I LUV GOURDS

I have been collecting my fair share of gourds 

over the past few years.

Having seen some made into bird houses 

I decided to give it a whirl and 

this is what I came up with ...

 It is being displayed above our 
'Shores' name plaque 

on our small front porch and main entry.

Think I will be toying with more of these 
primitive & cute gourd garlands.
For now, I need a break and change of pace with my X-stitching.

Have FUN and enjoy the day.

Peace to all,

Barb

IT IS FRAMED ...

I finished it yesterday completely...

I will have to straighten out the 
side border alignment. 

 I was tired and just said "Later".

 Here is a closeup of the 

subtle 'tortoise' finish. 

Not too busy as this was my concern
so I kept the 

final coat on the dark side.

Most importantly ... I FINISHED.

Thank you for following me... 

 ENJOY the rest of the day as I will.

Going to Aquatic Fitness as soon as I sign off.

Peace to all,

Barb

I DID IT . . .

'Heloise Williams Sampler'

 * * *

It is finished ....
took me just 7 months and 11 days.
Told ya I was slow.

I even signed it.

 See???

Bottom right corner.

NOW ... I must paint the frame I ordered and I am leaning towards a tortoise finish. 

Maybe ... just maybe, I can show it tomorrow.

Right now I am enjoying a big happy sigh  that may last thru tomorrow.

           See ya soon,  

                       Enjoy the day cause I am.

                                 Thanks for visiting.

Peace and Blessings to ALL,

Barb

Early Fall Inspiration . . .

I recently visited 'Stone Gable Blog' and was inspired to attempt to create my version of Yvonne's "Early Fall" wreath displayed on her front door.  

 Here is my meager version.

I did not use the burlap bow as I have burlap ribbon ... just can't put my hands on it ever since our move last November.  Sooo, I opted to leave it out for now and bunched up on all the sunflowers instead ... until I find the burlap ribbon or just buy some more ... which I hate to do ... yes I can be a tight wad.

Hubs commented with a yes nod. 

Also, I preferred to use the pears instead of green apples.  My last name initial (S) was retrieved from another project NO longer in use and repainted Black Green. 

 I want to say thanks to Yvonne for another shared, beautiful inspiration.

Enjoy the rest of the day with 
Peace and Blessings to all... 

Barb
* * *

UPDATE, PROMISED 2 MONTHS AGO ....

I promised an update when the BORDER was allll done.

HERE IT IS ...

 The Vertical Center is that black piece of thread 

and the grey stuff is the beginning of the house roof.

I am heading for the finish line.

I ordered and received my unfinished frame from 
'Signed and Numbered' on Etsy.
I plan on giving the frame a faux grain finish.
Maybe a tortoise finish maybe something else ... ???
we will see what moves my spirit when the time comes.

* * *

Thanks  for visiting 
with Peace to ALL,
Barb

HAPPY 4th of JULY

Hope everyone has a Safe and Happy 4th Celebration.

We will be staying home, maybe a BBQ, relaxing and trying to keep cool.

~ * * * ~

KODY'S OLDE CROW

It was a month yesterday since our beloved family pet and furry son went to Heaven.  I had already started making 'Primitive Big Olde Crow Make Do' By Tammy Franck of Rock River Stitches. 

I just had to get it done.  Ya see, Kody had a crow friend(s).  They would chase each other back and forth in the backyard, Kody looking up and watching Crow. Crow would also fly about 20' above, following and looking down on Kody, back and forth.  It appeared as though they were playing 'Catch me if you can' with each other in their own sort of way.  I enjoyed watching their little game.  
I am calling my handsome Olde Crow
"Kody's Crow".

 * * *

Peace and Blessings to all, 
Barb

 

FATHER'S DAY 2014

Our Father's Day Celebration 
was Blessed.

Our youngest Daughter Pam, with our oldest Grandson Kyle 

and two of our Fury Grand-puppies Boo and Coco.

 Both of Kyle's Grandfathers

(Pam's Dad) Chuck Shores 
& 
(Jim's Dad) Dick Pearson

 Kyle and his Dad, Jim.

 Three Generations of Pearson's

Kyle, Dick and Jim

Hope Everyone is as Blessed as we are.  

Thanks for visiting,

&

***God Bless America***

Barb

'Kody Bear' is in Heaven...

Ohhh, how are hearts are aching...

We had to give 'Kody Bear' back to God on Wednesday, May 21st. 

