Prairie River Primitives

Living in a Whirlwind...

2008-05-12T13:28:00.003-05:00

Boy, have I gotten the feedback that my bloggin' is slackin'! I actually have not had a word to say! ha! Imagine that! School is wrapping up and work at the adoption agency is crazy, so I've been consumed with wrapping things up. Not sure if it is our 10 month winter we have just endured or what but I am on a cleaning binge!!! I need to Carpe Diem...while I can! Remember those cute little fuzzy chicks? Well, just as I had anticipated...they are ankle biters now! Why do they grow that fast!? It might be in that chicken feed...so what ever you do.... DO NOT feed it to your children! I have worked on no projects as of yet and we are off for our annual family camp out for the weekend. So...hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day and I will try to dive back in to the Blog World!

Here A Chick, There A Chick...

2008-04-28T10:46:00.005-05:00

Soooooo.... if we cannot have Spring, I guess I will make Lemonade out of Lemons and create my own! Check out the fun little peeps we have around our parts!! We also bought my husband 7 chicks for his birthday...totally the kids idea...I was reluctant because I am the one that will probably be kicking these little ankle-pecking creatures out of the way when they are no longer cute and fuzzy...to get their eggs! It is a new adventure we have decided to partake of! We have always had fryers in the past and I have made sure I am far away when "butchering day" has arrived. I can't take it! So, 'Layers'....are the route for me...keep 'em around for as long as we can and hope the fox and coyotes will leave us alone! They are cute and my kids cannot keep their hands off of them...thus, they all have names, too! So, whether Mother Nature decides to cooperate or not, we are making the best of it!

Bridge over Troubled Waters...

2008-04-28T10:04:00.004-05:00

We have had a busy weekend! The news was reporting that the Prairie River was under a flood warning, just North of us...and sure enough...it has caught up to our location! The geese and ducks are in Heaven but we have a few concerns! Being that the river is only 55 yards from our front door can be a little unnerving, but we have a small hill as a barrier that protects us...so far. As far as our basement...yup...we have water coming in. Our home was built in the 50's, so we are fortunate that it has maintained itself, thus far! I've been moving things (of course this leak is in our storage area) and thankfully so far...it has just been boxes of my candle jars. I had the brains to put clothes etc...in those handy dandy Rubbermaid totes! Check out how far out our dock looks...thankfully, it is on barrels and is a 'floating' dock. We have learned from past years that when the icebergs and uprooted trees come floating down...they rip out measly docks, in a hurry! So...all this to say, that our May 3rd opening of the cabin is cancelled. We need to keep the driveway fairly usable and we are supposed to get more rain and snow throughout the end of this next week. Please feel free to check out our booth at Log Cabin Gifts and I am working on another fun location in town, too!

Sunday Satiety...

2008-04-20T16:34:00.000-05:00

Spent most of yesterday on the run, and it was fun! Went to LCG to change out my booth, finished that...took pics for the website, and stopped at a few antique shops...my FAVORITE thing to do and I do not do it very often due to fear of little fingers grasping...you get the picture... I found some great little wood, alphabet blocks and old hat boxes! Much more...but that will have to be another trip, providing they are still there! I added the latest Mercantile Gatherings magazine...finally...sorry about that, more of my 'Thanks A Latte' candles for Mother's Day and for saying a BIG thank you to those teachers at the end of the school year! Check out the kewl cupboard we made with some rusty chicken wire and what used to be a common bookshelf! It is a great display piece for my candles, for now! (until someone buys it!) It would also be fun to add to your little boy's room if you had the western thing going on...or the rustic cabin! I put a great, iron star knob on it! Check out the table project I had been sitting on and finally found the ambition to get it out into the public! The Flea Market Finds book was my inspiration on that piece! Also added a couple different nite lights that seem to fly off the cupboards for those of you looking for smalls! I also stopped at our local show called "Handmade in America"....other artists inspire me and I have to say, I am inspired! Lots brewing in this noggin' now, so stay tuned! I wrapped up my day with a visit to my 'bestest of friends' - since Middle School! We have been through thick and thin together, births, deaths, etc.... They are building their dream home, after 15 years of dreaming...it is in full bloom and so beautiful. It is a post and beam home and they have engineered it from the days of old...exterior and interior. When it is finished...I will be posting it on my website so you may have a house tour! They are a clever couple! So here I am - sitting back on a Sunday...completely satisfied with the weekend's events!

