Hi, How'dy, How are ya?

Welcome to "The Country Schoolmarm"! Get yourself a cup of coffee (I take mine strong with vanilla creamer), grab a seat, and chat a while! Isn't that what country friends do? Now, all we need is a porch...
Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts

Friday, June 19, 2015

Giveaway at The Rusty Thimble

I have had the privilege of being the recipient of goodies from her giveaways. I also am so happy to own her wonderful work in my home. She is having a giveaway on her blog! But hurry! It ends June 22nd. 


Also, check out the pictures of the flooding in her state of Oklahoma! My sister lives there as well. Wow. Just wow. Brenda's pictures of Lake Texoma are beautiful and frightening as to the power of water! We frequently undervalue it and underestimate it- until it is missing or there is an extreme overabundance of it. One of the most important, but also potent things in God's creation.  He uses water and references it a lot in His Word. I think there is good reason!

Thank you, Brenda, for again being so kind and generous in your giveaway!


Blessings,
Heather

Saturday, January 3, 2015

A Long Overdue Hug and Thank You!

 Ever feel like this? This winter so far, I'm going to tell you. The cloudiness is taking its toll already. Bleck!

     I've talked about "Dewdrops of Mercy" before.  It always happens when I am at a low point.  I start to think that maybe the little things are just coincidence.  After all, why would God bother with the small stuff.  Well, He does.  Why? Because an omnipotent God can accomplish the big AND the small.  I was having a hard couple weeks at school. 

     Out of the blue, I get an email from Danice, from Homespun Hannah's Blog  saying that I had won her giveaway.  I just cried. So, you see, God is in the little things.  You also never know how God uses those who have blog giveaways to be a part of that. Never underestimate how your generosity may touch others when they need a little encouragement. God uses big and small acts of kindness because He is a wise and all-knowing God. What a relief!


So, onto Danice! Danice, thank you for having your giveaway.  Your items were precious and are well-loved. Look at what was in the package...




Look at all of these wonderful goodies! 



I love this quilted square! This is going to be out all year! It is just what my new coffee table needed!




Soooooooooo sweet! Love!



Huge hugs to you, my dear friend! For your thoughtfulness, generosity, and taking the time to visit my blog!

I am going to try to blog more.  I need to stay up with sewing and writing as a creative way to relieve stress and anxiety. My husband has been really encouraging me to do that. 

Please also, in any comments you leave, write a prayer request that I can pray over for you! I would like that to be a new part of my blog!

Happy New Year, friends!

The Marm

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Empty Hutch... Empty Room... Can you hear the echo? Echo...

      ***  Those of you who are just reading this post: Please note the change of guidelines for the giveaway below.  Teacher is trying to make this easier for her students... This general post will close for comments at 12 am PST tonight (8/25).  Look for the next post tomorrow to help me decorate!!!***

Ugh.  The last few days have been emptying ones.  First, I took ya'lls advice and emptied the hutch (Mostly...). Okay.  Empty.  Now what?  Well, my creative juices have fallen to another empty area.  Moving my classroom.  **Insert foreboding music of some kind... your choice...**

     Let me show you the hutch first, since most of you are probably reading this because, well, ya like primitives.  If you really want to know about the Schoolmarm in the blog's title, that part is at the end.  Okay?  Fair warning...



     So this is all of the junk treasures I took off.  When you are doing a complete overhaul, I would suggest grouping your items into like categories.  For example, put your crocks together on your work area, or textiles, or however you wish.  Reason?  Well, it is easier to shop in a grocery store for items that are grouped, so, it is easier to "shop" your own items when redecorating.
 

    So, now what... Now what??? I am not sure what to put back on!  Like I said in the previous post, I would like to go for a primitive buttery look.  Here are 3 things I would like to accomplish:
          1.  Well, "The Look"
          2.  Less cluttered, thinned out.
          3.  Balance and grouping to allow the eye to focus.

You can see what items to "shop" on the table.  What suggestions do you have for the 3 zones?
Zone 1- The main large area
Zone 2- Shelf #1
Zone 3- Shelf #2
Zone 4- The top

     Now, it's your turn as my dear friends who can't be here in body, but are present in spirit, to voice what would you like to see.  I will try your ideas, and then post them for you to vote on.   

When we get "the look", we will celebrate with a Giveaway!  Rules for the Giveaway:

1. Be a follower. 

2. Post on the first post that is open with your desire to be entered. For the "extra credit"- see below!

Now, for extra credit you can:
1. FOR EACH ZONE- Make a viable suggestion in the form of a sentence (An example of an answer that would get a big, fat X would be- "Move a crock to a shelf.").  I have listed zones, and I will do a post per zone for us to play around with.  Once you and I are somewhat satisfied, we will "close" the postings for that zone at midnight and move on to the next zone.

2. You can only make one VIABLE suggestion per post.  BUT, each post in which you make a suggestion on counts as extra credit.

3. If I don't use your idea, it doesn't mean you won't get credit, or that I don't like it. Please don't feel sad if I don't use it.  I will feel sad. Charlie will feel sad.  Bailey will feel sad.  And that, my friends, is a stinky giveaway.

