Surprised and Weekend Finds

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Saturday when I arrived home there was a package on the porch.I wasn't expecting anything so I was excited to see who it was from..Well my sweet friend Sheila surprised me with one of her lovely arrangements!!!!

Sheila is such a sweet and talented girl.She also sent the little sheep tuck and a note.I was on top of the world all day knowing someone thought of me.Her thoughtfulness just means so much.She also takes the time to email me and check to see how I am doing.Thank You so much Sheila!! Here is were I put my pretty daisies....

They look pretty in the kitchen..They smell yummy of cloves and cinnamony every time I walk in I can smell them then of course smile because I'm still so tickled with the surprise..smile...This week I found lots of treasures but most went to market and sold.Here are the two I kept...I've been looking for one of these for awhile but never come across them for a reasonable price.Not sure the proper name but I call it a wool spike or flax comb...

It has a wonderful primitive look and fits nicely with the old spinning wheel...My next find is a make do shoe shine box...On top is a iron foot with a star motif....

What's neat about this is it's a printed box.It was a old soap box that they would have used in the mercantile to display and dispense soap.It would have been turned like this..

and the bars of soap would have stacked and be pulled from the bottom..It is finger jointed.It reads Enoch Morgans Sons Manufactures of Soap Chemicals & Sapolio New York....

I didn't get pics but I also found a old biscuit box with the label from Gettysburg PA (It sold before I even got it out of the jeep at market), A antique turpentine bottle with wonderful graphics, a salt glazed blue and white large milk bowl(still debating on keeping) and a not primitive metal bulldog that has Philco advertising I assume the old radios but I can not find anything like him online so he's sitting on the desk till I can find some info out about him. Antique bird sewing scissors (will be going on Etsy as soon as I get time),antique sewing machine with cabinet.I had 2 load fulls by the end of the weekend.We hit some community sales but the best one was off the beaten path.When I got out of the car the man said you've never been to a sale like this and he was right it was a barn and pole building filled to the brim.Bought several wood toolboxes and carriers and some other goodies.I have a lady that comes up to market she owns a shop in Lancaster and she buys most of my stuff..I am thankful for my regulars because the people that are coming to market are changing and if it wasn't for my shop owners and regulars I wouldn't be able to continue and survive right now.I'll never understand how a person can buy a $5 french fry and $3 drink but when you tell them $5 for a vintage or antique piece act like your nuts.I would much rather not eat the yucky over priced food and have something to take home.LoL..Well girls I gotta get busy.Happy monday! Warm Blessings!~Amy

Sweet Liberty Swap from Dorothy and Margie and some Decorating

Just a quick note to everyone who signed up for the Bee Happy Swap your partners were sent.If by chance I missed you email me and I'll fix it.We had over 30 people sign up for this swap so it should be fun seeing what everyone receives.I wanted to share the lovely gifts I received from The Sweet Liberty swap.First up is from my sweet friend Margie Hungry Hook Primitives...

Margie and I have been friends for awhile and have did several swaps together.She gets me and is always there when I just need to chat.She remembered I wanted one of her hooked beeskeps and made sure I got one.LOVE! And look at the handsome George plate she made.Thank you sweet friend for the wonderful gifts.......Next up is Dorothy Paws For Stitching..

I had fun getting to know Dorothy. She has no pics of her house on her blog I went back to the beginning.So I tried to talk Kendra into taking her some cookies over and spying  umm I mean getting me some ideas but Kendra was only able to tell me that she lives in a nice house and would love whatever I sent...smile..She sent the above Americana items.Yes she remembered the chocolate.Yummm.. mini quilt will be going in the bedroom as soon as hubby finishes sanding and painting the one wall.The flag fillers will go in the summer trencher.Thanks Dorothy  for the fun swap.....Ok I finally got the Easter stuff put away.I normally am on top of things but here lately I am so far behind.I did go ahead and start some summer decorating...So many sweet gifts from my blogging friends in this pic...See the little beeskep from Margie...

