Thursday, April 30, 2009

From the Kitchen: Orange Cream Punch

Orange juice concentrate, sweetened condensed milk, and ginger ale make a quick punch. Float orange sherbet on top of this frosty delight.

Ingredients:
* 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1 (12-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
* Orange food coloring
* 2 (1-liter) bottles club soda or ginger ale, chilled
* Orange sherbet

Directions:
1. In a punch bowl combine sweetened condensed milk and orange juice concentrate. Tint with orange food coloring, if desired. Add club soda.

2. Top with small scoops of orange sherbet. Serve immediately.

Makes 16 servings.

~~yummy recipe and photo from: recipe.com~~

enjoy!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

What have I been up to?

Well, I'm so glad you asked! :) I am getting ready to put a few things up on my eBay site again. I love so much being back in business. I work full-time, but my heart is in my part-time craft business. Nothing compares to making something with your own hands. I just enjoy every step of the process! I will share a few pictures with you, and then I'm off to post them on eBay. I still have one more I'm working on...maybe tonight I will get it finished and share it.

Have a great Wednesday!
Hugs!




"Among the Morning Glories" mini-rug


"Poppies" on wicker basket

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Pink Saturday

Hello friends!

I am happy to be participating in another Pink Saturday hosted by Beverly at How Sweet the Sound! Don't you just love the warm spring weather? And tulips are everywhere! I just love spring flowers, so I thought I'd share some pink tulips with you this week.

Have a grand weekend!

Hugs!
Sheri


Friday, April 24, 2009

Flickr Friday: Punch Needle Inspirations



Please click on photos to go back to original Flickr page with owner credits, thanks!
the lot
Originally uploaded by the dragon's lair



100_0066
Originally uploaded by ladyjspice







Punchneedle
Originally uploaded by pullipmama



Patriotic Punch Needle Pillow
 



Originally uploaded by dawnstew73

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Crochet: Forget-me-not-edging

Pattern and photo originally published by Clark's O.N.T. in Floral Insertions and Floral Edgings, Book 263, in 1949.

Materials:

J. & P. Coats Tatting-Crochet, Size 70, Blue (No. 8), and Hunter's Green (No. 48), and
J. & P. Coats or Clark's O.N.T. Six Strand Embroidery Floss, 2 Skeins of Yellow (No. 9).
Steel Crochet Hook No. 14.

Edging--Forget-Me-Not . . .Starting at center of Flower with Blue, ch 1 loosely, ch 4 more in the usual manner. * Holding back on hook the last loop of each tr make 2 tr in 5th ch from hook, thread over and draw through all loops on hook (cluster), ch 4, sl st in same place as last tr was made (petal); ch 4, make a 2 tr cluster in same place as last cluster was made, ch 4, sl st in same place (another petal). Make 2 more petals (Forget-Me-Not completed). Ch 20. Repeat from * until piece measures 1 1/4 times the length desired. With 3 strands of Six Strand make a French knot (5 times over needle) in center of each Forget-Me-Not.

Heading . . . 1st row: With Green make 10 sc, ch 3 and 10 sc over each ch 15 across. Turn.

2nd row: Sl st in next 5 sc, * ch 9, sc in next ch 3 loop, ch 9, skip 5 sc, tr in next sc, skip 4 sc on next loop, tr in next sc. Repeat from * across, ending with ch 5, skip 5 sc, tr in next sc. Ch 4, turn.

3rd row: In next sp make (dc, ch 1) twice, ** dc in next sc, ch 1, * in next sp make (dc, ch 1) 4 times. Repeat from * once more. Repeat from ** across. Break off.

Insertion . . . Work as for this Edging No. until the necessary number of flowers is completed. Attach Blue to center of last flower, * ch 15, sc in center of next flower. Repeat from * across. Break off.

Now with Green, work Heading as for Edging working on both sides of flowers. Make more flowers as necessary and tack them in place as illustrated with French knots.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Quilt Barns - Part 2

Hello friends!

I will be in OH again this Friday & weekend, so I'm posting this early. Yes, my mother-in-law called and her computer completely crashed this time & we think it's a hard-drive problem....so..."on the road again...."

I will be on the lookout for more quilt barns! ;) And yes, I'll get another trip in for Hobby Lobby! Ha. LOL. My husband just rolls his eyes. Can I help it if it's like a big candy store for me??

