I made a wallet!

I've wanted a new wallet for some time.  Searching online through blogs, I found a tutorial at Bluebird's Wing that looked like I could do it. 

I am very pleased with how it turned out.

I broke one of Cyndi's first rules right off - don't use directional fabrics.  My plaids did end up matching so it turned out ok.

I used 3 different fabrics, one for the outside, one for the lining and one for the zipper pocket/credit card slots.  I think they blended together well.

                 This bottom pocket is for either cash or receipts. 

 I do not like to put zippers in anything, but this zipper was WAY easy to do.  No need to be scared of this zipper. 

Cyndi's directions were A+, super easy to follow.  Overall it only took me a little over an hour to make this and there was NO hand sewing.  I even bragged to my Mom that I didn't have to rip at all!  That's got to be a first in my 36 years of sewing. 

~Ann 



Tuesday's Display Chain -Stripes

This week's Misi's Tuesday's Display Chain is stripes.  Didn't think I'd have enough to even interest anyone, until I started taking the pictures! 

 Tammy from a Primitive Place made me this cute little bunny from an antique coverlet and his weed bag is from a navy ticking material.  I love having him out and he stays out long past Easter.  Thanks again Tammy for him. 

 My favorite stripes.....

We are on Spring Break - YEAH!  Now if the weather would just warm up a little as we are staying here in NW Ohio.  And I hear that snow is in the forecast for later in the week...

  ~Ann

Blackened Beeswax Chick

I had several of you comment yesterday on my posting, asking where I found this little chick on Etsy.  You can find him here http://www.etsy.com/shop/crowaboutprimitives

She had super fast shipping and combined shipping on the 3 items I bought.  Very easy to deal with!

~Ann

Tuesday's Display Chain - Recently Acquired

I've never joined in Misi's Display Chain before today, but have a couple of cute things that I've just acquired.  This little beeswax chick is perfect for my latest addiction - blackened beeswax.  I bought him from a gal on Etsy.  His little collar and rusty bell are perfect. 

From the same crafter, I bought this winged angel.  She used more rusty jingle bells on this.  I haven't found the perfect home for her yet, just hung her on the wall to take the picture. 

Lately when I've been primitive shopping, I've bypassed the "flashy" things and have been purchasing greenery to use.  I really like the plain, plain, plain look with a little greenery mixed in.  This little wreath is perfect for my very limited spring decorating.  I need to find something to put inside it - yeah an excuse to go shopping again!

The last thing that I recently bought - on Saturday - I can't show you and it's not prim at all!  We finally found a prom dress.  After May 7th, you can come back and see a photo.  Shopping for that dress has occupied several of our weekends.  If you haven't been in the market for a prom dress lately, I can tell you that there are lots of them out there that are not modest in any way.  For the girls (and their parents) who don't want tummy skin showing it can be a challenge.  

Have a great week.  ~Ann 

Black Bunny and Black beeswax

First off, let me congratulate Donnie for winning my vanilla bean giveaway from last Sunday.  Donnie, I've emailed you, please send me your mailing address so I can get them out to you. .

Had to share with you all this cute little bunny that I bought last weekend.  He is made from fabric, painted and stained with coffee/cinnamon mixture.  He has personality plus! 

His tail is very attractive to one little gray kitty - who'd better leave the bunny alone!

While I had my beeswax out a few weeks ago,  I decided it was time to cover this 3 wick candle that I bought after Christmas 2009!  I drilled out the holes for the tea lights and rolled the candle in warm blackened beeswax.

After it cooled down, I rolled it in cinnamon.  It's sitting in a bowl filled dried black walnuts.  I really am happy with how it turned out - all for about $8.00.

I apologize for this picture.  I've tried several times to rotate it.  It shows up as straight, but when it posts to the blog it reverts to sideways.  (The bunny picture worked - why won't this one?!)

I bought this little pineapple from a gal selling them on Facebook.  The stem is sweet-annie.  I love it and it smells wonderful.  I think I may have a problem with blackened beeswax - I've ordered a few other things from Etsy - I'll show them off when I get them.

Have a great week.  ~Ann

Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

I've been reading on blogs how to make homemade vanilla extract.  I always end up buying the imitation at the store because I just can't bring myself to pay for the real.  Today I finally made my own and want to share with you how easy and simple it was.

All you need is a bottle of vodka, dried vanilla beans and a glass mason jar (or some type of glass jar)

The vodka that I used was the cheap stuff, from what I've read, you don't need to use the expensive brands. 

The recipe is very simple 1 cup vodka + 3 beans + 2 months = Vanilla Extract

Before placing the beans into your glass jar, you need to split the beans lengthwise, leaving the ends intact.  I found it was easiest to split along the side rather than on top.

Place the jar in a cool dark spot for 2 months and your vanilla should be ready to be used.  You do not need to remove the beans when the 2 months are up.

I purchased my beans from www.vanillaproductsusa.com on EBay.   I bought a pound of beans - you don't need that many - I only used 24 beans making the 8 cups of extract.  After my reading, I chose to use Tahitian beans, just a matter of personal preference.

I received this bonus pack of 10 extract Grade B Tahitian Vanilla beans with my order.  I have not opened the package.  If you leave a comment on this post, I will send this packet to one reader next week.  I will draw a name on Sunday 3/14/11.  Please make sure that I can reach you through your blog, or leave you email address on your post.

Have a great week.  ~Ann

School Girl Pocket Finished!

I purchased this cross stitch pattern designed by Primitive Betty's at a Prim shop last fall.  I didn't start it until Christmas vacation.  Last week, I finished up the last rows of stitching and then finished it into the pocket.

I haven't stained it yet and I'm not sure I'm going to.  I have it hanging in our bedroom on this peg rack.

 I used a reproduction fabric for the lining, strap 

 and backing



Be sure to check out the Spring Giveaway that the PAFA team is having on Etsy.  The button to take you to the PAFA blog is located in the upper right corner of my blog.  I'm giving away an Easter Basket - you can see it on the PAFA blog or on my blog, 1803 Ohio Farm Baskets - the link for this is also on the right hand sidebar.  There are 21 prizes for 1st place!  There are several gift certificates to be given out also. 

Hope you are having a good week. 

~Ann