Monday, July 13, 2009

Annies Annies Everywhere ...I'm making so many I just had to share......

Good morning all! I've been busy, busy ,busy with my latest special requests and you won't believe what seems to be the "HOT ITEM" right now.....It is Raggedy Annies! I have had few women from my local area that is just so taken with Annies that she has started a collection that I would just LOVE to see myself. All I know right now is that she has requested two Annies. One is a summer Annie on a swing that would be for her daughter for a Christmas gift, and also an Annie and Andy doll that she wanted for herself. In the meantime another woman that works at the same as the woman #1 heard that I'm making Annies and wanted a Annie of color that would be on a swing for a Christmas gift for her daughter! Just remember for every doll I make...I do two. Only the Annie and Andy set I didn't! I started with my Americana Annie that included two political pillows and a doll pin.I have posted in my Etsy and The Olde Primitive Sister's Marketplace prior to get other requests for this same doll! HELP...that Annies are taking over my garage room! Now here is a visual....







Now picture these three dolls plus their doubles and only one Annie and Andy above. Sizeable dolls aren't they? Well you can imagine finding room for all of them to sit in my sewing room. LOL

Not only have I been working on Annies. I do things in a big way and almost always make extras in case the first sets sell quickly. I also worked on witch doll ornies that I am saving a set for the next celebration for OFG and will post in The Olde Primitive Sister's Marketplace soon! I had only made 12 but when you put them out end to end they almost look like an army of witches!



Well unless I get more requests I guess it is time to work on a couple of black cat and crow shelf sitters. I'll be posting the summer Annie and Annie of color on one of my sites soon too! So be watching!!

Etsy:

www.willowtreetreasures.etsy.com



OPSG Marketplace:



WWW.OLDPRIMITIVESISTERS.COM
Visit Old Primitive Sisters Today!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Pictures of Brandon and Nicole's Wedding June 27th 2009!




Good morning all! I'm here today to share the wonderful wedding that took place on June 27th. My son, and his beautiful fiance ,have made their commitment permanent and have begun their lives together as man and wife! The wedding ceremony , as you will see , was magical and the most beautiful event that I have ever witnessed! Nicole's mother is a florist in Canada and does beautiful work! As you'll see the color theme was white, lavendar, latte brown, black, and sage! The bridesmaids wore latte colored dresses that were silky in texture....almost like an actual silk. The bride wore a white lace dress with a shimmering diamond type brooch adorning her middle. It had a 1940's appeal to it with the head apparel that was a netting and feather as its accent! All the gals looked so beautiful and amazing! All the gals have very shapely figures and really made their outfits work for them. The following are the pictures of the bridesmaids and the bride. The bridesmaids included both of Nicole's sisters and a long time friend of Nicole's!







The ushers were some of Brandon's best friends during college and a few were in bands with Brandon. This is a great group of guys and as you can see....they all were very close to stand by Brandon on this very important day! The men wore black pants and coats with a tan vest and multicolored ties. The cutest part were their shiny shoes! They were so proud of those!








Here are pictures of Mary's work as a florist! I've never seen more beautiful flowers in all my life! The arrangement included purple roses, orchids, hydrangea and greenery. I apologize for I'm not very knowledgeable about flowers but know that the flowers came from many different countries. Her mother located some of the most "eye catching flowers" and put them in the most beautiful vases! These vases later were made as centerpieces for each table as we ate.









The dinner was so luscious and provided anyone with any taste with a meal that best suited them. We had a choice of chicken with a cheese sauce, beef with a wine sauce or a veggie meal. This included a salad, rolls and a rich chocolate desert at the end! Sorry to say I didn't get any pictures of my plate of food...but believe me it was out of this world!

In the beginning of the ceremony Brandon presented Nicole with a song that he wrote just for her! Brandon is very much into music and this addition truly made this special event his own!





Then came the cake that was cut and then presented with the pizza much later in the evening after the dancing had begun! It was a superb idea to have the cake's look take after the common theme thoughout the entire event. The invitations, website they had for the U.S. citizens that were to attend the wedding all had this idea running though it! What a great idea and really made everything flow from the invitations on......






My mom and dad...Brandon's grandma and pappa... were alittle unsure about the trip but always have stood by Brandon's side. We had gone all back roads to make this possible for them...but it wouldn't have been the same without them there!





My sister and her husband had gone to Maine to celebrate their 28th year anniversary and came all the way from Maine to Canada to attend as well and we certainly were glad that they made the time to take part. No picures of this couple but I'll be adding it once I get a hold of more pictures! Sorry Amy and Gary!


Then as the evening began Nicole and Brandon had the first dance! Their love is certainly something from a storybook and this day will be etched into my mind forever! This young couple put off their desires to begin a life until the time was right and now will be reaping the benefits of it! May their love grow and their futures be everything they want them to be! Nicole will be teaching at Indiana University of Pa for the nutrition department fulltime and Brandon will continue teaching for the Intermediate Unit, based out of Altoona and my worries about making that turn is now over! I couldn't be more happy for them and all they have accomplished and know that good things will be coming their way! Again, dad and I love you both and can't wait to hear about your honeymoon and everything else that happened when we left Canada!






