Bumble Bee

Have a Bee utiful Day! Peek inside my antique Bee collection. A few treasures were gifts from friends..Love Bees and Beeskeps...

Reclaimed Counter

I just realized I forgot to show you the reclaimed counter/bar Hubby built me...

The chippy pale green wood is reclaimed from a local Farm porch that was torn down at the edge of our small town. Reclaimed slate top. And the metal tiles I have had tucked away for a few years....

Lots of extra storage which I needed.  The handles are the antique fence topper connectors and have a fleur de lis top. Love how I chose the materials and hubby put it into reality for me... So what have you all been up to? Finally spring here.I have most of the garden planted.A few veggies under lights inside for another week. I need to pick up a few perennials yet trying to add a few new things. . Been slowly thinning out the house and collections but seems soon as I get rid of something another thing comes in. My hubby is no help with this, he tries to talk me into keeping things I decide should go.Mostly antiques...smile....I hate cleaning but can't stand dirt so I endlessly try to downize.

Spring Gifts from Sandi

Wanted to Thank Sandi of the primitive skate blog for the wonderful Spring gifts.....

The little honey jar is amazing in person, sweet bumble bees etched into glass. Sandi did the transfer on the tea towel herself. Of course the doll I adore. Thank you Sandi everything was so thoughtful. Warm Blessings!~Amy

Spring Tidings Swap signup

The last two days have been a little glimpse of Spring although I love winter I am ready to be outside and planting in the dirt.....So last swap we had some new faces which was wonderful hoping to have a few more. This will be a open swap which means new members are welcome to join in after approval. To be approved you must have a active blog or facebook page that I can check out. This is for Farmhouse, Primitive and Colonial style decor so only sign up if you are into those styles. Our golden rule is Give as you'd want to receive. 

 This swap will require a Handmade Doll..The doll MUST be handmade but it can be bought or made by you. No mass import dolls. It must be at least 8 inches...

 There must be at least 3 additional items in the package. Those things can be purchased or handmade. It's Spring so think chicks, seeds, eggs, nest, herbs and flowers....

•  Rules~
• Sign up by March 19th   You can post this to your blog with a link here
• Mail by  April 12th please be on time
• It's not secret so once you have your partner email and say Hi!
• You must post a thank you after you receive your gifts.
• I do check up on everyone and run a safe swapping environment so only sign up if you enjoy giving. I do keep records of bad people and share if needed. 
• A few fillers from Walmart or dollar store are Ok but this is a higher quality swap so please take that into account and only for fillers.  

•  To sign up ~
• Leave a comment on this post
• Email me at cottageprims@hotmail.com  I will confirm receiving your info within 24 hours.
• Info needed
• Email
• Blog or Facebook 
• Address
• Favorites~ Like decorating style,colors,things you collect or enjoy
• Allergies or Dislikes?
• Any special things you enjoy? Tea, Candles, Pets, Sweets, Vintage Postcards. 

The pics are Etsy Artist if you want to check them out and are suggestions on types of things that the girls send. Let's have fun!~Amy

It's almost Thyme

 This week promises to be cold.Fresh fallen snow on the ground I don't mind I'm a nester and enjoy the coziness of home...I am looking forward to getting my hands in the dirt and tending the gardens. The little homestead farm I enjoy taking a drive to is having cutting fields this summer so excited to have fresh flowers. They also welcome Issaboo so she will enjoy sniffing the country and a snack after from the local farm shop. I have started to bring the Spring decor out inside.....

 Also have been going through and downsizing some.As I get older I realize there are better things to do than chase dust bunnies..smile.... I sold my farm table and antique zinc top dry sink and hubby has been working on a rustic bar/counter it's about 80% done.I'll show you soon...

I fell over the summer and hurt my knee.I thought it would get better but has not it's really bad so I will be going for a MRI.Please send healing prayers and vibes that some shots will be all that is needed. Life has been a little hectic the last 2 weeks here all finally worked out but for my swap girls it will probably be another week till I get the Spring swap posted. Hope you all are enjoying the last days of winter and looking forward to Springs promises.~Amy

Winter Swap with Danice

 Danice of Homespun Hannah's Blog sent me some wonderful gifts for the winter swap. Theme was Humble Hearts.. The red and white heart is actually quilted pieces.Just beautiful. Hand stitched ditty bag. Crow doll and pinkeep...

Little sewing box and journal which I needed because I have alot of new things starting.Also some vintage clothespin that I have yet to find,Hubby's cat No No has stole and hid them somewhere. Really that cat drives me crazy but Hubby loves him so he stays. To many stories to tell how bad he is...smile...Thank You Danice for swapping!

Happy Sunday!