Kinda feels like I spy or Romper Room but romper room never called my name...I went ahead and put out some Americana so now I'm ahead of the season..smile...

Well girls I hope you are having a nice Saturday.I did find a few goodies this weekend.I'll share monday.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Swap Reminder and Mullein Information

Today is the last day to sign up for the Bee Happy Swap.Click on link on side bar for rules and sign up info.If I received your info I would have confirmed.So if you didn't hear from me make sure I get your info...Yesterday so many of you commented or emailed asking about Mullein in this photo...

Mullein is in the herb family.It also grows as a weed/wild flower in pastures and along the road.The variety I have I think is called Moth Mullein which is a variety that grows the soft delicate branching flowers instead of the big thick single cone that most people see growing on their country drive..You can get this at most greenhouses in the herb section.Just get one plant as they will self seed and spread or start from seed.They are very unfussy but do not like to be watered alot they prefer it a little dry.

Medicinal herbal uses~ Mullein is used for relieving congestion while breathing. It is very effective in reducing the severity of asthma and bronchitis. It acts by inducing the bronchioles to relax, helping the person breathe better. It is used for treating flu like symptoms like dry cough and sore throats. It also helps to clear the respiratory tract by decreasing the production of mucus. Mullein is very popular among herbalists. Apart from treating respiratory related disorders, it is also used in treating numerous non-respiratory related illnesses. Its versatility and easy availability has made it a very special plant in the field of medicine. Mullein is very effective in relieving stomach cramps. It helps the muscles to relax and is therefore a very effective antispasmodic drug. It can also cure gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea. It can alleviate hemorrhoid pain. Mullein flowers are used extensively for treating earaches. They also act as anti-inflammatory drugs and help in relieving the pain and discomfort associated with swollen glands. Mullein has healing and soothing properties. It softens the skin making it look and feel supple. It also acts as a skin-protecting agent. It prevents the deterioration of wound and protects the scrapped skin from contracting further infections.

Versatile, fuzzy mullein is a gardener’s friend, an herbalist’s delight and an engineering marvel all on its own. A member of the snapdragon family, mullein has flowers that are flat and open, unlike the irregular “dragon faces” of snapdragons. Several mullein species with more attractive leaves or flowers are prized garden ornamentals. These include the moth mullein (V. blattaria), with light pink to white flowers; Read more:
http://www.herbcompanion.com/herb-profiles/herb-to-know-mullein-verbascum-thapsus.aspx#ixzz1t306Flh9    Hope this helps.Well another busy day ahead.Hope you all are having a great week.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Tuesday Display Chain Mary Mary Quit Contrary

 Well it's with sadness posting today's chain as it's our last one.I'll miss visiting and blog hoping each week.Plus it always gave a focus on what to post since there was a theme.Let's face it sometime's there's nothing to blog about..smile..I understand completely though it's alot of work for Misi to do each week...Ok this week's theme is Mary,Mary quit contrary "How does your garden grow?"  Well we had super mild temps but now it has plummeted and is Brrrrr cold.So I'll use last years pics....I  always like to grow unfussy plants and love herbs.Mullen below grows easily and blooms with long tall flower clusters....

 Always gotta have tons of sunflowers.Some to dry,some to put in a blue mason on the farm table and some left for the birds.I always start these from seed.Beginning to pop up....

 End of August through October pretty colorful blooms....

 We always have a vegetable garden usually a small one at home and a huge one at grandma's old farmhouse..Always plenty to share..And so much tastier than the stuff at the store.I always get excited to have strawberries and tomatoes.Nothing like the sweetness of home grown...

 I like to use junk in the gardens.Makes it interesting...Old chairs,Rusty metal gates, Watering cans...