I will leave you with some more pictures! have a great weekend, see you back on Monday!

Hugs!
Sheri
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Rt 73 west of Rt 104 by 4 miles.
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OHIO BICENTENNIAL BARNS:



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Corner Ohio Star

Corner - Ohio Star
Along the Manchester Waterfront on the corner of Stark Ave. at Front St.

Front St
Manchester, OH
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Dutchman's Puzzle

Many old quilts using this pattern have been found around Staten and Manhattan Islands in New York. This was an area of early Dutch settlement and perhaps the name comes from them. It is based on the windmill pattern.


Located at the new business "Granny's Place"**
St Rt 32 and Burnt Cabin Rd
Seaman, OH 45144

**I've been to this neat little shop "Granny's Place". It's a prim-lover's dream! The first thing you notice when you walk in is the wonderful aroma! She sells everything from candles, placemats, flower candle rings, wallpaper border, furniture, quilts, handbags, electric candle lights made from old vintage sewing bobbins from a factory in VT, and everything is "prim".
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Liberty Star

The Liberty Star is located at the White Star Restaurant in Peebles. From West Union follow Rt. 41 North, at the Rt. 32 intersection enter the town of Peebles, go approximately 3 ½ miles. The Liberty Star is located on the right hand side.

Main St
Peebles, OH
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Carpenter Star Quilt Barn

Another one of Adams County's newest Quilt squares. Found July 2008.

Baily Rd
West Union, Ohio

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Punch Needle Madness

Hello friends!

I have been madly punching away and painting and haven't been blogging much about my "crafts" lately. So...since I have finished a few and finally listed them on my prim*rose*hill ebay page....I thought I would share them here too so you can see what I've been doing! :)

PRIM PUNCH NEEDLE "SOW SEEDS OF LOVE" MINI RUG
This punch needle embroidery was punched by me on punch needle cloth using 3-strands of DMC cotton floss in colors of: black, pink, greens, oatmeal, salmon, blues, pumpkin. The embroidery punch needle was then trimmed and backed with a pretty grey fabric piece I had with textured black flowers, very soft and won't scratch your furniture. I then trimmed the punch needle mini rug in a piece soft grey yarn for a more finished look. The piece is a cute spring-time bunny hopping over curly-topped carrots with a heart between his paws. It has a black and dark green checkered border. He is all spruced up for spring with a cute wreath of pink flowers and green leaves around his neck!
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PRIM PUNCH NEEDLE "RED BUD LANE" on HP KEEPSAKE BOX
This needle punch embroidery was punched by me on punch needle cloth using three-strands of DMC cotton floss in wonderful prim colors of: black, tans, burgundy, greens. The embroidery punch needle was then attached to a paper mache box I hand-painted. The base/bottom part of the box I painted a barn-red. The lid top is also painted barn-red. The edges of the lid I base-coated in mustard-yellow and white, then I painted pine green--almost black in color--over the edges. The edges of the lid were then sanded and distressed to show the mustard-yellow & white flecks for a worn prim look. (The inside was painted a camel beige).
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PRIM PUNCH NEEDLE "CROWS AND TULIPS" HP KEEPSAKE BOX
This punch needle embroidery was punched by me on punch needle cloth using 6-strands of DMC cotton floss in 2-dimensions (adding depth) in colors of: golds, red, black, pink, green. The embroidery punch needle was then attached to a square box which I hand-painted a camel-beige-tan and "speckled" with brown flecks. The edges/borders of the lid were painted pink with antique maroon, then crackled and distressed to give it a more prim look. The inside of the box is the camel-beige-tan color, no flecks. I then trimmed the punch needle mini rug in a piece of vintage beige/cream lace that I had for a more finished look.
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PRIM PUNCH NEEDLE "SPRING 4 PATCH" HP KEEPSAKE BOX
This punch needle embroidery was punched by me on punch needle cloth using 3-strands of DMC cotton floss in 2-dimensions (adding depth) and also textured to add "fluffiness" (to the bunny & chick). It was punched in colors of: pink, green, orange, yellow, blue, purple. The embroidery punch needle was then attached to a square box which I hand-painted the sides ecru, painted polka dots, and "speckled" with tan flecks. It was then walnut-stained for a distressed look. The edges/borders of the lid were painted sage green with walnut-stain also to distress it and give it a more prim look. The inside of the box is the camel-beige-tan color, plain. I trimmed the punch needle mini rug in purple DMC floss for a more finished look for the edging. I had a cute little carrot button that I attached in the middle of the mini rug. Very cute!
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PRIM PUNCH NEEDLE "POPPIES" FLOWERS on BASKET
This needle punch embroidery was punched by me on punch needle cloth using three-strands of new cotton DMC floss in wonderful prim colors of: corals, tans, browns, golds, olives. The embroidery punch needle was then attached to a rectangular very dark-brown & black woven wicker basket.