A thank you goes to Mary and Russ....Margret and Carl, Nicole's mom and dad/ grandma and grandfather, for the most wonderful time being with them! You each are so special and couldn't have asked for more than the kindness you have shown us during our visit! To my mom and dad for standing firm to be there regardless of any insecurities you felt about the trip and Amy and Gary, my sister and her husband, for going out of their way to attend! Sally, my husband's mom, was a dream to take care of my 3 cats when we left and left with no worries of them having the best of treatment while we were gone! You all mean the world to us! Thank you!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Just adjusted some prices in my Etsy shop!





Good morning all! As you can expect I am running around like a wee doggy in a suit all armored up.... (I'm short but mighty)... ,to secure my business and website shop, before I leave for Canada for my son's big day. I just wanted to let you know that I have reduced "some" of prices in my Etsy shop. (Including the items I have just listed for the Summer/ 4th of July celebration happening in OFG.) Please come in and take a look at the savings! These savings will only be good until Sunday June 21st sooooo HURRY before their gone! I hope you find something that will be just the perfect item to add to your home decor! I am now heading over to the Olde Primitive Sister's Marketplace next and will have some prices that will be reduced there so come see me as I break a sweat!LOL Enjoy and have a wonderful day!


MY ETSY SHOP LINK:
www.willowtreetreasures.etsy.com


OLDE PRIMIVE SISTER'S MARKETPLACE LINK:
http://www.oldprimitivesisters.com/shops/

under willowtreetreasures

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

OFG is now having their Summer and 4th of July Celebration!

Hello all! I just wanted you to know that the OFG team, from Etsy, is having their Summer and 4th July Celebration right now! All the artists have been busy making items to bring these two celebrations together for your enjoyment! Come and take a look! Just put "SCOFG" in your search and start early with your summer/patriotic decorating! Enjoy!


Etsy:
www.etsy.com

My Shop:
www.willowtreetreasures.etsy.com

Monday, June 8, 2009

The wedding of the year is just about here!




Good morning all! I am contacting you today because: first of all the special news I have to share, and second an early notice of some days that I won't be around to answer any questions about my items on "The Olde Primitive Sister's Marketplace" website and my Etsy shop items. I will not be here to email any people that should decide to purchase from me during these dates because I will be in Canada attending my son's wedding. I will check any information as soon as I get home and will get back to you A.S.A.P as soon as I'm home again and thank you for your patience while I'm gone. I've decided to keep my Etsy shop open for any hearting that will be done or any convos that can be sent. Here are the dates that I will NOT be available:*** June 26-June 29th***. Please keep record of these dates for your own information! I will send you an email to you when I'm back and ready to carry out any duty that hasn't been carried out...so just put this under your hat when you don't get an immediate response back. Thank you!


My son has been with Nicole for about 7 years. I remember Brandon coming home and saying that he was involved with a foreign exchange student and they have taken a liking to each other and wanted Nicole to come to dinner. We all hit is off so well! Nicole is highly intellegent, goal oriented, and totally focused on being the best she can be. At first I don't know that she knew how she felt about being so far away from home and out of her familiar surroundings, not to mention in a different country. She is a strong gal because she has managed all this time in the U.S. after being born and raised in Canada and having a love of family and missing hers greatly I'm sure she went through alot emotionally that we just couldn't comprehend. They met during their very first day of college and went through 4 years together and then went to Indiana, Pa for Nicole to work on her master's degree while Brandon has taken a teacher's job out of Altoona for an Intermediate unit. He plans to return to school to obtain his masters degree soon while getting better settled where he is or may look for work in a local Elementary, middle school, or highschool for a new job. We are always trying to guess what will happen next in his new and upcoming plans for their futures to expand, deepen and develop now that they are both on their way to starting a career that will last the rest of their lives. The tricky part will to coincide jobs so they both will feel fullfilled leaving them both happy and satisfied that they both end up in jobs , and in a location , that make them both happy!

Nicole's mother is owns a flower shop in Canada and has catered many weddings. The big difference is that this time it will be for one of her daughters! We have repeatedly offered our help to Nicole to fill in the blanks with her mother on the wedding plans but this has been so natural for her...there hasn't been a need at this point to do but sit and wait! We also ran into some problems with planning the rehearsal dinner so we put that issue in the hands of Brandon and Nicole , because they know their favorite restaurants in the area and could more easily work with the owners on any specials for this event. We gave them the money and it worked out like a charm. They made the plans and ordered their meal options and now it is ready to go! Thank goodness for small favors!

This is quite a time for me...with Brandon being my only child! I'll have to remember boxes of tissues! I'm sure tears will flow as I see my son for the first time ,with being the woman in his life that is like a side course. Nicole will be the woman that will take her important role as wife, future mother, companion and the woman of Brandon's affections. They will be a team that will come out of this wonderful joining of hearts, lives and futures! You can see the love and commitment between them and it does my heart good to see such great young people...that have so much going for them...be so happy and beginning their settling down of the fast paced lives they have been living!

