Ravenwood Whimzies Blog Hop! Let the hopping begin!!!

Hi, Dear Friends!!!!

December 1st starts Wendy from Ravenwood Whimzies Christmas Blog Hop . I have been absent from Blogger for a bit. Starting this new path of creating dolls and, well, being a real schoolmarm, takes a good portion of my brainpower. ;) So, I am excited to get started again. Prime the pump so to speak. 

On December 5th, I will be hosting the blog hop party here! Stop by for a craft tutorial and a favorite recipe from my childhood! Make sure to stop by Wendy's site for more information on some other "Hopping Places"!!!

Blessings and Hugs, Friends!

See you soon!

Heather

Ravenwood Whimzies Christmas in July Pinkeep Swap

    

 I have had the absolute pleasure of previously participating in Wendy's Ravenwood Whimzies Blog pinkeep swaps.  I have gotten to know many talented ladies and  received such special and treasured pinkeeps (remember, I am a pinkeepaholic!). It has also been a growing experience for me in creating! I have enjoyed every swap. 

The theme of this swap was "Christmas in July". My swap partner was Danice of Homespun Hannah's Blog.   If you look a few posts back, you will see I was the recipient of one of her giveaways. You can see from those pictures what a gifted artisan Danice is. Her work reflects her sweetness as an artisan and person. 

When I opened my package, and saw my pinkeep, I just wanted to hug it. That would be bad, well, because of the pins. But, she is absolutely adorable.  And, there were some other goodies as well!

First, the pinkeep. I love mice. Yes, I admit it. I like rodents. Elves, on the other hand, well, elves creep me out. Sorry, elf on a shelf lovers. Ooh! But I do love the movie, Elf! Okay, okay. Back on track. My pinkeep is perfect and reflects such thoughtfulness. The mouse is so dear and sweet and holds a strawberry, another theme in pinkeeps I love. If you look closely, you can see all of the unique pins she put in, even an apple for the teacher! I just love all of the added details. She is so well made! Just perfectly dear!

Inside of the box were needles, thread, and a thimble- all things I desperately need and use! As I opened the other packages, I found a pair of small scissors! I was so excited! I only have big scissors! These were perfect for working on my dolls! The other goodies were a beautiful mat and cross-stitched reindeer! I can't wait to put them out for Christmas! 

My pinkeep may have Christmas spirit, but it will be out and cherished all year long. Thank you, Danice for such a thoughtful and special pinkeep and your sweetness and generosity in your other gifts as well! Your package means so much to me. As do you! Your faithfulness in visiting and commenting on my blog is appreciated as well!

Please check out Danice's blog, Homespun Hannah's! You can see the other things her talented hands make!

Blessings and love to all!

The Marm

Fresh on eBay!

New on eBay! Ends tomorrow! http://www.ebay.com/usr/heathersketter 

Ohhhh, Yeah!

    

     I don't do the Black Friday thing. Crowds, early hours, big screen tv's... Not my thing. Okay, so I should clarify. There is one Black Friday tradition I do each year. I roll out of bed around a little after 6 am (my normal everyday wake-up time), dress warmly, brew coffee, and drive 10 minutes to one of my favorite prim shops, Cocalico Creek Country Store.  The first 25 people get a $10 "gift card", and then early morning deals of 40% off one Christmas item and 15% off a regular item.  That is enough bait for me to roll out of bed and stand in line in the freezing cold.  

     Last year, I went wicked early, manned with coffee, my iPod with a season of NCIS, and LOTS of layers.  I got there at 6:15 am. Needless to say, I was the second person in line. And my backside froze from sitting on their curb.  A little over zealous. This year, I got there around 6:40 am (I panicked a little and thought I might be too late) and was still within the first 25. 

     I spent about an hour in the shop. You see, I am one of those shoppers who picks up things that catch my eye with reckless abandon. Then, the math area of my brain kicks in.  I start playing the barter game.  You know, "If I put this back, then I get these two things I like more.  But wait, do I really like those two things? Wait, what's that over THERE?! Squirrel." An hour later of walking around the store and putting 100 miles on my Uggs, and this is what I walked out with...

Primitive flocked tree... $60... 40% off... About $40! Love!

You know primitive people are a funny bunch. Brownish snow on a tree? Awesome.  Brownish REAL snow? Ew.

A year ago, they bought the antique store next door including her stock. They have marked down her antiques to 1/4 of what she was selling them for.  I have been cleaning out that inventory for them little by little over this year.  I got the chenille,little fleece dress, and four red woven napkins for the $10 store credit and 15% off of the chenille.  It is a rather big piece.... Mmmmmm...

A gathering of bird's nests for under $5.

     So, I feel like my cold nose and burnt tongue (drank my coffee a little too soon!) were well worth it.  I will show you how I use my goodies soon.  Right now, breakfast of leftover turkey and potato filling and pie.  I am not kidding. And a nap.  Yup.  

Happy Thanksgiving and warm blessings to you, dear friends! 

The Marm

Pass the Catch-up, Please...

     I am just terrible. Being a teacher has swallowed up my blogging. Having 22 students (rather than my normal 12) has kept me on my toes, but I love it! I have a dear, sweet group of students and a wonderful aide. God is so good! But alas, my blogging time has suffered. Please forgive me!

CREATE...

     I have been busy crafting. It is, as many of you know, very therapeutic. I have been doing some sewing but mostly painting. 

     This is for my sister-in-law. Shhhhh...

     This little snowman was inspired by a tutorial shown by Wendy of Ravenwood Whimzies. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. 

     My dad and I have been making trains out of scrap wood. This one has wool for steam. It is made from parts of the legs of an old stool! 

     It is not a toy, more like a decoration. I used one in my Christmas decorating this year. 

     

     I went with a "Cabin Christmas" theme this year (in my 80's bilevel home...)

     Then, finally, my big project was a heron for my mother-in-law. I might make another one to sell or an owl in that 3-d style. 

COMING SOON...

     I hope to be posting Christmas decorations pictures soon! I have to back-up my IPod! It is chock-a-block full and slow as molasses!

LOVE...

     I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. I know it is a hard time for many as well. My dear 101-year old great aunt passed away on Christmas Day. She was beloved and treasured by my family. Please pray for my cousin. She has lived with and cared for her mother for 78 years. That is a truly special bond between mother and daughter. 

     My thoughts and prayers are with all of you this Christmas and in this New Year!

Love and hugs!

Heather

PS- Check out my Etsy to take advantage of my Noel Sale that ends on December 31st!!!

PSS- Charlie says, "Hey! Check out my Christmas sweater that I don't want to take off!" (Seriously. He has it on right now. ) 

10% Off Sale Ends Tonight at Midnight!

Check out my Etsy shop to see newly added Christmas items! Thank you for stopping by!

Blessings, Hugs, and Love!

Heather

Sale!

Sale on my Etsy store this week! 

Use coupon code GOLDSTARS1. I will be adding more Christmas items through out the week!

Blessings and hugs!!!!

Heather