* * *

***CHERISHED MEMORIES ***

Getting ready to take Dad for a walk... 
* * * 

Finally, we are walking... 
what you don't see is Dad is in his Golf Cart. 
I,' Kody Bear', am walking.
* * * 

Now I need a rest on my big rug with one of my un-stuffed toys.
* * * 

'Kody Bear' loved playing with Sis(Sandy) & our Grandson(Kyle) in the snow and even helped them build a snowman.
* * *

~ ~ ~

Dad, Mom and Sis will Love you 
'Kody Bear' ...forever. 

"God Bless you our furry son."
 

Now, Dad, Mom and Sis have to be really good so we can again be together in Heaven.
* * * 

God Bless us ALL.

Heloise Williams is back...

I thought I was going to do a small, for some immediate gratification ... So I started the sweet 'Gobble Thanksgiving Pillow/Tuck'  by 'Country Rustic Primitives'.  It is not difficult but I decided to stitch it on OSNABURG.  This soon became a challenge for me.  I am sure anyone else would have just whipped right through it. 
With all my improvising, better known as mistakes and errors, I am pleased as punch with it.  However, I doubt I will ever use osnaburg again...unless my vision improves and I know that will not happen any day soon.

I've shown it on the backing material and you can see it is taller than it is wide 

... not at all like Jenny's photo.

Still, I am a happy camper.

 ************

Now back to business and I am welcoming this with open arms.

Hellooo, Heloise Williams ... 

Here I am as of today's date and going for the finish...

Hope your weather is warming up as ours is in the upper 90's ... Yaaaa, finally some warmth (Heat).

Have a great weekend,

Peace too all,

Barb

A SNAIL'S PACE ...still

I am nearly half way finished.  

Hope to make it in time for the holidays.  

Will be wrapping up the 'Algerian Eyelet Alphabet'.  

Just 'X', 'Y' & 'Z' left plus the '&' symbol. 

The photo of the pattern does not have the 'Y' but,

 it is included on the pattern, sooo, I too will include it.

 The tan colored Algerian eyelet letters have been a challenge... too close to the linen color.  

I finally started to use one of my hoops and it does help. 

Will finish the lower half of the strawberry border next...

Thanks for visiting, wishing Peace & Blessings to all,

Barb

WE GOT SNOW & RAIN...

Here is our view from our patio ... 

This is the Cajon Pass blanketed with clouds and peeking above them are the 
Wrightwood Mountains & Snow Summit... 

BEAUTIFUL

The River Walk can be seen at the bottom of my picture and it borders the Mojave River that is usually dry on the surface but runs below the surface ... Yup, on the other side you can see water streaming down from the mountains of Lake Arrowhead.

Yaaaa, We got rain but still short of the average.  It's a start.

Enjoy the day!

Peace and Blessings to all,

Barb

ELOISE Update ... a snail's pace.

Here I am 33 days later... I stitch when I can and 
I must be in the mood for it. 

 Otherwise... mistakes galore.  

NOT to imply that this is perfect, 
cause I KNOW it's NOT.

The challenge has been rewarding for me...so far.

Guess that's cause I love the Heloise William's Sampler and knew years ago when I first saw her, and before I ever did any cross-stitching, 
that I wanted one just like it..

 A little closer look...

The alphabet is going faster than I thought 
sooo, until they are ALL done ...

I will bid you safe keeping with 
Peace & Blessings to all. 

Thanks for visiting and thanks for sharing your blogs as they are my inspirations.

Barb

Beginnings of My "Heloise Williams Sampler"

A belated...

Happy Thanksgiving,  Merry Christmas, &  Happy New Year.

It has been over 3 months since my last post.  Thanks to all you Bloggers out there cause I do check in on you often ... Your my inspiration when I'm down in the dumps.
We have been in the process of Packing, Moving(you all know it never rains in Southern California - only when you move), Thanks Giving, Christmas, New Years and finally attempting to get settled-in and organized.  Not sure the later will ever happen.  So many wonderful friends have offered to help, but we simply do not know where everything will go... soooo have had to graciously decline their kind and generous offers. We just get a wee bit accomplished each day and as the settling-in continues it is finally starting to feel more like home.  At times I feel like I am on a roll... until???? 
All of this has been too boring to actually post, if ya know what I mean.

Anyways, I picked up my X-stitching again and it feels so good to be able to relax and enjoy.   No matter how slow the progress it is still a step in the right direction.  I love this design.  It was the one that actually got me hooked four years ago and I am determined to get it finished sooner than later with NO planned deadline date.  
My pictures are rotten but here they are....