Happy Sunday! Old stone church on the way to Grandma's house..I used to go to Sunday school her as a child. Getting ready for a walk in the park with the dogs. 40's today than another Arctic blast.. Indoor flea market went well.I had one table of Antiques then the rest was just a mix of stuff. Glad I took both because it drew in everyone. Had one crazy lady wait till I walked away to look at stuff try to get our address from my hubby. She told him I said she cold come go through the house and buy stuff. She even left her phone#. He said I can't believe you are letting people in your house.I of course never said it. I talked to her while she decided on a antique biscuit box which she talked me down on then had to borrow money to buy. Were she got the idea of coming in my house I have no clue. Other than that it was busy and I found a few small treasures. Have a great week friends!~Amy

Winter

Not much going on it's winter.. Always time for me to take a short rest. I did decide to do a small indoor flea market this weekend. I wasn't thinking a month ago about how cold it would be. It's supposed to be 20's and snow showers so I don't think many will venture out.If it were me I'd stay in my warm house...smile... I did manage to get a small load packed and ready to go/I'm mostly taking just general stuff to clean out and one table of antiques and primitives that I don't much care about and willing to give good deals...I am excited to see one vendor that will be there so I can buy, I guess it's good I can recoup some of what I spend. Made homemade granola for the first time. I'm watching my sugar and found a recipe that was all natural.I always thought it would be hard but it was easy peasy. It is sooo good. It's just oats, honey,peanut butter, pure vanilla extract, a dash of sea salt and I added some pecans.Now when I'm craving something to grab I don't have to feel quilty or worry what's in it....Hope everyone is enjoying some winters rest.I've been enjoying some crafting, reading and lots of warm cuppa's.

Weekend

Snowy weekend ahead and then ice and Arctic blast.I'll be staying cozy inside with my warm cuppa in hand. Stack of magazine's and Issaboo cuddled in with me.  Hope you all have a cozy weekend ahead!~Amy

Last Call Humble Heart Swap sign up

Need info by tomorrow 1/13 for sign up. Could use at least one more person. To join in the fun Click here for rules and info

Wednesday 1/9/2019

Just stopping in to wish everyone a happy Wednesday! Still seems so weird it's 2019, I can remember as a child thinking 2020 would be some weird Space Age time. Although we have so much technology now, I guess we kind of just grow with it and it becomes common everyday to us. Although I do enjoy some aspects my heart still loves the simpler things. Taking Joy today in the little things.Warm Blessings!~Amy

P.S. Humble Heart swap is posted click here for details  to join in the fun!

Humble Heart Swap Sign Up

 First swap of the New Year! You can put the pic and link on your blog. Would love to have some new friends join in. This will be a open swap but it is for Primitive, Colonial and Farmhouse decorating lovers. Also the golden rule is you must like to give as well as receive. We are a small group and have not had bad seeds.I do check up on new members before approval to keep it Fun and Safe for everyone....

 Swap Rules

• Sign up by 1/13/19
• Mail by 2/6/19
• Must have a blog or facebook page that I can check out.I prefer blog but do realize some people do not blog only read others. If you are new I will check and approve you.This is to keep everyone safe.
• Package must contain 4 items.Yes you can send more most do.
• This is not a Valentine swap it is general everyday items but you can include Valentine.
• One item in your box must be a heart or have a heart motif
• Two items must be handmade. You can buy or hand make it yourself but must be handmade.
• No dollar store stuff. This is a quality swap. Give as you'd like to receive
• There is not a dollar amount set because you can not put a amount on handmade items. 
• It is not a secret swap so when you get your info.Email your partner and say Hi!
• After receiving your swap you must post a thank you.If you only facebook let your partner know so she can post a pic of both sides of the swap. I really don't want it posted to Facebook as I want to keep our group smaller.
• USA only at this time 

• To sign up comment here. Then email me at cottageprims@hotmail.com   with the following (you can copy and paste)
• your name and address
• email 
• blog or facebook
•  Please include if you have any allergies or dislikes 
• A short list of styles, favorite things etc. 
• You will be contacted by your partner so you can discuss with them as well. As always I will send you a confirmation letting you know I received your sign up within 24 hours.

The images are suggestions for types of items to send and have their Etsy shop name if you want to check out the shop. Any questions I'm here to help.Let's have fun!~Amy

Back to normal

Slowly easing back into the everyday normal after all of the holiday rush. Christmas decor tucked away. House cleaned. Fresh new starts. Hope you all are having a wonderful week!

New Year New Starts

Happy New Year! Well I've been neglecting this blog for awhile due to health,then surgery.I'm finally recovered and with the New Year feel like everything is a bright new start. I miss all my wonderful connections. I've been doing Facebook but it is not as personal. So this year I'm going to spend alot more time with you my friends..smile...Also we will be getting back to regular swap schedules and will hopefully see some new faces and meet new friends. I will be posting the Heart of Winter swap this weekend. So here's wishing you all a wonderful New Year full of possibilities and joy!~Amy

Winter Swap?