And that's what I've been doing. It really feels good to be back in business again. I have missed my craft work. Hope you're having a great week so far!

Hugs,
Sheri

Monday, April 13, 2009

Blue Monday

Hello friends!

here it is another Blue Monday! Sally is hosting this Monday celebration and I just had to join in on the fun!

Today I am sharing a blue teacup. I just love tea (as you can tell by one of my other blogs).


I hope you are having a fabulous day!
Hugs!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Pink Saturday



Hello friends!

Here it is another Pink Saturday, hosted by Beverly at How Sweet the sound! I was thinking since it's Easter weekend, how about some pink bunnies? I used to LOVE getting a bunny at Easter when I was a little girl. OK, I'd like one now too... (Shhh). ;)

Hope you're having a wonderful Pink Saturday and Happy Easter!!

Hugs,

SHERI







Friday, April 10, 2009

Quilt Barns- Part 1

Hello friends!

So I had to share...my newest obsession? Quilt barns! I noticed on our way to Cincinnati this past weekend once we crossed over into Ohio, that there were sprinkled here and there, lovely old barns with quilt patterns painted on them. I became intrigued! I had to do some research and drove my husband nuts yelling "there's another one!" which translated into "pull over now!" because I had to get pictures. ;) Did I mention it has rained alot here and we almost got stuck in the mud? Oh well, that's the price you pay for art. (My husband disagreed, but anyhow...) I am fascinated with these quilt barns! Now I wish I had a barn...

I am going to try and post pictures of these quilt barns over the next few....well, at the rate, I'm going, it could be weeks. :) But here's a few at the bottom of the page...

Hope you're having a grand Friday and best wishes on your weekend! See you tomorrow for Pink Saturday!

Hugs!

Spring Colors Brighter this Year

Quilt Barns
By Jim Winnerman (2008)



It is difficult to improve on spring colors, but Donna Sue Groves may have done it with quilt barns

There was never a grand plan for the single quilt square Donna Sue Groves envisioned painting on the family barn in Adams County, Ohio in 2001. It was just meant to be a gesture honoring her mother, Nina Maxine Groves, and her rural heritage along with the five generations of her family that have shared a love of quilting.

Groves never imagined her idea would lead to colorful quilt patterns with names such as friendship star, bowtie and brown goose appearing on over 900 barns in 16 states. Most are located along quilt barn trails, giving "leaf peepers" a second reason to explore the countryside this fall.

The "barn quilting bee" began when friends gathered to plan painting Nina Maxine's favorite snail's trail pattern on her barn. Conversation lead to the suggestion of a "trail of quilt barns" people in Adams County might enjoy. Groves' mother mentioned about 20 squares are on an average quilt, and that number became the target.

The informal group asked Mrs. Groves to select the different quilt squares, and then they set off to find willing barn owners. Enthusiasm was so instantaneous and participation so quick, the project took on a life of its own. Mrs. Groves would wait another three years for her own barn to be painted.

As the 20 Adams County quilt squares began to appear, photos and conversation about the project spread to other counties in Ohio, then into other states. Similar quilt barn trail initiatives blossomed as quickly as a quilter buys fabric. The trails are usually the result of county committees made up of volunteers who have adopted Groves' idea as effortlessly as a quilter buys fabric.

Today Ohio, Iowa and Kentucky have over 250 in each state, and the grassroots art project continues to spread.

There are several reasons for the popularity of quilt square barns. Volunteers see them as an opportunity to contribute to the community in a fun, unique and visible way. Farmers see them as a way to get people into the countryside, share their love of the land, and honor someone in their own family.

Underlying all is the belief that combining a barn with a quilt square pattern honors quilting and farming, two important aspects of American life since colonial times.

