My VERY first Patchwork Quilt is Done!

Good morning everyone! How are you doing today? I hope everyone if feeling fine and jumping for joy to see today off in grand fashion! I said that I wouldn't be able to slow down much this weekend and that was exactly the case! Do I know myself or not? Well I got my first patchwork quilt and pillow done and came back with pictures to show you! Honestly, I would love to know what you think! I hope to get better and more time efficient as I continue to make these and get better as it as I go but...do be aware that this is my first attempt at trying ....even a pillow,(not to mention a patchwork pillow and there were no instructions on how to make boarders or how to put on a back. (I believe my general knowledge of sewing helped me figure this out with success even though my husband protested my "right sides together" rule also stands for the back...but don't forget the slit to turn it right side OUT when all done sewing or you just wasted a whole bunch of time LOL! I ended up putting white flannel as the back to make this a snuggly cover and didn't want to sew a middle down the back of the throw and flannel has a larger measurement so that didn't need to be done.

Ok so here are is the description of this item. It measures 45"wide x about 55"long and the pillow measures 23 1/2" x23 1/2". It is made of cotton fabrics for the patchwork and boarder materials and has a while flannel back. Looks like it could stand another ironing but layed out pretty nicely and does very well laying over the back of a couch or chair, could be a sizable lap cover, and would do very well in a baby crib. Here is my newest skill that I have been working on last week and this weekend. Please let me know what you think, what could be improved, what should have been changed and just generally if you think I show the skill to pursue this! Thanks so much this will help me identify what I need to work on or what I'm doing right!















Thank you for being part of this experience with me and viewing my first attempt at trying the life of a quilter/pillow maker! It has been exciting trying this and hope to make smaller/larger items as well! I would say any type of sewing will always help you with any project you take on and can only make you better and stronger at the skill at hand! I hope to investigate other types of sewing as well and am glad that I did!Confusious Deb Says: There is a time when you have done something so long , it seems like a safe zone and you just feel comfortable with the same old thing that you know when it is time to venture out and start investigating what is around you! If you have the desire go for it! The worst that can happen is that you just find that it isn't as great as you thought it would be...or you may not end up liking it! You won't know until you try! Have a wonderful day! Now for a fortune cookie!LOL

Last Chance To Stock for Christmas .....

Good morning all! How have you been? I hope everyone is doing fine! I just wanted to take this time to remind you that my sale is continuing on Etsy and will be around for about another week! I have just reduced, my already low prices and did it one last time for anyone that would like to purchase something from my shop I do urge you to do so soon for I plan to have my shelves unstocked, and my shop dormant ,in about another week making it October 2nd! I said I needed: 1) a much needed break from the hectic life I have been living 2) a fair amount of time to regroup and learn some new skills 3) to clean out my shop and bring in a fresh inventory 4) come back refreshed and hopefully have a new plan to meet my customer's needs. I will continue my blog when I have announcements of new happenings, my progress and to just check in with my readers...so not to fear I will be in touch with you to let you know as things are happening and tell you the latest news concerning how things are going.

Well so far my relaxation has consisted of trying a quilt and have one done that will measure 30"x 40" ,which is not that large but is good for a first timer. I will come back with pictures to show you what I've been doing! I'd like to try another of the same style, but bigger, and give a quilt pillow a try. (So much for kicking up my heels and resting! Makes me wonder if I even know what doing that is all about!) Now that I see that this skill doesn't involve time travel, jumping from heights, or eating intestines I see that this dream of being able to quilt is possible and plan to get something that I will do and put aside to put into my "tweeked" Etsy shop! I have some great patterns for dolls I would love to try and may see about making wreaths. First comes some much needed R&R! I just wanted to let you know that I'm still around and not letting the skills I have grow mold and rot!

Well why was I here in the first place?LOL Ohhh that's right....Come see my shop today and enjoy my last week with Etsy! Thank you to all that have made purchases! You have all been so GREAT! I hope you are enjoying your creations and they have filled Christmas gifts, are selling as inventory in your businesses, or are just pleasing to look at in a corner of your home and make you smile every time you pass by! If you want to purchase more I have downed my prices on almost everything in my shop and you can even save more if you buy within the next week! Have a great day everyone and thanks for coming in and reading my post!