4. I will declare the entire hutch finished with my husband giving the final vote that he likes the whole thing.

5. I will then give one week fair warning for anyone who wants to enter by just leaving a comment on the FINAL POST (The reveal of the finished, husband-approved hutch). It will be titled "Final Answer".

6. In that final post, I will announce the date at which I will pick the winner.

***You do NOT have to post this giveaway in your blog.  I am not going to give extra credit for that because some of you don't have blogs.  But, if you want to, here is a funny picture you can use.  Be sure you link to this post if you use it because all of my wacky directions are on it.  Really you all get an extra post for just reading the directions (More that what some students do!  Did I say that out-loud?)***

Hmmmm... What do you win? A box of prim goodies.  To be revealed as we go...

     And now to "The Marm" part.  Okay, so here is my old classroom.  Empty.  9 years of memories of dear children. Everyone at school keeps remarking on how big my classroom is without the stuff in it.  Well, duh, of course it is!  It is missing desks and children and projects and centers and comfy chairs and well, you get it.  Here is my new room, new style, waiting for organization and new memories...

More to be revealed later...

Here are just some silly pictures.  I posted these on Facebook because Charlie needs to go into hiding because he ripped up a couch pillow and the corner of my "Home is Best" pillow.  So, he is in "hiding".  He kind of looks like Ponch from "C.H.I.P.S."! LOL!  Well, Charlie, if that truly is him, says, "Let the giveaway begin"!  Put in your request below, and if you like, you can make a suggestion for the decor of the hutch.  I will post more pictures of specific items to "shop" through to place on the hutch in a few days.  Let's just brainstorm now, okay!  Thank you all for reading, encouraging, helping, whatever part you play...You are appreciated!


Love and hugs,
    Heather

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Got eggs?




Been doing some egg makeovers!  These have been fun especially with having my 2nd cold after the flu during the last month, I can sit on the couch and do them.  So when you are done reading this, please wash your hands and spray some Lysol. It's a good thing that we converse by typing because my voice is gone (some may think that is a blessing).  My students will have an enjoyable day tomorrow... ;)            
     My last two weeks were kind of stinky- it was cold, I had/have another cold, and (cue music of dread)-report cards.  Not a good mix!  But, I received word last weekend that I had won a giveaway from Mary from Marmmies, Mammy's, And More!  God sure does know when you need a "dewdrop of mercy" (I see that happens with others of you and giveaways.  God knows!)! I was at one of my favorite coffee shops with my mom, practically in tears over the week I had had (Nothing tragic, no worries.).  They had free Wi-fi, so I quick checked my email.  When I saw her email, I then changed into tears of joy from her sweetness. He arrived just after report cards- perfect timing! IS HE NOT CUTE!  She is so talented!  I would seriously encourage you to check out her blog and wares.  So prim! The picture below is really the color he is. Ignore the color in the little left one.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mary!  I so love him!



These were some white resin eggs that I purchased at Cocalico Creek.  I liked them, but they just weren't prim enough.  Some of you who like the white look are probably yelling at my post right now,"Don't do it!"



Well, look away, because I am gonna...






Perfectly prim!


     So, these eggs were so much fun to make!  Sweet Mary wrapped my Mr. Bunny in this awesome tissue paper!  The paper has special sentimentality to me in that the ads were from Boston and Worcester (You pronounce it "Wa-oo-sta".  Get it right.).  
     Steve and I spent the second year of our marriage there as he got transferred there as a store manager at a Bass Shoe Store.  We returned after a year because we found out that my dear aunt's cancer had returned.  I basically went into a depression/anxiety state worrying about everyone back home.  I was also a newlywed and never before lived that far from my parents.  Still don't.  I do treasure our time there, now that I look back on it.  
     We lived near Sturbridge. Talk about right out of Norman Rockwell.  Fall scarecrow making contests on the Village Green.  The scenery.  We'd probably still be there, but God had other plans.  So, back to Lancaster we came.  So, this tissue paper brought back memories for me. 
    I modged podged the tissue paper all over the plastic eggs.  I think they turned out pretty cool.  I have 3 left.  I am going to put them on skewers to stick into some arrangements.  Trouble is, I have some other ways to cover them, and I am not sure how to do them.  I mean, I only have 3!  Of course, I am sure there are more plasticy eggs around (I don't mean the kind for Easter Baskets, by-the-way.  The plastic ones that are SUPPOSED to look like real eggs.  Well, I guess after what I did to them, they don't look like real eggs either.  Oh well.)



Feed sack egg and a "redware" egg.


These are the last 3 needing a make-over.  You may think they look fine, but trust me. You KNOW they are plastic close up. Don't be tricked into feeling sorry for them.