Trip to the booth...

2008-04-17T23:50:00.000-05:00

Heading to Log Cabin Gifts tomorrow afternoon to give my booth a Spring FRESH look before the weekend hits! Last Saturday was a killer day for sales for us. Thanks everyone! These are just a few of the fun things that will be added! I will snap pictures once I have it all set up and it will be all about G A R D E N I N G !!! Oh...wishful thinking and hoping! I am working on some fun little pots of herbs for y'all...can't wait to show you! This is a fun little stitchery that sets us straight...a great little vintage desk that had a new color put on her and some awesome, rusty hardware added! I've stitched up another Welcome stitchery but this will be the last of it's kind since I've run out of the great wool blanket that I had used for the background. A great and warm little frame to add to your summer cottage! Wait till you see the table I had worked on over the weekend...I want to KEEP it! I got the idea out of a Flea Market Style book....copied their idea but used my own word! (I'm keeping you on the edge of your seat!) Tune in tomorrow....

O My Happy Heart...

2008-04-14T22:04:00.001-05:00

Nothing could make my day more ~ than coming home, this morning - from bringing the boys to school and after picking up some paint, stain and brushes for another project... The river is now open. There were mallard ducks swimming and geese waddling and it sounded so beautiful with the birds...it was heaven. I am truly a spring/summer girl. This last heavy, wet snowfall had pretty much done me in. It is the prettiest site to have snow on the ground and a moving and tranquil river in front of your home and business. I couldn't be more blessed. My children were squealing with excitement. We feed the ducks and geese for our own pleasure as well as for the customers! Is is usually at the break of the month of May...that we will see the two Trumpeting Swans...they hang out, have their babies and move on.

I bet you thought you were going to see the end results of the projects I had been working on for the shop and booths...well, surprise. This took precedence...and I haven't finished them, yet! ha! It is a tough call when I also work 'at home' with my ' Life Books job'... at which pleasure will get the attention for the weekend! Don't give up on me, though...check back in around mid-week! For now...simply enjoy my slice of Heaven with me...on the river!

Options to Ponder...

2008-04-11T19:21:00.000-05:00

The day is getting away from me! Well, the snow fall wasn't quite as horrible as anticipated but we still cannot get out of our driveway! 'Been working on several different projects that probably will not be wrapped up until after the kid's bedtime! Two businesses have contacted me to carry my soy candle line and in addition to our booth at Log Cabin Gifts...I've been asked to consider a new spot in town, as well! So many decisions! I am considering closing the cabin and focusing on the two in-town locations, but keeping the web store. Let me know your thoughts!

Here It Comes Again...

2008-04-10T21:44:00.000-05:00

So, this time I am ready! Last week, I was a sceptic...I am a little older and a little wiser, now!

They say we are getting 12-14 more inches of snow tonight. Schools are already cancelled and we have all battened down the hatches. The winds are the biggest obstacle at this point. I was sure we were going to lose power...so I pulled out the candles and oil lamps...I am ready! I also pulled out my sewing machine and sanders (providing we do have Mr. Electricity) and had my oldest son help me drag an old book shelf in, that I am going to make into a fun cupboard (will show you the pictures later) and a fun drop-leaf table. If I am going to be stuck home...I'm making the best of it! Stay tuned for the creations this snow storm will create!