MY ETSY;

http://www.willowtreetreasures.etsy.com

Ok...What is going on with my Business?

Hello everyone! How are you today? It is getting a chill in the air here in Pa and the feel for Fall is definitely here now! I can hardly believe that Sept. is half over!

First of all I would like to thank all of my followers, from facebook to twitter and my devoted readers. My lovely/supportive artistic friends that I have gotten to know through my Ebay and Etsy groups and my wonderful customers during this time of working on "closing" my Etsy shop! I can't thank you enough! I promised that I would explain myself so people will know what is going on and what my plans are for the future.

What prompted me to work on closing my shop in the beginning was the lack of time for creation. Not being able to come out with new items has sent me into a panic and find it nothing short of frustrating that this isn't possible! It has gone on all Spring and Summer and now it is Fall and time seems to be something that I seriously am lacking right now. I thought a break could let me refresh and regroup to come up with new ideas and expand my skills. One skill that I have been wanting to learn was how to make a rag quilt and bags. I thought about this for about a year now ...but need time to work on some projects so that I can study how this is done. I would also like to look into making wall quilts, table runners, placemats and pillows. This is going to take some time to study and then practice this to be able to create things that people would be interested in. To say that I will not be creating any dolls, ornies, lamps or items that I have been known to sell on Etsy I would be fooling myself! I would just wish to get rid of my current inventory and bring in new items. These were skills that I taught myself to do about 10 or more years ago and will never lose my interest or passion to continue this line of art!


To say that I officially will be "closing" my shop in Etsy ....never to return...would be not the actual happening! I plan to take an extended break to get myself together, learn some new skills and hopefully I'll be back with more to offer customers! My banner will stay where it is, my heartings will not be touched and all the information about my shop will not move! I will leave an openning announcement when I get ready to stock my shelves again and reopen. I will also post it here and keep in touch with the people that are interested in what I will have to offer.


Please be patient with me as I take on a new journey! I will make posts here as something interesting happens or ...I've finished a new skill and made something of interest! I will also post it on facebook and twitter. For now I will be keeping up the posts on facebook of new arrivals at the Red Rose Co-op store and keep you informed what is going on there! Keep smiling all and I shall see you again!

Attention Reader's and Store Owners...

Good morning all! I have been running a mile a minute this spring and summer and yet nothing seems to get any better for time to create and spend time with my OFG Team! I am just livid that all of this time has been spent on everything and everyone else and now I've got the antique shop in the mix that just adds to my responsibilities! I can't be true to the artistic group I've joined and most of all have no time to work on new creations. I am extemely sorry to say have decided to work on closing my Etsy shop and concentrate on the antique store I have joined and am currently having a Slash the Price of Already reduced items. These prices would be GREAT for any store owner that would like to add something to their shop and is at wholesale prices or you can finally purchase those items you have had your eyes on and just have been waiting for prices to be reduced to be easier on your wallet! Well now is your chance to buy, buy ,buy!

I have already reduced the prices, DRASTICALLY! The purchaser must pay for shipping and handling which accounts for savings when buying multible items! International sales are welcome but must contact me for shipping and handling costs before purchasing! Thank you!

Look at my policies if you are interested in purchasing insurance coverage, and/or delivery confirmation. I will gladly add this to an invoice if you would like these purchased.

Tax will be included to cover all sales done for Pennsylvania residence,6%, at checkout and thank you to all that end up doing business with me! Have a great day and Enjoy your shopping experience!

Quick access to my Etsy shop:

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

Oatmeal Date Bars Recipe | Taste of Home Recipes

Oatmeal Date Bars Recipe | Taste of Home Recipes

If you don't believe animals have feelings ...think again!

This video was brought to my attention from an OFG member and thank them for proving that All animals deserve to be treated with kindness, understanding and respect!

Willlow Tree Treasures & Antiques is open for business!