Dad and I love you and Nicole. We wish you the happiest of lives! I guess I'll be saying this again on the wedding day but if you should read this just know We are proud of the both of you and your accomplishments and hope that your futures are everything you want them to be, as indviduals, and as a married couple! Love you forever! MOM

Thursday, June 4, 2009

I've just rejoined a great Web Site.....



WWW.OLDPRIMITIVESISTERS.COM
Visit Old Primitive Sisters Today!



Good morning all! I just wanted to let you know that I've just joined a wonderful artist website with a group of fine artists from the Ebay group OPSG, Olde Primitive Sisters Group. I welcome you to come see my items that I've put under WillowTree Treasures and take a look at all the website has to offer! There are great names that are well known to the online circuit craft sites...not to mention Ebay and Etsy! The site is super easy to navigate, the setup is amazingly attractive the the items that these artists create are, by far, the best quality items I have seen since I have entered into the primitive world! Come see what they have to offer and enjoy the world of Primitive Crafts and Art! It will be an experience that you won't soon forget! Above is the banner to this site to click on and below is the link so you can get there also. Pick they way you want to go and have fun! Hope to see you there!


Olde Primitive Sister's Marketplace Craft Mall:

http://www.oldprimitivesisters.com/shops/

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

New items just put into my shop!



Hello all! I have some quick news for you today! I have just listed three more items into my Etsy shop and invite you to come take a look! One item is the cutest door greeter by Threadbare primitives. It is a bee holding her hive to put on your door or to place on a shelf. I just love how her face turned out and how cute this creation looks hanging on my door! Yes I made one for myself!LOL

The second item is a Raggedy Annie and Mammy pillow tuck, bowlfiller or ornie set. Whatever you call them they are just the greatest in a bowl, tucked away on a shelf or in anywhere that needs a little decoration. Please come take a look at these for they are a heart grabber!LOL Enjoy and have a great day!


Lastly, I have added a pattern that I had created myself and then constructed, copyright 2008. That is of a small Scottish Terrier dog. If you love dogs and have a special liking for Scottish Terriers...this item maybe for you!


My Etsy Shop Link: http://www.willowtreetreasures.etsy.com




Thursday, May 14, 2009

Hurry , Hurry, Hurry Mommy B's Front Porch is having a Give A Way!!!!!

I am soo excited! I just signed up to try for one of Momma B's Front Porch Give-A-ways! If you haven't seen her work you truly should! She is the most amazing painters I have ever seen! Everything she makes is a work of art and would be a pure honor to have anything she makes in your home! She is currently having a give-a-way of a beautiful napkin holder that is the most beautiful piece that I've put my eyes on. Anyone that goes into her blog and makes a comment will be put into the pot of potential winners of this amazing piece of work! You'll fall in love with this napkin holder, just as I have, when you feast your eyes on its beauty. If you post the give-a-way on your blog you get another chance to win and if you can find other places to post this happening you get even another chance! Just inform her of where you are posting and she will give out extra chance to win! I feel this is a VERY generous offer ,and of course, I took full advantage of posting other places to inform others... that truly LOVE handmade items... of this opportunity! Please do yourself a favor and take a look at a beautiful blog, take a look at her other wonderful creations and see her give a way opportunity today! It will be well worth your time and effort to try for this wonderful piece of art! The winner will be chosen June 1st so hurry before this passes you by! I have left her link to allow you to make a speedy travel to her blog to sign up right now and to look at her other art in her Etsy shop ....so I'll drop this information and then get out of your way! LOL Good luck everyone!



MommaBs.FrontPorch Blog/Etsy Links:

http://mommabsfrontporch.etsy.com
http://mommabsfrontporch.blogspot.com/

Thursday, May 7, 2009

New Americana Raggedy Annie has just be posted for sale in my Etsy shop!

Hello all! I just wanted to let you know of a new doll set that I just added to my shop in Etsy. She is an Americana Annie that has a handmade Annie pin and handmade political pillows with her. Please come and take a look at the new addition! The OFG team is planning another celebration, actually two, that will be posted on June 10th. Just put scofg into your search and you should find all of the Summer and Americana goodies these artists have in store for you! I have made up an extra 6 items to add to my shop at this time but will leave it a surprise what you will find! I'll leave you with a picture of Americana Annie, the set, and go to my shop to see more pictures and get the information on this gathering of handmade items!







MY Etsy Shop Link:

http://www.willowtreetreasures.etsy.com

Monday, May 4, 2009

The fateful day of choosing the winner for Flower Annie is here and I have a winner to announce.......

Good morning all! I got up this morning and cut all the strips of names up in single strips of paper and placed them in a bowl and mixed them all around! As I closed my eyes and placed the bowl above my head for choosing I just wanted to let all participants of my give a way know how much I have appreciated them all for taking part and truly wish I had something to give each and everyone of you! All I can do is let you know there will be more give a ways coming and will do my best to inform you when they are taking part and pray that all of you will come back to give it another try when it happens. Thank you so much for making this one so special you all mean so much to me!

Well here we go....................

The name that I got out of the bowl this morning was LITTLE DUCK! CONGRATULATIONS Little Duck you are the winner of my flower Annie doll and thank you for putting a comment on my comment page. You have now become a proud owner of a little girl that will hopefully touch your heart and warm your home! I'll be sending you a personal email to the address you sent me to send you this message and will be needing you to send me your address so I can send this right out to you! Again..... CONGRATS!
I couldn't be happier for you!


