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Simple Ramblings From A Prim Cottage


Friday, February 18, 2011

Cotton Batting Rag Ball Tutorial

Alot of you asked me how these rag balls were made after see them on display chain.I already made up a ton so I'm not going to make more so here is a super easy tutorial so you can make your own.... You'll need some nappy cottom batting some of you call it warm and natural...Some jute string...A bowl with coffee stain ( I use instant coffee and water) I added some cinnamon but you don't need to it's optional...A cookie sheet covered in Aluminum foil...Preheat oven to warm or around 225

Cut pieces of batting big pieces for big or smaller for little ones. Wad up into a ball (no trick here just wading like a piece of paper) Wrap the ball in jute by twisting sparsely around the Wad.Tie jute in knot.It won't look perfect yet. Now dip the ball in your coffee mix.Smooth any lose tips on the batting by pressing a little while wet it should lay tight now. After dipping put on foil covered cookie sheet and bake till dry normally about 45 minutes just check them may take a little longer or a little less.I also like to turn mine once in a while to get more even grunge.See super easy. Warm Blessings!~Amy

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Tuesdays Display Chain ~ Rags

Todays display chain is Rags..In days of old when people 'Made Do" Rags were saved for sewing and stuffing later.Mothers would sew rag dolls for the little ones..Feed and Flour sacks were made into dresses..Cheesecloth used to drain cheese and wrap things that needed air..Fabric scraps used for crazy quilts..And some tattered and torn things are held dearly just for the reminder of the comfort they brought.We prim lovers gather and collect these things for the warm feelings they bring and the softness it adds to our beloved not perfect decor....Above small mohair bear with crazy quilt wings....Below simple muslin bundle in the old store cupboard....
Homespun Rag Balls.....
Reproduction slave doll..Stuffed with rags and straw....Old burlap pants...
Cotton Batting Scraps prim and grungy tied off with string....
Scrap of homespun covering a old book....
Old flour sack...
Antique Quilt lovingly handsewn with many rag scraps...

Hope you enjoyed my rags. Teresa is hosting our display chain for Misi today http://deppenhomestead1862.blogspot.com/ So stop over and visit and enjoy the other links to the chain.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Monday, February 14, 2011

Love is in the air!!

Happy Valentines Day my wonderful friends! Hope your day is filled with LOVE!
Of course a little unexpected romance....

Remember to give freely of your heart.....
Enjoy simple Bliss and Joys everyday!!!
Plenty of Hugs and Love to the ones we care so much for...Such little things mean so much..Share it..Warm Hearts are contagious and spread so easily.....

Keep Valentines in your daily life....Smile...Hope..Love..Dream...Todays is a new begining..Enjoy it to the fulliest...

Wishing you much Bliss!! Warm Hugs!~Amy

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Auction Finds

Good morning! Well it's been a hectic week here.I been helping hubby finish up his house flip he's doing for a real estate agent.I've been mostly cleaning but let me tell you the house is huge! When you have to sweep then mop hardwood floors like 5 times to get all the dust from the construction up it is tiring..Plus I've been doing alot of running this week..I did fit in some pleasure though and wanted to share my finds with you....This water can with the long spout I found at the antique mall.It was on sale so I got it for only $22 I've wanted one for a long time but they are hard to find in good shape for under $50 so I was happy!!!! I went to auction yesterday.I'm not much on auctions, I go occasionally.I'm the type who likes to be able to grab what I want and go.Sitting through all the glassware and junk bores me and waiting hours only to be outbid drives me nuts.When I seen this auction preview though I had to go.They had a good bit of primitives,firkins,blue decorated crocks,wood bowls,early tin candle molds,old baskets,yelloware,pewter and tons of early country americana!! Hubby told me if I see something go ahead and bid a little more than I usually do.Things were going high though and truth be told I'm holding on a little more because I worry a little about the economy.Plus I know spring is coming and I'll be out every week and will come across the things I want eventually for the prices I want to pay or I'll be able to barter when I set up at fleamarket with other dealers...Plus a good bit of the stuff I already have,I would like more but not if I have to pay more than it's worth.Like I have 5 firkins in my collection.The firkins at auction went for around $160 and dealers bought them.I would not pay that for myself much less expect to be able to resell it.Anyway on to the things I did buy.....Oh I adore high button childs shoes! I bidded these a little high but I really wanted them....
The doiley was in a junk lot..The wood shoe last/forms are rare because you never find a matching pair plus they are childs size so sweet!..Below is assortment of things..
The punched tin latern is a big one..I've been wanting one, now I just have to figure out were to hang it.It is electric and not old...Little oiler..Wood handle chopper..Turks head tin pudding mold(I plan to sell it) ...and a what is it? piece hubby bought.If you know what it is let me know...
I also bought a box with old valentines..paperdolls and a victorian poem book..But my camera batteries died so here is one of the valentines..Now I just need to find some places for everything.I haven't had much zest for decorating lately..I have about 2 boxes of stuff I need to rearrange and find places for.I think tuesday when I get my spring stuff out it will inspire me a little.Plus I need a me day with all the running plus trying to keep up with general home stuff I haven't had much time to play...Note to self schedule a Play day...LoL
My dear friend Robin http://primitivehutch.blogspot.com/ recently had a giveaway.She had a surprise second prize for the people who helped spread the word and I won!! Here is what she sent a little raggedy doll and cross stitched valentine pillow which I love..Thanks Robin! Stop over and visit her she is such a nice person!

I want to welcome all my new followers.Take some time to look around and get to know me.I'm getting real close to 200 so I'm going to start planning a spring giveaway.Warm Blessings!~Amy