Hi Girls! Seems like most of the regular circle is moving to instagram and facebook so I wanted to see how many are interested in a winter swap? It would be mailed the middle of January.If I get at least 6 people interested I'll get it posted for sign ups..It used to be 25+ joined in but lately it hasn't been many joining in. If you want me to host The Heart of Winter Swap please comment so I can see if we have enough this time. Hope everyone is enjoying some cozy time before the Holiday rush!

Autumn Decor and last call for ornie swap

 Hi Friends! Just stopping to share a few pics around the house of my fall decorating. I have been enjoying the season. Took the girls to a corn maze last week and we got lost for over a hour. Finally I told them and hubby I was going my way and we were out in 10 minutes...smile... We were going to do the night one with flashlights I was so glad we decided not too.

 Not alot happening my way just getting ready for the long winter ahead..Sometimes feel like a squirrel running around gathering nuts but I know the cozy nesting season is soon.....

 Hubs found the metal scarecrow at a estate sale and bought it home to me....Love it....

 The annual ornament swap is posted.Just wanted to let you know there is still time to join in the fun.. This used to be the biggest swap and so much fun but with so many moving to Facebook instead of blogging I only have about 7 girls. If you want to join in Click Here for details  All are welcome.

Well girls hope you are enjoying Autumn. I've been making sure to take some time and relax with a warm cup of tea a few times a week. Lighting the candles as the eves are coming in earlier. Today will be baking some Pumpkin cinnamon rolls and taking some out to Grandma's old farmhouse. Warm Blessings!~Amy

Homespun ornie swap sign up

 Reposting for those that missed it....... Hi girls! It's time for our Homespun Ornament Swap. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun as long as you follow the rules posted below...Alot of the swaps I host are closed to regulars so this is a good way to get in on the fun and be able to join in on the seasonal swaps...You are welcome to copy the above image with a link back to this post to post on your blog...The images below are ideas on what to send. All are Etsy sellers with their names posted with the ornament so you can visit their shop....

 Rules~

• You must be a follower of my blog (new followers are welcome)
• The ornies must be handmade you can purchase or make them but they must be handmade
• You can send 1-4 ornies how ever many you send is what will be returned to you.
• Open to USA The postal rates have went up so you must include with your package a check, money order or of course cash makes no enemies (we have never had any problems with loss in the mail)..  $7  for the return shipping of the ornies...If there is any money left it will go to the local food bank which gives out Christmas dinners for families.Some will be over some under but it usually evens out in the end
• You must include a return address label or hand written paper so I can mail it back to you. 
• Ornies must be packaged with a tag on each one that has your blog url so people can thank you when they post the Thank You post
• 
  
• They must be in clear bag (ziplock or cellophane) so I can see them
• Must be mailed by Nov 5th for US...
• I'll be sorting and shipping so it reaches you by Thanksgiving week...I do not keep track of who gets whos ornies. It is the receivers responsibility to Thank the girls either via a blog post or email.
•                       

• All are welcome but this is a primitive,country,colonial, farmhouse swap so only sign up if you like those styles
• To sign up leave a comment on this post then email me for my address after checking your blog(I'm only checking for spammers) I will email my address to you. My email is cottageprims@hotmail.com I will email you back within 48 hours if you do not hear back from me it didn't reach me so try again.
• If your package does not arrive to me before Nov 10th I will have to return to sender.Let's get them mailed on time.

Any questions I'm here to help. Let's have fun.~Amy

Thank You Wendy and Jessica

 Wanted to stop in and Thank the lovely ladies who joined in the Harvest Gatherings swap. Seems sadly blogging in going by the wayside.I miss the community we used to share in so many kindred spirits..So we only had the 3 of us this time so I swapped with both girls. First is Wendy Ravenwood Whimzies.blogspot.com   She knows I love black dolls and pumpkins so she created the adorable doll. Yummy chocolates to nibble....Below adorable black cat with little mouse rider,teas for Fall.I adore a warm cup of tea. Paddle Board with pheasant...

 and a wonderful crow on pumpkin wreath...Thank You Wendy for everything you have been a wonderful friend over the years....

 Jessica http://oldcrowhomestead.blogspot.com/ sent such wonderful things as well.....

 I love the little Jack pin keep she made above...She also spoiled me with some sea salt caramel..

Doll, Acorn Tuck,Incense stix, Pumpkins and fall accents. Beautiful gifts from friends.Thank you girls so much!

Surprise from a friend

 Wanted to share the sweet surprise from my friend Janice https://primsbythewater.blogspot.com She sent me some wonderful Fall goodies.I absolutely love everything.Of course No No loved them to and had to cuddle them....

Thank you so much for the kind gifts Janice.It's so wonderful to have a kindred spirit like you for a friend!

Homespun Ornie Swap Sign Up

http://bumblebeelanecottage.blogspot.com/2018/08/annual-homespun-ornie-swap-sign-up-all.html?showComment=1535421358998#c1879163927577699174
Hi girls! The ornie swap is posted. Click link above to go to sign up page!