It's S'no Fun in Minnesota

2008-04-07T12:55:00.000-05:00

Back from a successful weekend of scrappin'! Our 'rations' were getting low by Sunday but it was enough to give us enough strength to push out four mini vans...loaded with books and totes! I'll explain myself...Saturday night we were hearing reports of snow advisories and a prediction of up to 14" of snow. We thought they were nuts and stayed at our little retreat. Woke up the next morning to find we were in big trouble and no snow plow! LOL Several of us had things to get to on Sunday...as in church, my daughter's birthday party, etc...,after several phone calls to desperately awaiting husbands for the return of the 'live-in babysitters'...we had a sweet husband come out to the rescue. With his four wheeler/plow... he made several swipes through, some shoveling and pushing...we were free...and never looked back! Ha! I did, however, complete 37 pages of my daughter's album...not too bad! As of Monday, here...our total snow fall at the house is: 21"!! Wow! We had large patches of grass and 56 degrees on Friday...what happened!?

To those of you who came out to the shop...thank you! Sorry I missed you, hopefully you had wonderful conversations with Kevin and I will be back on track for May's sale with lots of fun garden finds and makes!

Where's Your Baby Book?

2008-04-04T13:45:00.000-05:00

Do you remember a month ago...I had attempted to get away and work on #4's baby book at a retreat? The little princess ended up getting a double ear infection due to a nasty tooth pushing it's way through. So I felt...I needed to stay home and hold her, etc...and missed the weekend. Well, here comes another weekend and I was told I HAVE to go and get that book started...since she turns TWO this Sunday! It is also the weekend we are open in the cabin...and the thought of leaving that to Kevin...frightens me a bit! But...he's a big boy and will hopefully smile at all of you that come out! ;0) LOL So, anticipating leaving my babies for a night...or two...is a little sad...and I'm spending the day with the girls and noticing that Keira is just not herself. Fingers in the mouth...major drool going on and by noon....lots of crying and screaming...for that matter. But, I'm told I NEED to get this project done...so for those of you that come out for our monthly sale tomorrow (Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)...feel free to ask Kevin to hold my little cherub. She LOVES attention, as she IS the baby!!

I've Been Fooled...

2008-04-02T01:18:00.001-05:00

Started the morning by warning my boys that it was April Fool's Day...I could see their little minds and hands, spinning with excitement as to what they could conjure up! Having dropped them off to school and proceeding on my way...I forgot all about this tricky little day. I deposited my preschooler and headed to our daycare to find a big note on her door that said, "Daycare closed for the day - Sorry for the inconvenience". My stomach dropped thinking I would have to bring my little cherub to work with me, as she is entering the "terrific twos". But as that dog gone flu is running ramped in our neck of the woods, I spun around, ever so gently on those wooden stairs and the door flew open, behind me. I kept my distance as I asked her if they've been hit with the flu and she taunted me with the ole' "April Fools" line. I had been Had! Ugh. And I warned my children of this nasty day! ha! As one does after they have been ribbed, I set out to terrorize friends and family with silly little jokes...and I succeeded! Do you know where this day came from in history???? The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (new year's week) to January 1.
Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1. These people were labeled "fools" by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them. The butts of these pranks became known as a "poisson d'avril" or "April fish" because a young naive fish is easily caught. In addition, one common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke.

I'm Gratefully Thankful...

2008-03-31T01:21:00.001-05:00

My sweet friend Sara at Graphic Pretties has awarded me with this sweet 'Thank you'! Thank you, Sara...y'all need to jump over and check her blog out and her website! I would like to extend my thankfulness to:

Kathy at Checkered Past

Jill at Fruit of Her Hands Studio

Cheryl at Country Junction

Pea at Peapickers...

Annette at Huckleberry Arts

Cookie at Curds and Whey &

Bee at Pond Creek Primitives

There are so many 'new' friends...but this will start me out!!

A River Runs Through It....