Well I will leave on this note for today and just so you know EVERYONE that left by signing with a comment, became a follower or signed my guestbook during this time was added to the list of potential winners. There ended up being quite a thorough list and thank you all for becoming part of my life! HUGS..... Have a wonderful day all!

Etsy Shop
http://www.willowtreetreasures.etsy.com

More items will be added in my shop soon so please keep a watch. You are about to see more items listed soon!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Winner of the Annie the Flower doll will be done this Monday May4th!

Hello everyone! I just wanted to remind you that I will have the winner of the Flower Annie picked this Monday....May 4th. I will be away for the weekend to visit my son in Indiana, Pa to attend his fiance's graduation of her master's degree and will be back Sunday night...May 3rd. Just in time to have the winner chosen on Monday! So remember there is still time to add your name to the comments section, don't forget a return email to get back to the winner, and I'm pulling for everyone! You all have been so great with signing up for my give-a-way and I appreciate it more than I can say! I hope you all had fun and don't give up I will keep you well informed for my next give-a-way and invite you all to try again. I had a great time and thank you all for participating, leaving your return addresses, and writing such wonderful comments, becoming followers and signing my guestbook! I treasure all of you! I'll see you all Monday and I will post the winner and then send an email to the email you left me! Each of you mean the world to me! Thank you for being such angels and supporting this effort in making this give-a-way something so special! HUGS

My Etsy shop:

http://willowtreetreasures.etsy.com

See you Monday!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Give -a_way....please come and join the fun!

Good morning all! How was your Easter? I hope it was the best ever!

I am here today to announce a give-a-way that I am having. This is my very first event such as this and am anxious to see how I can do at it. What you will win is a very seasonal Annie flower doll that would be the perfect addition to any home that is working hard to get ready for the "true" spring surroundings..including flowers! If you have more of a brown thumb than a green thumb...such as myself...this is the item for you! An occasional hug will help her feel loved and cared for ...but no water is needed and needing the sun is optional! Meet the cutie that I'm talking about......

....this is Annie the flower doll!















She stands 15" tall from the top of her pink head petals to the bottom of her feet and the best way to bring a little happiness to a small area! She is from a Sweet Meadows Farm pattern and is just too cute!

Now for the details of how to win her! All you have to do is write a comment in this post and include your name and a *email addy where I can reach the winner of this adorable doll. (Feel free to sign my guestbook, become a follower of my blog posts or follow me in twitter while you're here ....but you don't have to!) and I will add this information to the pot of names to be chosen from on May 4th! That's it! Now all you can do is wait!LOL *** This is just in time for Mother's Day...hint..hint!

I thank everyone who has read my blog today and thank the people who have chosen to participate! I sincerely wish all of you the best of luck! I will announce the winner, here on my blog and will send a personal email message to the address you leave me to notify the winner for home address information and to give you the specifics of your winnings being sent! Please help me help you...please remember the return email addy to contact you back...and your name please!

Thank you again for you time this morning and I hope you have a day of smiles and sunshine!

By the way......the contest begins.......N-O-W!!!

http://www.willowtreetreasures.etsy.com

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Happy Easter Everyone!


(This antique card was one of the free items on NorthWindStar's blog...checkout the great cookie on a stick recipe she has listed also! I'm sure you will absolutely enjoy yourself on her GREAT blog! LINK: http://northwindstar-primitives.blogspot.com/ )

Tomorrow is GOOD FRIDAY and SUNDAY is EASTER. I wish all of you a wonderful,warm and joyous holiday! Enjoy yourselves with family, friends and all the people that mean so much to you during this time!

I admit that I have been in a mental block during this time trying to prepare myself for my son's wedding at the end of June. My heart has not been into creating right at this time but hope the "spark" will come back after the holidays and I will dig my heels into a new creation! So don't give up on me...not much has been happening right now ...but expect that to change in the next week or two!

Remember my 10% off sale will be over with on Easter day so.... go in and check to see what I have to see if something my shop has what you have been looking for. That little special something that could go to the someone special in your life!

I plan to have a give-a-way soon after Easter too so keep watch so that you can be one that has a chance at what I will have to offer some lucky recipient! I will post this at a later date! Have a great day!

ETSY SHOP:

Http://www.willowtreetreasures.etsy.com

Monday, March 23, 2009

***SHOP SALES- EASTER SAVINGS- SPRING DECORATING FOR LESS


******************************IMPORTANT NEWS**************************




My shop is now having a Pre-Easter Sale with a savings of 10%! from today until Easter DAY ,April 12th! Convo. me concerning the item(s) you are interested in and I will take 10% off your items "BEFORE" you make payment! I will get back to you A.S.A.P to make the changes! Have fun browsing!


(International sales will be included in this sale ...so please contact me for an estimate to cover shipping and handling costs before payment is made! Thanks!) All purchases must be done with U.S.funds!




WILLOWTREE TREASURES ETSY SHOP!

http://www.willowtreetreasures.etsy.com

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Cupcake Doll Series has been added to my Etsy Shop!


