     Okay, so these are not eggs.  But they were a fun couch project.  I used 4 circles of the fabric I got on my trip with Granny Trace' to the CLOTH store.  I did a simple stitch around the center, really about an inch from the edge.  I stuffed them  in-between the 2nd and 3rd layer before I finished sewing them.  I pulled them a bit to pucker them up.  Next, I cut slits to make the petals and took pinking shears to the edges.  Then I made pennies and sew them on.  I did then realize it would be easier to sew the pennies to the first 2 layers BEFORE sewing the flower together.  Much easier! I also painted some watered-down black paint to make the center stand out.  You can do this with any cloth.  I saw a tutorial on the internet for these.  My original ones that I did, I crafted with onsaburg fabric, grunged, and baked.  I have shown them on my blog before. I am really into pennies right now, trying to add some color and folk art look to my prim.  I will show Spring Decor pictures later, so you can see my "attempts".  I am running out of steam right now.






These are osnaburg fabric ones that I made for my mom.  She wanted something a little lighter.  I saw some in a store made with homespun material.  You know how it goes, "Gee, I think I can make that!"

Okay, so these aren't eggs, but I had to show you some goodies that I go a few weeks back!

My spring bunny that I purchased from Brenda from The Rusty Thimble. Isn't he so sweet?!


This is a pin keep from one of my favorite ebay sellers, Primpenny. I have 4 of her pin keeps.  I just love it!  I will show you my collection later, with the spring decor post.

This is my ironing board's new look that I had to show you.  I got a little hooked on vintage string and threads.  I will show more later.  The copper lantern was $2 from Goodwill.  I like it!






     Well, that is it for now, my lovely friends.  I took a nap in the middle of this.  I really started it around 11:00 am.  It is now 5 pm. I am going back to my crafting on the couch and watching "Monarch of the Glen". I was watching "Larkrise to Candleford" before that.  The last episode is one of my favorites.  It is a weakness of mine... ;)

Love and hugs to you all!

Heather


P.S. Go wash you hands and Lysol your computer!

Isaiah 40:28-31

Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
    and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
    and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Wednesday Whats & What Nots





Commercial Break...
First, a big 'ol shout-out to all of my new blogging friends!  I can't tell you how much I appreciate your encouragement, support, shout-outs for me on your blogs, help, YOU NAME IT!  You have made this fun for me!  I didn't think anyone would find me, but I have been blessed by you all in your friendliness.  In thinking about the generosity of your time with me, and the wonderful blog giveaways, I would like to do a giveaway when I reach 50 members.  Stay tuned...

Now, on with the show...

 What to do, what to do...
     Okay, so I found these copper cups in a drawer.  I originally intended them to be votives.  I bought a whole bunch.  Too many.  Ooops, hoarding alert!  SO, I am using them to make little pincushion thing-a-ma-jigs.  I have a couple different versions of the base.  Which ones do you like?  Which ones need a little somethin' somethin', or do you have other suggestions as to how to "primitivefy" (Yes.  I made up the word.  Shhh.  Don't let my students know!) them?

     Look at the votive I did!  I used the old trusty "Modgepodge and Coffee" technique.  I think I need to buy stock in Modgepodge.  Really. All set with coffee... It definitely will have a prim look sitting in the black iron votive holder behind it!  It has a new lease on life! Yea!


     Okay, and this box-thingy.  Gonna paint it black (shocking) and put some prim bowls in it.  What do you think?  I know, the stamping isn't very prim.  But!  It was from my cutesy country days.  You know, when I swore I would never be interested in the extreme prim.




Whatcha' doin'?
  1. Entering Giveaways! How fun!  Check out my new tab on the left side of my blog.  I am listing sites that are having giveaways so that you can check them out!  Lots of talent out there!  If I missed yours, please send me a link, and I will add it! I have added Cindi's Country CornerThe Rusty Thimble and Seasons of My Mind.The Rusty Thimble also has a Facebook giveaway. Don't forget about Salmon Falls Prims.
  2. Thrift Shop scouring.  I have to wait until I wake up from the Benadryl a bit...
  3. Going to our local craft warehouse to get make-up.  YES.  You heard me right.  The warehouse has a bath and body boutique.  Seriously!  They carry "Bare Minerals" make-up.  AND, I have a store rewards coupon for $10 off!  Another "Woooooohooooo!"
  4. Crafts.  Don't know what.  Grunging is involved. 
  5. My Pincushion
  6. Taking something I sold on eBay to the post office.  Yea!  I made a little profit!  No, it wasn't the pin cushion. :(  You know, I must say.  My Post Lady is so nice!  She has been helping me to sort out the new world of "SHIPPING".
What I am   NOT doing...
  1. Taking as much Benadryl.  Sheesh.  I did have some fun buying though... Wooohoo! 
  2. Getting an early start on said activities because I am still here talking to y'all! It's ALL good, though!
  3. Waking up from my coffee...*YAWN*
Have a great day, Friends!

Blessings!
Heather

Coffee Talk for Today:  Well, if you could recommend some solutions to my crafting issues, that would be great!  Otherwise, what would you like to chat about?
    The Rusty Thimble Facebook Giveaway

Cindi's Country Corner Giveaway

The Rusty Thimble Giveaway

Seasons of My Mind Giveaway

Salmon Falls Prims Giveaway