2008-03-29T20:44:00.001-05:00

Wow! Spring is trying it's hardest to push in...the river is finally thawing out and you can actually hear the geese flying overhead. This pic reminded me of it...but it's not our actual Prairie River...too bad! ha! It was so windy today but it didn't seem to keep the shoppers away from our booth! I stopped in today and we matched in sales for the day in what we had sold so far for the entire month! That was a nice surprise...sort of lights a match under you to keep on creating...

I'm working on some fun Mother's Day ideas....so stay tuned! I'm planning a fun event for around the Fishing Opener, too...you won't want to miss it!

Sew....What is 'Primitive', anyways....?

2008-03-26T02:22:00.001-05:00

I have friends that think I am absolutely nuts with my obsession of making things look "old." I have a hard time explaining it, as obsessive as it is for me...but it just brings you back to a simple way of life. Kristal Norton from Rags N Tags, says it the best on her site... and I quote: " Why does everything look dirty and old? What is “primitive” anyway? If you are asking yourself these types of questions, let me try to explain a bit.
I like to think of “primitive” as an expression of history; generally post industrial revolution. During this time, people didn’t have money to just go out and buy what they wanted or needed; or even the materials to make it. Instead, they had to make do with what they had. For instance; using old/ripped clothes to make quilts, or using a glass as a base for a pincushion. Now, we look back at what they had made during the depression; and think of it as works of art; for they are part of our American history. Most pieces look like something a mother had made for her child at a time when the family couldn’t afford to buy a doll or toy. People who made these items weren’t necessarily skillful at what they did; they were more “works of love” than masterful works of art. Looking at an item made from this era; you can tell how much care and love was put into every stitch. Each button, each piece of lace or fabric was carefully chosen to complete their design.
Though the original artists may have lacked skill, it takes great skill to replicate their items. What we as modern artists are trying to recreate, is something that was essentially “made from nothing.” So instead of going out to the store and picking out what products we need to accomplish this; we also have to use what we have at hand, or use what we think they might have had; which is far more challenging. Another hindrance is that primitive art has an old or antique look; and vintage materials are not so readily available. In turn, modern artists have to begin with new materials, and recreating that antique patina can get a little tricky. Each artist has their own recipe for what they may call “the grunging process.” Some recipes will turn a fabric yellow; some make dark splotches... the goal being to make it look worn and old.
But why have we all fallen in love with primitive art? I think one aspect is that when you look at primitive art; it reminds you of home. It has a distinct feeling to it and you could tell it was handmade with love. It’s that one teddy bear, or that one doll that was so loved by a child, it was hugged and slept with until it was worn out. When we see primitive art, we think of our own cherished toys... it revives our memories, gives us comfort, and it reminds us of the simpler things in life. But most of all; it makes us smile."

Things that smell good...

2008-03-23T22:46:00.001-05:00

Also putting out my new shipment of votives from Briar Patch Primitives in bags of 4....nummy scents in Colonial Homestead, Keylime, Cranberry Spice, Buttermilk Biscuits and more! Check out the Itty Bitty Vacuum Gritties...these work great when dumped into your vacuum cleaner bag or use them as a sachet in your dressers! I do and they are wonderful!

New Rugs for Spring Re-Decorating!

2008-03-23T22:36:00.000-05:00

I have some new rugs for those of you that have been bitten by the Spring Cleaning bug, as I have. I have a 'spring/summer' color scheme and a 'fall/winter' color scheme. The pastels and brighter colors help draw the sunshine in after a long winter! If you can't find the time to stop out at the shop...check out our booth at Log Cabin Gifts. I am working on another booth, as well and will disclose that information at a later time!

Happy Easter!! He Is Risen!

2008-03-22T23:16:00.001-05:00

Okay...this is what Easter is truly about. So that we might have life, abundantly!

Wishing everyone a blessed Easter and praying that you each would come to know that Jesus really gave his life for each of us! Happy Easter!

Happy Keester!

2008-03-22T16:05:00.000-05:00

Isn't this the cutest!?