Good morning everyone! I have some exciting news for you today! What readers here LOVE CUPCAKES? Wouldn't it be nice if we could have a bunch of cupcakes and they didn't end up everywhere we don't want them....I'm not talking crumbs on the couch, all over the kitchen floor, or all over the counter top...but on your hips and thighs! I may just have the answer to this problem! I have purchased a pattern from "Homespun from the Heart" and found the most adorable pattern of cupcake annie dolls and went crazy! I just had to have it and bought it in a epattern. I got right into the pattern and started right off with making my first four dolls. My mind went wild with all the flavors of cupcakes that could be made and quickly started by picking flavors so I would know what color fabric, yarn and felt I would be in need of. I decided on an Andee Candy , Sweet Cherry Pie, Cocoa Fudge, and a Carmel Latte Cupcake and went to get all the supplies I would need to complete these cupcake dolls! What fun I had putting these together and making each one different looking, yet the same, and trying to wait patiently until they were finished to see the end result! I am now adding this as a special section of my Etsy Shoppe and will continue to make other flavors of cupcakes as time goes on! The fun thing is fragranced sprays can be added to each cupcake to enhance the flavors that are chosen. Mine have not been given a fragrance but may look into doing that for the near future! Thank you Homespun from the Heart for creating such a wonderful doll pattern and a very exciting creation idea of starting a doll series carrying this idea! You can see the creator's website by visiting the following link:


Cupcake Doll Creator Site:

http://www.homespunfromtheheart.com



Now here are the dolls you will find in my version of the wonderful cupcake dolls and hope you enjoy! If you have any ideas for flavors of cupcakes that you are fond of feel free to leave a comment and let me know what your ideas are! Maybe your ideas will find their way to the drawing board and I will make this doll and add that it was inspired by the person that suggested it so don't forget your name and website you would like to promote so I can give you a plug! Have a fun time...for I had a ball!


Come visit the Cupcake Doll Collection at the following link:

http://www.willowtreetreasures.etsy.com


Come back and I'll keep you informed of upcoming flavors that will be making their grand appearance soon in my Etsy Shop!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

The Spring Celebration is going on right now in Etsy!


Hello readers! I am soo very sorry that I've run a little behind on my posts and will try to get you caught up right now! The Olde Farmhouse Gathering Team , OFG, is currently having a Spring Celebration and all of the wonderful spring items can be found by putting Spring Celebration OFG in the search at Etsy! If you want to get off to a GREAT start in your home decorating for the spring season this is your chance! I have posted a few of my items in with the other members and will keep it a suprise what you will find! It just gets your imagination running doesn't it? Go in today and take a look at all the spring items that this group has been working on for this special celebration! You won't be sorry!

NOTE: We were going to have a celebration for Easter items but the two have now been combined so you will find many more items by putting OFGSC in your Etsy search. (My items total 8 but one item has been sold already so now be looking for 7 items that I have included in the celebration! Thank you!


Etsy Link:

http://www.etsy.com


....put OFG spring celebration ,OFGSC, in your search and enjoy!
...now Easter items can be found along with the spring items...means there is more to see! Check it out today!

My Etsy Link:

http://www.willowtreetreasures.etsy.com

You will see what I have entered into the celebration in the "featured items at the top of my list"

Friday, February 13, 2009

New award given to me in " Linda Walsh interview with the Artist Blog"

Hello everyone!! I have some quick news. I have been given an award from a crafter who went to my interview with Linda Walsh and presented me with the following award: ***If you want to read my interview with Linda go to the following link: http://ilovecraftscraftblogs.blogspot.com/






I'm assuming this is making "The Lemonade Award" and thank you Liz for visiting my blog!

Now the rules are as follows....


1.Put the logo award on your page.
2.Link the person or persons as I did from your blog that gave you the award.
3.Link ten blogs that you are awarding.

Well this award came from: http://craftfrommyheart.blogspot.com/ and thank you very much for that Liz!

Now I will present the award to upto 10 crafters! The following are the people who have blogs that are well worth looking at and I congratulate them on their achievement!:



1. Daizy Donnas

http://daizydonnas.blogspot.com/


2.Heartland-Creations

http://heartland-Creations.blogspot.com


3.Hootnhollar

http://hootnhollar.blogspot.com/


4.Miss Pootsie Primitives

ttp://misspootsiesprimitives.blogspot.com/


5.Magick garden studio

http://magickgardenstudio.blogspot.com/


6.Once in a Blue Moon

http://onceinabluemoonprimitives.blogspot.com/


7.Miss Pootsie Primitives

http://misspootsiesprimitives.blogspot.com/


8.Rants by Bebe

http://rantsbybebe.blogspot.com/


9.Winterberry Creek Blog

http://www.winterberrycreek.blogspot.com/


10.Hidden Riches Secret Places

http://www.hiddenrichessecretplaces.blogspot.com/


Well congrats all and hope that this little something special will make your day the very best!!!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Meet a very talented artist that you just have to meet!