So now you see how my garden grows.Now stop on over to Misi's and visit the other displays or join in the fun.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Weekend

Hope everyone had a great weekend..I am finally feeling better with the exception of coughing at night...Went yard saling  friday and saturday.Went to one that was unadvertised that I stumbled upon.The lady just sold her log cabin and moved into a development were hubbies friend has a house.Well she had the most wonderful stuff but it was a little pricey.She had old buckets,firkins,crocks,stompers,butter paddles,tobacco baskets really just wonderful stuff  but she didn't want to budge on the prices.I had most of the stuff already for me and her prices were not able to be resell.I did buy some mashers, 2 crocks, a blue band jug, powder horn and a large grater which I seem to be collecting now.All but the grater are for market.Saturday was our local historical society fleamarket and eagles yard sale.Hubby found a few things there.I'm trying to talk him out of a frog jigger to keep.My two keeper finds are the pottery sheep on the bottom shelf and the printed antique Pansy box....I have a thing for old printed boxes too.

A closer view..You can click to take a better look but don't look at the dust bunnies...smile...

Well the weather was beautiful 70's but then the cold came back and rain,temps down to 39 degrees so we decided to not do market this week.Just enjoyed a lazy day.Hubby has wanted to do all the spring stuff like planting the garden out at grandma's farmhouse.I keep saying to early.Well now he finally believes me.He only got the onions in which will be fine.Supposed to be cold and damp till thursday..Hubby made chili and cornbread so off to enjoy some...Warm Blessings!~Amy

Bee Happy Swap Sign Up

Time to sign up for our summer swap.You are more than welcome to take the pic above and post it to your blog and link back to here.The swap will be called Bee Happy.The theme for this swap is Flowers, Birds and Bumble Bees...

• In order to sign up for this swap you must be a follower 
• You must have participated in one of my previous swaps or I must know you to some extent..This means you comment regularly on my blog or I comment on yours..If you are a new blogger email me and we'll discuss it..I will try to get you in but may want to get to know you better first.This is to protect the girls participating and by no way am I trying to be mean if I say wait till the next swap.The girls in the swap are generous givers and I want them to be worry free
• This is a primitive swap.The pics in the post are some ideas.All pics are from Etsy with the artist name if you want to find the items..
• You must have a active blog.A few girls don't which is ok if I know you.I can have your partner post both sides..

Swap is open to USA and Canada..Please understand as well all the girls send nice items so it is a higher quality swap.No dollar store stuff..Give as you'd like to receive.Ok now that we have the expectations out of the way let's get to the fun stuff...

1. 

• Our theme is flowers,birds and bumble bees.Yes you can send general prim items but 2 of the items must be from the theme.Like crows,beeskeps,sunflowers,nest,seed packets as long as it falls into any of the categories your good.Like the rug below covers birds and bees....

• You must include 4 items.Yes you can send extra if you want.
• I will not set a price limit because hand dids are hard to assume just give as you'd like to recive
• One item must be stitched you can purchase or hand make but it must be included.Stitched includes dolls,bowl fillers,hooked,penny rugs and stitcheries
• When you get your partner you must say hello and introduce yourself..Once you receive your swap you must thank your partner.Preferably a blog post since we all like seeing every ones gifts  
• Sign ups will be open till April 25th. I will email your partner by the 29th..Package must be shipped no later than June 4th with delivery confirmation..                                                                                 
• If you want to join in leave a comment then email at cottageprims@hotmail.com with the following info ( I need this even if you signed up before) 
•  Blog URL Name and Address Email 
•  I also want to know if you are a regular swapper the last 2 people you swapped with so I can make sure you have a new partner this time 
•  Occasionally I have a extra or late sign up if needed would you want a extra partner? 
•  Are you willing to ship to Canada it only cost a few dollars extra?
•  You can copy and paste from my blog.The following is optional but helpful to include 
•  Do you have any allergies? 
•  Favorite scents? Colors? 
• Any favorite things like sheep, penny rugs,old kitchen gadgets, dolls? Something special you are looking for,collect,or enjoy?