Horton Hears a Hoo-Ray!!!

2008-03-21T22:14:00.001-05:00

We went to Horton Hears a Who and it was so great!!! Got a little choked up at the end, even! Shhhh.... Brought our buddy and 'adopted daughter' - Sarah....We LOVE Easter break!!! Finished up the night with a Good Friday service....we are good to go!

Reminiscing Rantings....

2008-03-21T09:34:00.000-05:00

Reminiscing.... Take a look at this picture!! Who remembers when our Itasca County Hospital had looked like this? I do! What happened???? Now we have this "great" new facility...that cannot carry the main insurance carrier of our area and the former...historical building is vacant and deteriorating. ugh. What is wrong with our community?? Am I sounding a little opinionated??! Here is another picture. This was the infamous Blandin Beach! I remember it like this, too! Does this date me? There was a time when you could hardly find ground to lay your beach towel and now it has a reputation for being 'filthy water' and they've torn down the docks and rafts. There used to be life guards posted everywhere!! This is where I had taken my swimming lessons! I will have to post a newer picture of the two...soon, and compare. Too snowy, dreary and depressing...right now. Maybe that is why I'm in this frustrated frame of mind, too?? ha!

Spring Break!

2008-03-19T21:50:00.000-05:00

We're here! Made it to Easter Break! We are looking at 6 days of no school and all Play!

Might not be gettin' too much done around these parts with my cherubs hovering around...but that's okay! We're going to hit a couple movies and have lots of 'friends' time! Sure hope we see some sunshine! We're needing some fresh air!

Wishin' You Luck...

2008-03-17T10:44:00.000-05:00

Top O' The Morning... it is snowing, AGAIN! ugh. I have a wee bit o Irish in me but my husband has much more...so we are legal to celebrate! Hope you all have a great, green day!!

Spring Chick at 43??!!

2008-03-16T19:24:00.000-05:00

Birthday festivities are at hand...the kids have made wonderful cards for me, an awesome chocolate cake with all kinds of SPRINKLES on it! The big, dreaded numbers '43' were adorned on top! ha! Lunch was at Applebees where, of course...you HAVE to be sung to... so I drug our little babysitter along...since she is celebrating a birthday, too and could share my embarrassment! Waiting for our Sammy's pizza to arrive for dinner and then settle in for a long, winter's nap! Do I feel older? Hmmmmm.....

A Dog Gone Good Time...

2008-03-15T22:56:00.001-05:00

Soooo proud of my boys... they went on a long dog sled ride for Boy Scouts. It wasn't even above zero outside...and they hung in there, well, minus a few digits due to frostbite...but it was all worth it! ;0) Those dogs live to run.

Egg-Static!!!!

2008-03-13T20:43:00.001-05:00

Finally!! I've made more, folks! I have had emails on the site that I was all out at our booth. You're right! I brought 9 bags of these beauties to work and sold out, too! I stayed up till 2 a.m. the other nite...just for y'all. I made the darker, prim colors and the brighter colors, this time. Couple more bags of these will go to work in the mornin' and the rest will be at my booth at Log Cabin Gifts...gettin' ready for the big weekend! Enjoy!

Ladies Night Out in Cohasset!

2008-03-11T22:32:00.001-05:00

What can be better than kindred spirits??! These are my wonderful friends that love all things primitive or antiques! We decided to hit a new place, up yonder in Cohasset! Florios! Good food, good friends and a good time! This group of friends and I meet once a month for something fun to do....usually eat, mind you....but that's okay! We had planned on a photography class, but hence...it was cancelled. One month, we wandered over to Hibbing and encountered an auction that was truly, one of a kind! YES! We did find a few treasures! We've even gone as far as Yogi Bear Land in Wisconsin! Hit the Cranberry Festival and every antique shop and prim shoppe from here to there! You never know what is up our sleeve next! Join us! Angela, Connie, Michelle, Kathy and myself!

Let The Sun Shine In.....