Hello everyone! I try to come on and keep you informed of wonderful artists that are in either Etsy or Ebay and have GREAT talent and provide a service like no other. I have personally done business with these people so you can take my word that these people, and shops, are all that I say they are! You won't be sorry to do business with them...I promise!LOL

My son has been asking me to make a dog doll in the likeness of his puggle dog. I have heard so many times, " Mom, if you can make me a dog that looks like Hendrix, that's his dogs name, I will gladly pay you for him." I make dogs, usually doxies and dressed in costume doxies and I have made Scottish terriers and basset hounds. I am able to construct different types of dogs. A dog that has a wrinkled face like a puggle or plain pug dog I have problems figuring that out. I thought it was hopeless.

I have been watching a the work of one gal from my APGS Ebay group and have been very interested in her ability to make wonderful dogs of all shapes and sizes. She knows what she is doing and seemed to have dogs as her passion. Well one day I was looking over the list of items that came from the APGS group and there were three of her creations. Three dog hangers were there....a brown one, a purple one and I think a black one. They were for Valentine's day and all were holding a heart. This girl put herself into her creations. If you have a dog, would like to own a dog or just love animals...in particular DOGS....Bev is the person to see!

I know the passion of dog owners for I have run into them myself. I have been asked to make particular outfits or style of doxies outfits on these dogs and have been making bassets and Scottish terriers for a woman that sells dogs for awhile now! I know how much people love to immortilize their pets as pictures, statues and yes...even dolls! I have seen so many doxies in every outfit from angels to Harley Davidson outfits. Dog owners are passionate about their pets and LOVE to show pictures of them! I just found they are endearing and love to hear their stories!

Back to Bev! Her business name is Heartland-Creations and she can put me to shame with her dog creation abilility. Knowing that my son wanted something made in his dogs likeness I decided to ask Bev to see if she could come up with something. I didn't have the slightest clue how to get started! She told me to send her a picture ,because she hadn't seen a puggle dog before, and then she would study it and get back with me with what she could do. Below is the picture of Hendrix I sent her:







Is your mouth dropping now? I bet so! Can you believe the likeness? I have him now and is like Hendrix is here every time I take him out!LOL


Brandon and Nicole were here this weekend and my mom and dad came over and I showed them this picture. They were so amazed by Bev's talents and everyone wanted one!LOL She got him to a tee in this wonderful creation and I can't thank her enough for taking this project on! I got my invoice on Friday and I got this wonderful creation by Monday! Everything Bev does is professional and done with the utmost care to her customers! I know that I will keep an eye on her work for the future..even though I'm not a dog owner myself! Her work is of the highest quality and her service is always with her customers in mind! I urge any dog lovers out there the check her work and keep your eye on her work for you will get the royal treatment and care when to seek out this artist! She is on the very top of my list and I'm sure she will be on yours too! The information to find out where her creations can be found and her personal information is presented below.
P.S. Bev thanks for signing my guest book! If you look at the pictures in my guest book is another great creation from Bev it is a black dog in a dress! She is another great creation from Bev. Now do yourself a favor and see all the works of art from Heartland-Creations!


Bev Torres
Heartland-Creations
Ebay APGS group (Put APGS In your search on the main page of Ebay)


EBAY LINK:
http://www.ebay.com/


LINK TO BEV's ITEMS IN EBAY:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/heartland-creations*

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Sweets for the sweet!


Hello everyone! Valentine's Day is next week ...are you ready? Have you got something to give that special someone for this day of romance and love? Well if you don't I have a couple quick recipes for you to try. They can be made up in seconds and depending on the container you put them in can end up being a very special gift giving present for the one you love.

The first is a recipe to make cookies and creme bonbons and they sound absolutely scruptious! The following are the ingredients and the recipe to make these wonderful sounding morsels!

COOKIES and CREME BONBONS:

Ingredients:

1 c. melted butter
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
3 pound confectioner's sugar
1/2 c cream filled chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs
1 pound white candy coating chopped

Recipe;

In a bowl beat butter and milk. Slowly add confectioner's sugar until a dough is formed. Divide dough in half and cover with plastic wrap.

Stir in cookie crumbs into one of the portions and shape into 1" balls. Melt white candy coating until smooth. Dip the balls into the melted candy and let excess drip off and place on a waxed paper lined baking sheet. Chill until firm. Eat and enjoy!




***Here is a favorite of mine! If you never had a homemade chocolate cherry here is your chance. They are just so decadent and the perfect gift for Valentine's Day! Give it a try!***


CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRIES

Ingredients;
1 c. butter
1 can condensed milk
3 pounds confectioner's sugar
54 marashchino cherries, patted dry or (about 2 10 oz jars)
1 pound chocolate candy coating chopped

Recipe;


Combine butter and condensed milk and then slowly add confectioner's sugar. Take small bits of this mixture to make 2" circles. Proceed to gently shape the ingredients into a ball form encasing the cherry center. Place on waxed paper. Melt chocolate candy coating and stir until smooth. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate allowing the excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper and chill until firm. Eat and enjoy!


Either one of these recipes will win the heart of your lover and won't he/she feel special when these lovely tidbits are served with a heart felt poem in a very romantic container or on a decorative plate! Little did your special interest know that love can come in any special small package...but all that much better when it is covered in CHOCOLATE!