I just wanted to inform my readers that our booth is now set in the Red Rose Antique Co-Op located in Mansfield, Pa 16933 and we invite all of you to checkout the facebook page I had made for the proprietor of this shop....Rodger Rose. Just put Red Rose Antique Co-op in your search for facebook. Take a look at the pictures of the front of the store and how things are set up, "Like" my page, and see how coming to this shop will be an experience you that you will remember for a very long time! The package of attractiveness in arrangements and displays, cleanliness, roominess, helpfulness and friendliness is beyond what you will see in most antique shops... making this visit far and beyond what you will experience elsewhere.

Enter facebook, on your left, and see what Red Rose Antiquing is all about!

Here are a few shots of our booth so you can see what we have to offer.











Now view the rest of the shop.....

Expanding the Business......

Good morning readers! How have all of your enjoyed your spring and summer? I hope you got those gardens, flowers and newly planted trees well on their way and have fully enjoyed them this year! As always I am complaining about how fast time flies and this year has been no different! It seems that the summer is a time for nothing but running to get everything done before the cold weather hits again and we are in a foot of snow! We have a while longer so keep enjoying the warm, sunny, beautiful weather for it never lasts all that long!

As fall is about to be upon us in no time.... I always am rethinking , and evaluating my business and looking into how to expand or make changes to my business to make it more interesting, reach out in different forums for accessibility , and make your journey with me interesting and pleasant! I'm always searching for options to allow for growth as a person and as an artist! My latest adventure has been something that I have mulled over many times and have finally am making the plunge! I will be reentering an antique store which I have done business with many years ago ...but now is under a new management. The name of the shop is "Red Rose Antique Co-op", formally known as the "Yellow Orchid", and is located in downtown Mansfield, Pennsylvania. Don't worry about what I am offering in my Etsy shop. I will continue my online sales and will be adding this extra selling forum to my list.


Having spent many years refinishing furniture, buying and selling antiques and having appreciation for anything and everything that is a product of times gone past...I have to admit that this is one job that I truly do miss! The process of making a handmade creation ended up being something that ended up coming naturally after spending so much time in co-ops where antiquing furniture is very much the same process and is the part of making primitive dolls "primitive!" My husband and I have entered into the antiquing process together and have a love for big, heavy, challenging furniture projects and have been the best of companions when collaborating on how to go about getting a great finished product when working with wood! My husband enjoys this activity as much as I do and is eager to return to the antiquing business. It certainly has proven to be a favorite past time that we have both enjoyed and could see ourselves doing as a retirement activity!


Now how does this effect my primitive business online with Etsy? Basically it won't change anything. I do plan to add my creations to my booth when I begin and have taken a few things out of my shop to get started. You will see when investigating what I had in my online shop are gone and this is where they will be destined to be in the near future. If there was something there that you wanted to purchase....just contact me and I will make another to put back in Etsy. I have made up to half a dozen of the same dolls in the past and only a few have I only made one of. These "one and onlys" are the creations that I plan to display in my "Red Rose" booth. I have also taken the tags to use with my dolls and will make more for Etsy. (Am I confusing you yet?LOL Hopefully my new tags will be bigger, better and I can offer better pictures when I re-add them to my online shop.) Now it is just time to get more shopping done to fill our booth and I will be adding pictures of the shop. You may want to make a trip to Mansfield should its contents, from all of its dealers, interest you.)


The "Red Rose Antique Co-op" can be located on facebook, by putting its name in your search, and has contact information and location to visit and any other information you may find helpful! I will be beginning my new journey August 1st and will be taking on a new name when I get there..." Willowtreetreasures and Antiques"...online it will be staying the same. Time to get new business cards! LOL Once we are settled I will be adding information, giving updates, and sharing pictures. For readers that not only love primitive to vintage art creations...but antiques as well this may interest you! I hope you will enjoy this journey with me! Take care and until next post....have a wonderful day!

NEW SALE AND NEW PRICES!

NEW SALE FOR DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES!

From today, (June 26th) until August 8th ,(extended due to my short vacation absence) , I will be having a " NEW " SUPER SALE!


A 25% Savings has already been given on ALL of the items in my shop! (All currents prices reflect the 25% discount. ) Come in today and enjoy the savings! This includes all sales done in the U.S. and International sales are welcome! EVERYONE can benefit from this great sale! Lowest prices EVER are now available!

