, I don't need any more worms... but these are better than mine because they are different than my stash of woolly worms!  Anyway, I cut up most of the bundle and will be using these to make hit n' miss tops for my stools...

 I will share the finished stools with you soon.

This vanity was one of my resent finishes.  My dear Mom picked it up at a garage sale and shared it with me.  She told me to finish it for my booth or my shop.  I will be taking it to my booth at Rerun Consignments and Mall in Council Grove, KS tomorrow...

 I had the upholstery fabric and decided to use it for the bench, back, and drawer lining.  It doesn't show very well in the photos, but the fabric is a pale yellow with a pink 'Toile' pattern.  No, it isn't primitive... but is is a great finish for a little girl's room!  Don't you think?

 To line the drawers... I cut a piece of foam core (sold by the poster board at the store) slightly smaller than the drawer.  Using hot glue, I first wrap one side with cotton batting... then wrap it with the desired fabric.  Next, I gently work the covered foam down into the drawer and glue it in place.  Sometimes the edges need a little adjustment to work out any bunching or wrinkles.  A putty knife or 5 in 1 tool does the trick to fix it.  The fabric lined drawers really add a great detail finish... in my opinion. 

I'll post another update soon to share the stool finishes.

Wishing you all warm smiles...

Betty