One farmer has received a very personal benefit. Several years ago an older gentleman approached Groves and told her that all his life he had been getting up and going to work in the dark, and then going back to bed when it was dark. "Young lady, no one cared about me," he said. "Now that I have a quilt barn, everyone wants to know how I am. Thank you."

Quilt trails also bring an economic benefit to communities by attracting tourists to the countryside. County websites and brochures have maps to their quilt barns, and some incorporate sites of historical interest along the route.

Brandy Boggs, the Vinton County, Tennessee, Marketing Director leading a 20-quilt barn initiative says until recently her county has been known for covered bridges and outdoor sporting activities. "Now, despite no advertising we get calls all the time wanting to know if we have any quilt barns," she remarks. "Our surveys have not been reprinted to mention the barns, but a lot are returned with handwritten notes indicating people want to see more."

A typical county quilt barn trail committee selects a route so a new quilt square becomes visible every five or ten miles. Often it works out to be one per township, so many times willing farmers are bypassed. Now, however, some farmers are hiring artists to paint their barn squares, and paying for the work themselves.

"There are no 'quilt barn police,' " Groves says, laughing at the thought of just how colorful a uniform patch might be. "People can do what they want if they are not on an official quilt barn trail."

How the pattern used on a barn is selected varies by county. Some squares represent quilts that have been in the family of the barn owners for generations. Squares on the Athens County, Ohio trail represent a historical tie to the area. For example, a colorful star brick block recalls the turn of the century when brick making was an important area industry. Elsewhere patterns are selected by an artist to ensure a wide pallet of colors and patterns is displayed.

Some counties have used local artists. In Vinton County one square was done painted at a local festival where anyone could add a few brush strokes. Others were done by senior citizens, boy scouts and 4-H members who raised the money to fund the project.

JoAnn May is a professional artist who was hired to paint 20 squares on barns in Brown County, Ohio. "This is a wonderful way to bring public art into a rural community and make it accessible," she says adding her own reason quilt barns are popular. "From my perspective it ties art to a craft women have always done."

The cost of a quilt square originates from a variety of sources. Community art grants, public and business donations and fund raising events have all been used to cover expenses which range from $300 to $500 per barn. Much of the effort is invariably donated by volunteers.

Even though barns are selected partly based on the overall appearance of the farm, May says farmers begin to tidy up well before she starts working on their square. "There is a sense of excitement and anticipation," she has noticed. Family reunions and picnics frequently follow once the square is completed. Some are being lit at night.

There is, however, one barn quilt square that will never be seen by the public. This past summer Groves was very ill for several weeks. When she came home from the hospital, her mother had a surprise waiting. Groves' favorite quilt square had been painted on their barn where it cannot be seen from the road. "It is just for the two of us," Groves says.

While Groves is thrilled at the "clothesline of quilts" she started, she is quick to mention they are just "sprinkles on a cupcake," emphasizing the countryside holds a pleasant surprise around every turn.

As the number of barns and barn trails continues to increase, Groves is traveling to counties around the country offering advice and support. She does it without charging. "The return I have received has been equal to 'zillions' of dollars in joy and happiness watching people have fun with this project," she says.

The only thing Groves asks is that each barn owner know the idea was to honor her mother, and that they do the same for the women in their family. Her attitude might just be the biggest "sprinkle" of all.

~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Quilt Barn - 01

Notes: Ohio Star Pattern

Location: At 2345 Rt 247 (Lewis Mt. Herbs & Everlastings). North of Rt 52 by 2 miles.

Adams Co - OH
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Quilt Barn - 02

Notes: Grandmother's Fan Pattern

Location: Rt 41 north of Rt 73 by 3.2 miles. (Across from Woodland Altars)

Adams Co - OH

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Quilt Barn - 03

Notes: Lemon Star Pattern

Location: 2859 Rt 52, west of Manchester about 3.5 miles at Moyer Vineyards

Adams Co - OH

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Quilt Barn - 35-01-04

Notes: Windmill Pattern

Location: Rt 247 and Beasley Rd, north of Rt 52 by 3.1 miles.

Adams Co - OH
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Quilt Barn - 05

Notes: Double Lemoynestar pattern

Location: GoodSeed Farm in Peebles - 5228 Old State Route 32

Adams Co - OH