Enjoy and Happy Valentine's Day!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Hello EBAY!



Welcome readers! Can you believe it is Feb. 3rd already? I'm in total disbelief! I am happy that we are just that much closer to spring weather arriving, however!

I haven't heard that much about what is going on with the "Child's Safety Law yet" I do believe they have put the voting of this potential law off for one year to investigate it further before anything is done. They will then know to whom it is addressing and the specific child geared items that would be affected! Looks like I am safe for now!

I wanted to let you know that I'm back in familiar ground once again and have just posted four items into my Ebay! I have an Easter bunny, a Folk Art Santa, a set of 3 prairie doll ornies, and a Annie Witch Clown doll all up for auction as of right now. I have sooo many items that are not able to fit in my Etsy shop and are duplicates of what is in there already I thought that may be an option for my sales. I started with items I felt comfortable in letting to for a low starting auction price , in case they were not rode up. We all know that is possible! If you find something you'd like to try for give it a try. You very well could be the winner of one of my creations. To see more you'll need to go right into Ebay so it is a suprise!LOL


You can find my items with the other members of my Ebay group A Primitive Gathering of Sister's group and can be found by putting APGS in your search to find the items I have just listed and my fellow members items as well! Please come in and take a look at what I am selling across the internet and I hope that you enjoy! There is a little there from the past few holidays so you can have a choice! See you there!


EBAY LINK
http://www.ebay.com


MY ITEMS LINK ...WILLOWTREE-TREASURES

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZwillowtree-treasures

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Amend the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act


What is happening with this Act? Let me give you some background of this pending law. When toys where received from China and the paint was found to have toxic ingredients, that could harm our children, a new law was presented to be passed by the Bush administration and that stated that all "toy" producers were to have all aspects of their products checked from a third party. The problems that we are having as crafters of "dolls" is the interpretation of toy. That would mean that someone like me would have to have every aspect of my creation checked and would end up costing the creator money .....$150 per aspect such as eyes, paint, and anything that could effect general safety of the consumer in fact! The problem is is that my creations I do not consider a "toy" for a child. My creations are for adults and adult use ONLY! Whether you are a doll collector, doll enthusiast, home decorator, or just love handmade items...Those people are the customers I'm targeting with my crafts! I have made it well known by the customer ,that is buying my items, that this is the case with my creations so they are aware of what they are buying and the limitations of my products. The rest is the responsibility of the customer to use my item as intended and to not leave the lamps for "HOURS" unattended and put it where small children can get a hold of its contents and choke or get "sick" on its contents, or to give a doll to a child that doesn't understand its purpose and licks the coffee, cinnamon mixture off its body and also gets sick! Sounds strange but it could happen and is a large concern for creators of toys for children under the age of 12! I may tell customers that my dolls are "ADULT TOYS" but this statement is considered MY INTERPRETATION of what I create and will not hold water in court! (It almost sounds like I'm not favoring safety for children. I am a certified elementary teacher and worked in our schools as a substitute for many years. I had an emphasis on early childhood, was a kindergarten teacher's aide for a year and have a child of my own that now is looking into getting married in June! I love children...I have spent a large part of my life working with young children! I wouldn't want to give my child, or any child, ANYTHING that could harm them or make them sick. I am for safety for youngsters. It's just my items are not intended for the use by children. They are for ADULTS ONLY!)Do I hear an echo in here?LOL

This pending act will be either put into law "as is" or may be amended so that we "adult" doll creators will not be effected. Primitives have NEVER made to be in the hands of children and NEVER WILL! If I HAD said my items can be safely given to children and someone got hurt I could see how it would effect me! The point is I don't claim my items can be for ANYONE but adults ....from dolls to pins and lamps. The adults even have a responsibilty though to keep their items out of their children's hands, as I have warned, and use their items with a responsibility to keep themselves safe and their loved ones safe! The law will be going through on Febuary 10th and will effect many crafts...not just dolls or "toys"! Anything that could harm a young person will be touched by this law if it isn't changed and soon! Crafts "COULD" be changed forever....and so could their forums such as Ebay and Etsy! No one will be able to do craftfairs either, "toys" that are not truly "toys" for children but "ADULT DOLLS" .....that will not harm anyone that follows responsible acts of an adult because they were not intended for children's use in the first place .... will have to close their shops and stop production of their craft by this date!


I am sincerely saddened that this has happened and hope that enough people can get in touch with their senators to stop this act to becoming law! I see that some crafters have put their shop items on "hold" until this law is amended or sent through as intended! Whatever the intentions of the designers of these handmade items the law could remain as it is and will effect those that continue their businesses will fall under this new act "as is" and may be subject to lawsuits, financial penalties, and or jail time for not having their items tested and paying these high prices to have all aspects of their creations tested as stated in the act!
It also could be amended enough to "leave out" those of us that do crafts that can be a danger to youngsters because it falls under the muddled title, like "toys" not specifying if for child use or adult use ONLY, or can be items that , if it does get in the hands of child can suffer because of the paint isn't safe because it is for adult use ONLY, small parts can come off and be swallowed and cause choking because it was home decoration ONLY, or certain aspects of a craft that is intended for adults ONLY gets in the hands of a child and can cause harm in some way!