The Heloise Williams Sampler 

The Scarlet Letter

NOW here is what I have completed so far.  

NOT Much!

 I am working on the upper half with the alphabet section.  When I have completed this I will go on to the lower portion with the brick house and trees.  It'll be like doing two samplers as the actual size is somewhat overwhelming for me (15" x 20", using 25 count linen). 

  

Hope everyone out there is well and keeping warm.  We are in So Cal so have not had to deal with those horrendous freezing temps.  

 Peace and Blessings to all, 
Barb

"WORK #4 - Ohio Museum" is Framed

It's DONE...and I am 'Happy with it'.

Could not wait to get this from my framer.  He sewed the linen to the black suede board backing (very carefully).  I am very dissatisfied with the glass because of all the reflections ... but I felt the +'s outweighed the -'s.

Now I will have to wait to hang it up as we are in the process of packing for our move to our new home just before Thanksgiving. However, on the brighter side, we will be in for Christmas ~ I hope.  

Have a great day with Peace to all,
Barb

Prim dried Pineapple~Directions

I hope this helps those interested...
Compliments of "A Simpler Time - Blog"

 I will be making more...soon.

ENJOY!.

~ ~ ~

• Carefully cut out a round hole at the bottom of your pineapple.
• I used an ice-cream scoop and scraped out the pineapple innards'.
• Be very careful NOT to go too far into the outside skin, as this will weaken the shell.
• Now is the time to generously salt the entire inside of your pineapple. 
• Next, firmly stuff the inside with paper towels.
• Set your oven at the lowest heat possible.  
• Place pineapple on a baking plate in the oven.
• Checking periodically and after several hours when the skin/shell is dried, remove the paper towels.
• I then waded up some tin foil and replaced the paper towels to maintain its shape and not collapse in on itself.
• Place back into the oven.
• When you think it is thoroughly dried, remove from oven, let it stand on its own and allow too cool. 
• Remove foil or do as I did and leave the foil in for several more days or weeks.  This is your option. 
• It probably took about 16 hours for this process.  Depending on your oven, pineapple size and ???

~ ~ ~
Have FUN & ENJOY as I did.

* * *
God Bless America

SANTA for 2002 - A Prairie Schooler Pattern

 

 

 

I have been buzzy and as productive as I can be under the circumstances....

Doc says "Loose weight". 

My back, knee and foot problems are all connected. 

 So I am on a quest to do what the 'Ole Doc' says...twenty pounds for starters.

 I have to cook for skinny Papa and Auntie too. that means two types of menus???

Not in my book, Sooo, they will just have to eat what I eat...

We will see how long that lasts.

 

Anyways, I have dried 4 small pineapples and was surprised how easy and enjoyable it was. 
Might do a few more for the holidays.  Just got to find small pineapples.

 

 

Also...

Just finished a 'Prairie Schooler' yearly Santa for 2002.

 

My next X-stitch project will finally be the one that caught my interest in the first place...

The Scarlet Letter

the Heloise Williams Sampler

It is an original design by Marsha Parker using many traditional 18th and early 19th century motifs.  Including the multiple borders of strawberries.

I am still enamored with this design as I was the first time I saw it. 

No more procrastinating!

I am hoping for the best in more than one way.

 
Blessings and Peace to all
&
"God Bless America"

* * *

Mama's Fish House

Our Daughter Pam and Grandson Kyle on vacation

enjoying diner at Mama's Fish House in Hawaii,

while Daddy Jim takes their picture.

The last time they were at this restaurant, Kyle was

 in Mommy's tummy...now he is on her tummy.

In the meantime we, Papa & Grammy & Auntie Sandy are puppy sitting 
Coco & Boo our two Pomeranian, furry grand babies 
so our kids can enjoy their vaca, worry free.
They will be returning this weekend fully refreshed 
and eager to get back to work ... heehee, all good things must come to an end!


 Enjoy the day with Peace and Blessings...

GOD BLESS AMERICA

* * * 

THREE GENERATIONS ... Finally

After nearly 52 years of marriage, we now have a grandson,
 Kolton M. Shores, 
who will be carrying on the 'Shores' name.

That's Papa holding our 5 month old hunk, 

Kolton and our son Jeff looking on.

***

Yes, we have one more grandson, 

Kyle M. Pearson, now 7 years old.

Shown here with his paternal Grandfather Dick Pearson, 

a retired U.S.Air Force pilot (Thunderbirds) and father Jim.  This had to be taken six years ago.  