Tins and Treasures is having a Blog Give a Way!

Natalie, from Tins and Treasures, is celebrating a number of birthdays including her own, her grandmothers and her blogs 2 year birthday. To honor this special day she is offering a give a way on her blog of homemade birthday goodies for the winner. The winner will be announced June 22nd so checkout her blog and leave a comment/post this on your site and you could be the lucky recipient of this talented artists give a way! Good luck to all!

http://tinsandtreasures.blogspot.com/

Come to my Etsy shop and Enjoy the 4th of July Bash SALE!

____UPDATED NEWS FLASH!!! Please Read! IMPORTANT UPDATES!_____



4TH OF JULY SALES BASH!

From today, (June 15th), ending JULY 4th I will be having a SUPER SALE!

Buy $30 worth of items and get shipping and handling 1/2 price!

Buy $50 worth of items and get shipping and handling FREE!

(This sale involves only purchases made in the U.S. and involves the core price of your purchases...not shipping and handling already set. Just convo. me of your items of interest and I will gladly make the changes and send you a new invoice to carryout your purchasing to accomplish this sale!)


Have fun looking and let's see the 4th off in style!


http://www.willowtreetreasures.etsy.com

Crows Roost Prims is having a Major Giveaway!

Renee is having a wonderful giveaway of your choice of one of her many epatterns for FREE! Yes I did say FREE! (I love that word!) Go to her site and join in the fun.... There will be three winners... of three patterns...or one a piece in this giveaway and you could win more than one pattern with doing all three steps of her rules to earn points towards your chance to win. Just visit her today and follow the rules and you could be the next lucky winner! Winners will be announced June 29th so hurry!

http://crowsroostprims.blogspot.com/





Her Americana epatterns are also selling for $4 for all four epatterns,(not including paper patterns),...what a deal! Buy her four Americana patterns posted on her blog and get them for $4 total! That is a $17 value. The fourth of July is around the corner so stock up today and create some of the best work on the web!

Failure is not an option! keychain from Zazzle.com

Failure is not an option! keychain from Zazzle.com

OFG is having a Summer Celebration in Etsy!

I apologize...sometimes I can be such a bonehead! Excuse my wordage please! I need to let my readers know that the ofg team is having a summer celebration in Etsy and please come check it out! There is a lot to be seen and lots of Americana items that would make great additions to your home. Giving any of these items as gifts is a GREAT idea too! Come in today and see all the talent that is coming from the OFG members! Simply put SCOFG in your search and look at all the work this group has done for this grand celebration!

Primitive Shabby is the Description of these Spring/Summer Beauties!

Hello everyone! How are all of you? Are you gardening yet? Just about set for summer to arrive? Do you have your porches, fences, outdoor sheds painted? Your flowers ready to go and all ready do your first couple rounds on the mower getting the lawn in shape? How about putting the bark down, adding stone to your driveway, or cleaning the built up mold off your patio? Don't worry I won't pin you on all of these questions. There is still time! We have done a little of everything here and still have much more to go. Our gazebo is up and has all ready had the "breaking in rip". The wind has been horrible and one of the corners broke open . It called for a quick sew and back on the top of the gazebo it went. Hopefully the 50mph ,or more, winds won't be back for awhile! This is an every year job and did a fix up job on our last gazebo and its top was made of canvas! Now when does canvas give into nature and all it has to throw at it? If this is common I guess I've been missing something major about the quality of what you can get today and how much things REALLY cost!

I am here today to tell you of two new additions to my Etsy shop. I have made these little gals because my daughter-in-law's sister is having a baby and she asked if I could make her a doll for her room. Well we all know what I do can't be in a child's hands because of its construction and made sure that Nicole knew this. She was still interested that I try. So I do what I normally do. I make three. Not all turnout exactly the same and there will be at least one that I like better than the other two so I went ahead and made my three.