I'm here to help so don't hesitate to email me..Let's have fun!~Amy

Tuesdays Display Chain ~ Sharing Secrets and Ideas

Todays display chain theme is about sharing a tip,technique or decorating secret.I'm still sick so didn't feel like crafting.A few people have emailed in the past and ask about how to dry gourds.Well in the late summer to early fall you can pick or buy them green and sit them in a corner of the garage or wrap with some floral wire and hang.They dry naturally.Don't leave in the field or outside as alot will just rot and crack from the wetness and freezing.In about 2 months they'll be dry.They get a thin layer of mold on them so make a solution of 3 parts water to one part bleach and wipe down..This will give you the natural look like this one...

If you want a pretty or stained gourd than lightly sand it to get most of the spots out.I know alot of people buy special inks and stains but I usually just use regular stain that I usually pic up on the clearance rack at lowes the one below was done with a orange stain that I added a little dark brown stain to to give a pumpkin color.....

Well girls Thanks for stopping by.I'm going back to the couch to try to kick this cold/flu bug.Stop over at Misi's to see all the other links or join in the fun.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Swap Reminder

Hi girls! Just a reminder that your swap packages should be in the mail today.If there are any problems or delays please let me know so I can help you to work it out.I know some of us (including me this time around) need a extra day or two due to life,sickness etc. Communication is key so just let your partner and or me know.I am trying to get over a nasty cold/flu and crunch taxes today.Double Yuck! I will be on later this week with our Summer swap info.The theme will be Flowers,Birds and Bumble Bees.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Off to Auction

 Well I'm off to auction.I've been sooo sick with a cold/flu but have taken a ton of meds this morning to try to get through it.Here are a few things I'm hopeful for.Wish me luck.Then I'm coming home and going back to bed.Pretty bad when you get sick on the day you looked so forward too.I'm not contagious anymore though.LoL.....Thanks girls for all your sweet comments on dad your support has been such a blessing.

Have a wonderful saturday!~Amy

Chit Chat and Update on Dad

 Oh my Wednesday already! Here lately life just seems like I never stop running..Easter was nice beautiful weather.Now it's cold and windy again.But the weekend is supposed to be nice.I'm excited because I've been saving my pennies for a auction.There is another big one listed for the same day which I'm hoping everyone will go to and the little one I'm going to will be empty.It has blue decorated crocks and firkin's tucked in the basement so maybe I'll get a little prim treasure.I usually don't fair well at auctions as I usually get outbid or get home and am disappointed by what I got for the money.That's why I like flea markets and yardsales instant gratification and you know the price and can move on if you want..smile...Easter was spent at Grandma's farmhouse.Brianna was on a mission to give all her candy away because she was afraid of rotten her teeth.She went to the dentist and had a cavity it's only a baby tooth but now she doesn't want sugar..Hannah wanted me to explain why sheep were a symbol of spring/Easter so I told her we are all the lambs of God and he is our shepherd that we follow....Yesterday I had the girls and we just hung out at the house but Hannah wanted fried chicken,mashed potatoes,biscuits and succotash because Memaw won't make Lima beans for them..Their mom (my evil sister) moved down the street from them and they are not quit sure how to react.I was thankful she wasn't around for Easter just made the day more pleasant for everyone...

 Yardsales and flea markets are back in swing.So Wednesday is my only free day anymore.We have to pay for the whole month in advance now in order to keep our spot so if it rains we are out of luck.But the plus side is I don't have to leave at 4:30 am can wait till around 5:45 since I don't have to worry about getting a good spot....