What will I do? Well I do have until the 10th of Feb. I will keep my shop open in Etsy and will continue with my sale as long as I can. Although it is little help I'll start working on safety rules for my items and print them out to be sent with each item I sell. I'll be listening very closely to other crafters to see what is happening in congress and with the uproar of the concerned ,and highly effected crafters. I have contacted my state senator for answers and to see if I can do anything , as one voice of crafters, to amend this act and make it embrace my craft without penalties. I am saying a small prayer for all of us as creators that we can keep handmade items alive and well! Let's not have to look back on this time and say ,"That is the day homemade items died!" Let's try to keep creations alive and well! It has been a part of our history for YEARS and CENTURIES! I believe in what I do and believe in the imagination and talent of others and their crafts to sit and fight. I will do exactly that! If my shop is suddently gone by Feb. 10th you'll know what happened. I will be here to inform you what has happened and why!


Have a great day all! Enjoy today and come back for updates as they come to me!


ETSY LINK

http://www. willowtreetreasures.etsy.com

Monday, January 12, 2009

PreValentine's Day Sale with FREE SHIPPING and HANDLING !





Good morning all! Did someone say, "There is a savings somewhere today?" Well I just did and I invite all of your to check it out in my Etsy Shoppe today! Look at the top of my shop, when you first get into where my items are. This is the area where I post any sales that are going on in my shop. You can also read about it here! This is the special for today until Feb. 14th 2009!



**FREE SHIPPING AND HANDLING

until Feb.14th 2009 SALE! Please contact me and let me know what items you are interested in and I will gladly send you an invoice to make this change. Enjoy this savings and take advantage of this sale! (U.S. purchases **ONLY!) Please send me your email addy and I will be able to successfully send you an revised invoice! Thanks alot!


(Because of the cost to send items to other countries...I am sorry to say that this sale can ONLY involve U.S. sales! I apologize for that but hope you can understand!)

Come in a take a look around and see if there is something that could help you with your home decorating or gift giving. EVERYONE ENJOYS A SAVINGS and I hope you do as well! ENJOY!


ETSY SHOP:

http://www.willowtreetreasures.etsy.com

Sunday, January 11, 2009

A Dove has joined my Etsy shop for Valentine's Day!






Good morning all! How are all of you doing that have been expecting ALOT of snow? In PA I would have to say that we must have at least 4"-5" out of the 10" that was expected. Unless we get the rest today! I was watching the news and saw all the snow Ohio and other areas have gotten and can't believe all that they have!!!! If you are one in these areas that got alot of snow please be careful going out and remember your boots. Thought it was your mother speaking didn't ya? Seems like the older I get the more of my mother's sayings I hear out of my own mouth! I guess it is a normal reaction when you become a mother...and sometimes even when your not one!!LOL

I wanted to inform you of another item that I just added to my Etsy shop. I have added a Valentine's Day dove. It is a wonderful doll or shelf sitter that would be just beautiful in your home ..or the perfect gift to give someone that you love. Please take some time today and take a look. It is well worth taking a peek at! I hope you enjoy this item as much as I have had making it for you!



ETSY LINK:

http://willowtreetreasures.etsy.com

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Check to see who is in the Top 100 Blogs and vote for your favorite!







I have just added my business to Linda Walsh's Originals Top 100 Blog for Crafters. Please come in and take a look who all is here and vote for me when you go to pick blogs that are your favorite. Learn about the crafters behind the art!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Etsy Shoppes, Olde Thyme Mercantiles , Olde Barn Prims Top 100 Lists? Here is are the lists! Check them out!

I have added my name to the following TOP 100 Primitive Sites, Top 100 Craft Sites and Top 100 Etsy Shoppes! Please visit each site and see where my business ranks!












Monday, January 5, 2009

Are you in the mood for LOVE?

Hello all! How is your 2009 going? Are you remembering to write the year as 2009? This year , so far, so good for me! How are you all doing on your resolutions? If your doing fine...good for you and keep going. If you haven't started yet..there is always time to get going and start your changes. Did you give up? I'm sorry to hear that if that is your case...well maybe later this year or try again next year!

I'm winning half of my resolution and that is to keep my business producing ...but have to admit there is not much happening with the weight loss. At least I'm not gaining anything! I'll keep trying though!

I hope you aren't giving up on me! My son has left, once again, and my husband just went back to work today! I have been working on some new Valentine's Day items and have been picking and grinning , in between all the other things I have had going on lately, and I managed to get two more items up for sale in my Etsy shop. I have a shelf sitter dog angel doll and I got a doxie
angel dog doll finished as well! These are some great items to give the love of your life , especially if they have a connection to dogs! I hope you enjoy them and I will keep working on more items to celebrate this holiday of love to help fill up my shop! Please come in today and take a look!

Primitive Valentine's Day Shelf sitter Dog Doll
Primitive Valentine's Day Angel Doxie Dog Doll
I hope you enjoy your visit! Visit as much as you like and hopefully there will be something there waiting for you that you can't seem to leave there!LOL

ETSY SHOP LINK:

www.willowtreetreasures.etsy.com