Actually they all turned out pretty cute and each looks just a little different from the rest. My favorite feature is their wild, windblown, hair. Shake her head and almost any look is possible. Comb it down and she'll look very tame and tailored. I love to give them plenty of layers to get these different looks. I gave them different colored store bought bear, after giving them a touch of life, and snappity-do-day day...never thought you'd hear those words huh?LOL I finished the dolls today. I sent Nicole the picture of the one that I have set aside for her sister and had two left and they have become my latest additions to my Etsy shop. Here are the Shabby girls now:







When you love every style of doll there is, yet my very favorite is primitive, mixing the styles is easy and love the look of them because it is like getting two creations all wrapped up in one! I hope you enjoy them as much as I have making them for Nicole's sister and for you! Go and take a gander and see what you think!

The 4th of July has just Opened in My Etsy Shop!

Good morning everyone! I how are you all doing? Hasn't it been just beautiful out lately? It is due to be another very warm/beautiful day here again today but we are expecting cooler weather, 50's, this weekend. If this the case for you too don't fear..the warm weather will return. It is still early yet and there is plenty more "nice" weather to enjoy! Be sure to go out and enjoy what we will be getting, wait until the cool spell passes, and sure enough this great weather will be here to stay! Yippee!

Well I promised I would be back and bring some new items with me...red, white and blue was going to be the theme and sure enough I have just filled my shop again. This time it is with Americana goodies. Uncle Sams with Pinwheels , Patriotic Annies and Frogs, Sun Flower Americana Black Gals, and Annies that are dressed for the upcoming 4th of July Celebration are just some of what I have moved in.





























I also listed another Ugly Dream Angel and Cat and Mouse Set that sold a week ago incase you were interested in buying one of these yourself! I ended up just adding to my list of Items in my Etsy shop and hope to get a few more things made for this very special celebration so be watching!







This is where you will see the items first after they have been listed so come back soon and I'll see whatelse I can crank out! Have a great one and hope to see you again soon!

Additions and Changes made in my Etsy and FuzzB Shops!

Hello all! I have been so busy the past will getting my slide show on Fuzzb, getting new pictures posted and getting new items listed. I have added my Etsy shop mini widget to my fuzzB social page...along with my networking signup to follow my blog. This shop in general has truly been through an overhaul and more. Now I can begin new items to add to this shop and my Etsy shop as well.The new items I've added here are many and you must go in to see them all! This shop is certainly now growing and plan to continue to add more items as I continue to create so be watching!

In Etsy I have added two new items: an Annie and Andy "Luck of the Irish" doll set. Yup I realize Saint Patricks Day has come and gone...but this set would actually look cute year round out where your visitors can view them. Best of all this set is a set that I created myself ...so there is no set like it anywhere! It is TOTALLY original!

I have also added a set of primitive cats with the eyelids and beautiful hypnotic eyes. Everyone seems to love this set no matter what fabric is used or what style the cats are made in they are always a hit!

I hope you have enjoyed hearing what I've been up to, the changes you will see in both shops, and hear some of the new items that you can expect to see. Along the left side you will see where I can be located...FuzzB and Etsy are listed there. Just click on these and have fun! I hope you enjoy what I have been doing lately and hope to start my first new project next week so be watching! Have a great day!

My new Slide Show of Past and Present Creations!

Happy Easter Everyone!

Good morning all! I'm in kind of a rush today but just wanted to send out a message that.... "I hope all of you have a glorious Easter surrounded by happiness and love from your relatives and closest of friends!" Please be careful as you travel to your chosen destinations for this wonderful celebration and please pass this message on to your visitors if they are traveling to see you. I will see you soon after the holiday and plan to stay put. Therefore I will be here if anyone sees something you just have to have from my Etsy shop or FuzzB shop. Feel free to make those purchases and I will be right here to complete any transactions. The next theme that I will be working on with be 4th of July items so keep watch... there will be plenty of red, white and blue to hit my shop(s) soon! Take care and stay safe!

New Items have been listed in My Etsy shop! Come see for Any Special Occasion!

Hello readers I am here to update you on items that I have added to my Etsy shop. I have made a series of bag/sack lamps and have just listed them! Each is very different in look and feel! These would be great gifts for Mother's Day, Easter or any upcoming spring/summer happening! Come see them and see if they be what your looking for to finish off your spring/summer decorating...or as a handy gift for that someone special!