This Christmas (2013), we will update 

the Generational photos.

Can you tell I am a VERY PROUD GRANDMA?

Thanks friends for visiting,

Peace & Blessing to all and 

God Bless America,

Barb

READY for FRAMING...

I finished the hem last night.  First I removed the 13th linen thread out from the border trim.  For me this gave a guide line to fold the linen for the hem.  I then stitched with my machine approx 1/4" beyond the omitted thread and trimmed the linen up to and close to the machine stitching.  

 

Folded back the linen using the omitted linen line for guidance, and using 'Liquid Stitch' (learned this from Marly) and a Q-tip (the kind used for manicuring), glued the hem.  I did not want any stitching showing on the front hemmed edge.

Next ... to the framer.  
YAAAAAAA!

Not sure when that will be cause I have to see my Neurosurgeon on 7/11 as I am having much difficulty walking upright.  5 years ago I had an X-stop implant between the 4th & 5th vertebrae for severe Sciatica.  It actually gave me my life back.  The x-rays taken yesterday show that the X-stop may have slipped out a little.  I surely do not want to be wheel chair bound, but then it could be worse than that.  
I have trust in the Man above and if it is His will, then so be it.

Anyways, hope your 4th was GREAT as was ours.  
Have a Super day & weekend with Peace and Blessings to all,

Barb

NOT SO BAD ... I LOVE IT ...

WHEEW...For me this is an accomplishment as I thought the border would take me forever.  

Actually, it went pleasantly faster than anticipated.

It is not pressed, nor the side seams sewn in place, but, besides the final finishing touches 

my X-stitchin' on this is DONE. 
YUP, it will be framed.

My only regret is that the flowers and green bird on the bottom fade into the linen...would have preferred them to be brighter ... BUT 

... that was not a change to be made as it is a copy of an original museum sampler.  
Of course, all my unintentional flaws make it mine.

None the less ...  

I LOVE IT!

Happy 4th of July everyone...

Remember, this is the 

"Land of the Free, with Liberty & Justice for ALL"... 
***

"God Bless America"
***

DOWN TO THE WIRE ...

Just wanted to show my latest WIP... I am finally down to the wire with just the border to do.  Then, it will be finished.  It has been 4 months, so does that tell you something about my speed and tenacity???
Don't look too closely as I have more than my fair share of mistakes.  Like I say, "that's good enough".  I am truely a 'primitive' sort of cross stitcher. 
Always learning something new with each project and lovin' it.

This is an 

Antique Needlework Adaptation by

Nan Lewis

Threadwork Primitives 

 & 

R. M. Martz

The Restoration of my Humble Spirit

entitled

Worke # 4 Ohio Treasure 

The pictures are not all that good, but it is the end of the day and this ole gal is getting tired.

So I will just say "that's good enough", for now.

Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend...

* * *

Primitive Lamb Pantry Cake...

Sometime ago, I purchased a "Griswold Lamb Cast Iron mold".  It had been painted green so I had son sand blast it to sort of restore it to its original state... meaning rusty (in due time).  We accomplished that and I wanted to see if I could make a Primitive Pantry cake from the mold.  This is the result, actually better than expected.  Not bad for a first time try.  Am loving it and now need to find a place to display my Primitive Lamb Pantry Cake.  

For now this will do.

Sitting on top of my Crock/Bucket Bench. 
Those white specks are the reflection of the sea salt that was used.

Enjoy the weekend all.  
It will be 90 today and tomorrow ... time to get some of my herbs potted. 

Peace & Blessings

and 

"God Bless America"

Barb

SAVED from the trash bin...

SAVED FROM THE TRASH...

This is the Prairie Schooler Santa that I ruined when attempting to turn it into an ornament.  It was my first try and the linen began to fray.    I actually had put it in  the trash.  After a good amount of thought he was retrieved as I spent too much time doing the stitching.  I trimmed away the frayed linen, did a blanket stitch at the same time sewing it to the wool.  The pillow backing is the same wool, sewn together around the edges, lightly stuffed, ironed out to flatten and VOILA ... A very primitive looking ornie that will more than likely be made to look more vintage with a sprinkling of my grungy mix of coffee, vanilla and cinnamon.

& 
Here he is...
looking more vintage.

Hope I have not bored you ... but, I am pleased with the end result 
and to think I was prepared to toss him out. 

As always, Peace and Blessings.

Thanks for visiting, 

Barb 

* * *