2008-03-11T13:18:00.001-05:00

O My Glory....am I glad the sun is shining! One thing about Minnesota winters...is we are hurtin' for sun! Soooooooo glad we have Daylight Savings time, too...these days are a little longer....makes me feel like I have been allotted a few more hours to my day!! Lord knows...Momma's need more hours... Here's a recent fact I just heard and I'm stickin' to it: Midwesterners have a higher rate of cancers due to the lack of sunshine...that vitamin D is some powerful force! So...bring it on.... gonna pull up my lawn chair and stuff it in the four feet of snow out there....and face up to the sun!

Must add my Monica...

2008-03-10T19:06:00.000-05:00

I was getting dinner going and the thought hit me, "How could I forget my other daughter..." Meet Miss Monica... she is my sweet, little girl from Zambia, Africa. I have been her sponsor for half a year now and my goal is to get over there and meet her. I sponsor her via World Vison. She just turned 4 years old on Valentines Day! No wonder she is such a sweetie! She lives with her brothers and sisters with their grandmother. Both parents have died from Aids...so please keep her and her siblings in your prayers that that horrible disease doesn't spread to them. She doesn't go to school yet, of course and helps raise their four goats and 14 chickens! When I was looking for a child to sponsor...she leaped out at me! I LOVE Africa. Once you'be been there, it literally haunts you to come back. Although we were in Zimbabwe for our honeymoon...Zambia sounds so much similar! One of my goals for 2008 is to make a little more $ and sponsor a little boy, as well! Check it out: World Vision

Cheering for my Cherubs...

2008-03-10T17:10:00.000-05:00

This crazy little corner of the world ... I was told this is a good way to "express" myself. Lord knows I need to do that! I began my candle making/crafting a year after I married....1998 or so. I had been around my best friend, Heidi...who had been crafting since the mid-80's... but I was too caught up in the 'worldly things' and ventured off to sunny Florida! (My how I miss that sun, too!) Six years later, I came back to my roots and fell madly in love with the simpler life and all it holds! Sooooo... babies were soon to follow and all the more reason to stay home and create!! This has now just become a passion and no longer a needed addition to the income, but something I just cannot seem to let go of! 'Specially the people I have met via this Country/Primitive road that I have wandered!! I, now work part time for a local adoption agency and have found the other half of my destiny! Boy, if we lived in a larger shack...they'd all be comin' home with Momma! ;0) So, here's my babes...in all their glory! Sure am proud of these little cherubs!

Posting Primitive Patterns...

2008-03-10T11:20:00.000-05:00

I figured it is about time to get my pattern supply out of the shop and on-line, to share with everyone! If you are tired of this crazy weather and need a few, fun projects...I have them! These artists are both from Minnesota!! Paper Bag Primitives designer is Lynne from Country By The Lake in Duluth, MN and out of Lindstrom, MN is designer Denise Fountain-Abbott - from Up in the Rafters!! They are all great and will be hard to choose from...so feel free to purchase as many as you like from our web store!!

Silly for Saturday!

2008-02-28T21:28:00.000-06:00

I was going to be treated to a weekend away for my upcoming birthday...a scrapbooking weekend! Our sweet, little caboose (#4)...doesn't even have her baby book/scrapbook, started!! What a rotten mommy! So I was going to do a crash course and complete the almost...two years! Well, the little cherub has a double ear infection, so I have chosen to stay home...since Mommy is the desired holder at this stage in life...and relieve Kevin of his assigned duties of manning the shop for our monthly sale! Come on out...fresh baked cookies, warm, almond tea and me! ha! I have some great new bunnies for you to see and some savvy Easter eggs to fill your centerpieces!

Ranting about the River...

2008-02-28T00:24:00.000-06:00

We're heading into a fun season of the year...when all things old, become new!! We still love the old, mind you...but sometimes, reproductions are so much fun! I will keep you updated on happenings on this side of the river as each creation appears!