I haven't posted on Dad for awhile because I received a few rude comments well actually 2.But so many of you email and ask that I decided to not let a few people whom have no compassion get me down...Dad has 2 weeks of Chemo left then has to go for a full body scan hopefully he'll be cancer free (keep praying).The colostomy bag still gets in his way but he his getting better with it.He has been working a day here and there and it hurts him alot with the surgery and being down for so long his muscles need built back up but he does push a little to hard.We talked to the Dr and he said do what you think you can handle.The thing is dad has not taken the morphine or other pain meds except while in the hospital and right after which I think is a big plus that he has gotten through it without depending on the drugs...He still depends on me a little to much though.I think if he is able to work here and there he is able to do some of the things he ask of me.It takes alot out of my week doing his errands and such.Now don't get me wrong I would and will do anything he needs but some things I think he just is used to me doing and can do for himself now.I do have my own household to manage as well and just need to learn to start saying No sometimes...If his scan goes well and the Doctors release him to work he will going back to doing auctions..The Social Security still hasn't made a decision so I still struggle to help him with some of his bills and such.We did have his dr call one bill and tell them he has cancer and hasn't worked in a year so they put his back bill in suspend but I had to pay his gas bill the other day because he had a shut off notice..So I am looking that he will have a future now instead of the day to day like I was.We'll see after the chemo and scan....I have been visiting you all but just haven't been commenting much.My computer time is limited and life so busy right now but know I am visiting and enjoy my time spent with you.Oh I thought you would enjoy this online magazine it's free and has some wonderful ideas Spring Homestead  Hope you all are having a wonderful week!~Amy

Happy Easter

Just wanted to stop in and wish all my sweet friends and family a Happy Easter! I've been a busy little Bee and will be busy the next few days..Looking forward to Sunday at Grandma's old farmhouse..Hunting eggs with the girls and my nephews.We always have two dinners one at grandmas and one at home..

Above is the old stone church down the road from Grandma's I went there when I was very little.It always reminds me I'm almost home..Will visit with Dad on monday and take him a ham dinner over.In all of the hustle a bustle will take some time to reflect on the true meaning of this most Holy day.

So many of you and me have been struggling with issues and personal or medical problems.But Easter is a time for Rejoice.Just lay your troubles at the old rugged cross and he will see you through....John 3:16 For God so Loved the world that he gave his only begotten son..Rejoice and Bee Blessed!~Amy

Envelope Swap with Cindy

 I recently did a envelope swap hosted by Tam  These are so fun as you get a big padded envelope and fill it with little goodies.You would be surprised what can fit.I was excited to find out Cindy was my partner.I've followed her blog for a while but didn't know her real well so it was wonderful getting to know her better...She sent the sweet bee above it has little legs so it actually stands on it's own..Some handmade pins and a star pinkeep....

 Hand painted vintage rolling pin...

 And my very favorite a special linen Tea Towel with a bee skep stitchery and Bumble Bee Lane.It already found it's home in the kitchen we just spruced up.(pics soon promise) I hung it on the Pie Safe Cupboard door.....(you can click it to get a bigger pic)

 Cindy is such a nice person and I really enjoyed swapping with her.Thank you Tammy for hosting another fun swap and putting me with such a nice partner.Thank you Cindy for the sweet gifts I hope you enjoy yours as well.....I wanted to show you my weekend find as well.Not prim but I was so excited to have found it..

Poochie for girls.This was one of my favorites as a child,so who could resist..smile..I'm not keeping her but it was wonderful just to have the memory..Well it's been a busy week here and looks like I'll be busy the next few days.I need a PJ day badly..smile...Hope you all are having a wonderful week! ~Amy

Happy April Fools and Some Thank You's

 Happy April Fools Day! Hopefully non of you got pranked on..smile..It was a little chilly but we did market and had a great day.I sold most of my Kitchen clean out stuff and the Dazey Churn sold...Just wanted to stop in and Thank Steph She recently had a Easter giveaway and I was lucky enough to win.I tucked the little stitchery eggs in the above display.The little grubby eggs I gave to my friend who was tickled that I shared.And the little bunny will be going on the door in my shutter display...Thanks Steph stop over and visit her.....

 Kendra recently held a linen towel swap and Cynthia was my partner she stitched up this sweet bunny towel...

Thanks Kendra for hosting. Thanks Cynthia for being my partner.Well girls it's been a busy weekend so I'm going to relax.Have a wonderful Sunday!~Amy