FIRKIN HUNTING IN FLORIDA

Today, my husband Gary, had the day off.  We decided to take a short drive south of Green Cove Springs, and check out any antique or junk shops we could find. 

Have you ever saw something, didn't buy it, then later regretted it because you just couldn't get it off your mind, only to go back several days later and the item is GONE!  Well, I have.  After seeing a neat old antique firkin, and after Gary convinced me that I didn't "need" it, we left and went to another store.

On our way back home, I just flat told him, "I'm going back for that firkin!".  Of course, he sat in the truck because he was not very agreeable about it, but he knows by now, that when I'm determined, he best just let me have my way, LOL.  He argued a little asking why I needed it, when I had so many already.  But, I convinced him it would add to, or complete the stack.

I used to be embarrassed and too shy to ask if vendors give discounts, etc, but not today.  I managed to get a nice discount off the price, and carried my treasure back to the truck.  I don't think Gary believed me, so had to show him the receipt.. :)

After getting home, and cleaning off the dust, I sandwiched it in between the others in my stack!  The "new" old firkin is the second one from the bottom, and Gary finally nodded and agreed it did seem to complete the graduated stack.  Of course, I will always be on the watch for another because I feel one more may squeeze in there. ; )

VINTAGE COTTAGE CHIC CHICKEN POTHOLDERS

Adorable!  Gotta have me one of these.
They are available from http://www.farmhousepantry.etsy.com/

COBALT BLUE SLIP CROCKS

I love antique crocks.  I collect as many as I can, but my favorite are those salt glazed ones with cobalt blue slip decoration on them.  They are very expensive, so I only have 2 that I managed to acquire over the years.  As I was working on a painting myself today, I spyed 2 small crocks sitting on my child size stepback cupboard......**hmmmm**....I think I can paint on those to make them look like the ones I adore so much.  These are pint size small crocks, but now....look so much better displayed with a little touch of the paintbrush.  If I were to leave them this way, I would need to seal the paint, but I don't think I will.  I might want to use them as a palette and practice more, so will leave them as is, for display right now.

So here are some before and after photos for you.  What do you think?

FREE FEEDSACK DIGITAL ARTWORK FOR YOU

Well, I'm feeling much better today, and figured I would design a vintage type feedsack design for you to use for your crafting needs. This would be so cool as the front of a primitive pillow.  Just right click and save this to your files.  You can purchase ink jet iron on transfers, which work great for pillows, primitive sacks and more.  This is my own original graphic design just for you!  Have fun and email me photos of your finished projects.  This is a jpeg file, 300dpi.

Check back for more freebies!  Have a wonderful Thursday!

The End of Wednesday

My Mid-Day Wednesday Look

What can I say, it has been a difficult day.....

My Early Morning Self Portrait

Second cup of coffee and I'm worried where Tuesday went?  Much less 1/2 of this year!

GET UP AND GET GOING

Wow, this year is now 1/2 over and it has been a roller coaster.  Moving from Tennessee to Florida zapped me, drained me physically and emotionally, but just about the time I start poking my head back into my world I realize 1/2 the year is gone.  So, its time for me to get up and get going here, and with my art.

All the boxes are still not unpacked, but enough to start some new projects.  I wear many hats when it comes to creativity.  I like too many different mediums, but its all good.  Maybe it is best that some boxes remain sealed until I have more room to spread it all out. LOL.  We are only renting here for a year, so we'll see how it goes.

I have been doing some graphic design work.  My friend Susie needed a new banner for Etsy, so here is the end result.  You'll have to check out her offerings there when she gets her Etsy shop up and running.
http://www.farmhousepantry.etsy.com/

A little primitive and a little vintage retro, but all good things from the old farmhouse pantry and kitchen. 

Also, I've been working on my new picturetrail for Pumpkin Moon Primitives.  I love early primitive decor and collectibles, and decided to expand my presence online by trying it.  I have wanted to have my own website, and this is the next best thing for me. 

This is my ad above that will appear in the August issue of Mercantile Gatherings magazine. http://www.mercantilegatherings.com/   Hopefully, it will generate customers to my picturetrail site and encourage other prim lovers to swap banners with me.  The treasure hunt itself, to find neat primitive items is a wonderful hobby that my husband and I enjoy together. 

So here is a link to:

www.picturetrail.com/pumpkinmoonprimitives

I hope you will check it out.  Right now, I'm still photographing and frantically listing items, so that when the August issue is shipped, I'm ready.  Of course, I still continue to sell my personalized items on Ebay and Etsy, but I'm excited about this new venture.  Well, the coffee cup needs to be refilled, the hubby is off to work, so best get busy myself.

~Robbie~